Border Road 10: Driving the restricted desert route between Israel and Egypt
Egypt, africa
190 km
988 m
moderate
Year-round
Border Road 10 is a super-exclusive route hugging the Israeli-Egyptian border! This 190 km (118-mile) stretch of asphalt is usually off-limits, winding through a seriously militarized desert landscape. Imagine cruising right next to the border fence itself!
This road is basically a high-speed patrol route for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) – vital for keeping an eye on the Sinai border. If you somehow manage to get access, you're in for a raw, unfiltered desert experience. Forget gas stations, cell service, or even water – you're on your own out there!
Running north-south, from near the Gaza Strip down to the Red Sea near Eilat, this drive gives you a crazy up-close view of the border infrastructure. You'll be right beside the high-tech fence, and you can even spot Egyptian border posts across the line – talk about an intense vibe!
Getting permission to drive Border Road 10 is a major challenge. Most of the time, it's closed to civilians. But occasionally, the IDF opens sections to the public during Jewish holidays like Sukkot or Passover. These openings are super short, usually only about 10 days a year, and only during daylight. Even then, you HAVE to check with the military, as things can change in a heartbeat depending on what's happening in the Sinai.
The road itself is paved, but the condition varies wildly. Some parts are perfectly maintained, while others are beat up by the heat and covered in sand. The highest point is in the Negev Highlands, reaching 988 m (3,241 ft) and offering insane views of the Sinai Desert and Eilat Mountains. You MUST be self-sufficient. Bring tons of extra fuel, food, and water.
Beyond the scenery, this road is a key part of regional security. It lets the IDF respond super fast to any border breaches. The high-altitude lookouts give a strategic view over the vast Egyptian desert, making it one of the most closely watched roads on the planet.
Where is it?
Border Road 10: Driving the restricted desert route between Israel and Egypt is located in Egypt (africa). Coordinates: 25.9238, 29.9715
Road Details
- Country
- Egypt
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 190 km
- Max Elevation
- 988 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 25.9238, 29.9715
Related Roads in africa
extremeHere's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Divorce Pass
🇳🇦 Namibia
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Divorce Pass in Namibia's Kunene region! Forget smooth asphalt, this is a 75km (46-mile) off-road rumble known as the D2303 or Doros Crater Trail. Starting near Rhino Camp by the Ugab River and winding its way to Twyfelfontein (right before Doros Crater), this pass hits a peak of 401m (1,315ft). Positioned south of the mind-blowing Brandberg Labyrinth, this ain't your average Sunday drive. Think super corrugated dirt, steep climbs and descents, and enough rocks to keep you on your toes. Seriously, you NEED a high-clearance 4x4 and some serious driving skills. Slow and steady wins the race here. Let some air out of those tires and take your time. Trust me, you'll need it. This area is REMOTE, so fill up the tank and pack supplies – there are no services out here! Oh, and pro tip: skip this adventure during the rainy season (November to April) unless you want a mud-wrestling match with your vehicle.
moderateDriving the paved N2 National Road in the Western Cape through Sir Lowry's Pass
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Sir Lowry's Pass in South Africa's Western Cape is calling your name. Picture this: you're cruising south of Cape Town, weaving between Somerset West and the lush Elgin Valley, and suddenly you're climbing to 460 meters (1,509 feet) above sea level. This beauty's got history! Originally used by the Khoi people, then later by settlers with ox-wagons (who probably weren't having a great time, let's be honest!). Thankfully, in the 1830s, they paved it, and since then, it's had a few upgrades (widening projects, railway lines, the works!). Today, you'll find it fully paved as part of the N2, which is a whopper of a road at 2,255 kilometres (1,401 mi) long! The road itself? Four lanes wide with some seriously steep sections in the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Heads up: it gets busy, especially around holidays, so drive carefully! But trust me, the views are worth it. At the summit, there's a viewpoint with views that'll blow your mind, and you might even spot some paragliders taking off! If you're feeling active, hike the old ox-wagon trail – it's a pretty easy 3.6km round trip.
extremeA demanding unpaved road to Tizi n'Oulaoun
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Tizi-n-Oulaoun is a Moroccan mountain pass that will leave you breathless – literally and figuratively! Perched way up high in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, we're talking a dizzying 2,789 meters (9,150 feet)! This baby ranks among Morocco's highest roads, so you know it's gonna be epic. Forget smooth tarmac – this is a proper unpaved adventure! The road, also called Tizi-n-Ouloun, is seriously narrow and unforgivingly steep. Picture this: hairpin after hairpin, clinging to the mountainside with stomach-churning drops just inches away (no guardrails here, folks!). The climb is relentless, but hey, that's what makes it fun, right? 4x4 is a must. This route isn't for the faint of heart. If you're scared of heights or landslides, maybe skip this one. The road eventually leads you to Amezri village, your basecamp for conquering Irhil M'Goun from the south. Pro tip: Check the weather before you go. Avalanches, snow, and landslides are real possibilities, and the wind can get pretty wild up there. Get ready for views that’ll blow your mind as you make your way to Lac d’Isli.
extremeHow long is Moteng Pass?
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Lesotho's Butha-Buthe District, high up in the Drakensberg-Maluti Mountains, on the A1. You're tackling Moteng Pass, which hits a dizzying 9,252 feet above sea level! This isn't just any drive; it's a 48.4-mile ribbon of paved road stretching from Qalo to Letseng-la-Terae. Now, the road's mostly good, but keep your eyes peeled! The closer you get to Mokhotlong, the more potholes you'll find. And hold on tight because this road isn't shy about steep climbs, hitting a maximum gradient of 17%, and some seriously tight hairpin bends are thrown in for good measure! You'll be sharing the road with some serious traffic, including massive trucks, so stay focused. Speaking of focus, winter here is no joke. Heavy snow can shut this pass down completely. Even if it's not actively snowing, ice can make the road treacherous, so be extra careful. Don't be fooled into thinking summer will be sweltering either; even then, expect a cool climate. But honestly, it's all worth it. The views from the top are absolutely incredible! Think frozen rivers, breathtaking vistas, and scenery that just won't quit. This road is your ticket to a high-altitude adventure. Plan for around 1.5 to 2 hours to drive the whole thing without stopping.