D1986 is a Road Through a Salt Field on the Coast of Namibia
Namibia, africa
21.6 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the D1986 in Namibia, right on the edge of the Atlantic in Walvis Bay. This isn't your average road trip; it's a visual feast! This freshly paved 21.6km (13.42 miles) stretch takes you east to west from the city all the way to Paaltjies Parking Area, and it's all about the salt.
We're talking seriously cool salt lakes. You're driving right through one of Africa's biggest solar evaporation facilities, a massive 3,500-hectare area where they pull in a crazy 24 million tons of seawater every year. The result? Over 700,000 tons of top-notch salt. It's not just a road; it's a working landscape, a photographer's dream, and a totally unique travel experience.
Where is it?
D1986 is a Road Through a Salt Field on the Coast of Namibia is located in Namibia (africa). Coordinates: -22.4290, 17.8871
Road Details
- Country
- Namibia
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 21.6 km
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -22.4290, 17.8871
Related Roads in africa
hardWhen was the Route B30 built?
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Okay, picture this: northern Ethiopia. Towering mountains, landscapes that’ll steal your breath, and a road steeped in history – that's Route B30 for you. This beauty winds roughly south-north from Gondar in the Amhara Region all the way to Adwa in the Tigray Region, passing through cool towns like Debark and Adi Arkay. Built mostly by the Italians back in the day (think 1936-1941), this road was a major deal for military and trade. Fast forward to today, and it's still a crucial connection. Heads up, though: some parts are unpaved and can be a little rough. They've paved other sections more recently, so that helps! Word to the wise: watch out for those super steep hills and hairpin turns. And weather? Yeah, it can throw a curveball, especially when it rains. You're cruising at serious altitude here, between 1,800 and 3,000 meters – hitting a peak of 2,905m! The air's thin, so your engine might feel it. Spanning kilometers from Gondar to Adwa, this route doesn’t just connect places – it connects you to incredible experiences. Think dramatic cliffs, insane valleys, and the Simien Mountains putting on a show. You're basically driving through part of the Simien Mountains National Park, so keep your eyes peeled for gelada baboons, ibex, and birds you won't see anywhere else. Plus, the historical towns along the way are packed with traditional Ethiopian vibes. Best time to hit this road? Dry season (October to March), hands down. But seriously, road conditions are always changing, so be ready for anything, especially if it's been raining. Oh, and a 4x4? Definitely your best friend on this adventure.
extremeWhere is Bushman's Pass?
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for Bushman's Pass, aka Lekhalong-la-Baroa, nestled high in Lesotho's Maseru district. This beauty sits west of the epic, reaching a cool 2,266m (7,434ft) above sea level. What's the road like? Paved and oh-so-curvy! You'll be snaking along the A3, tackling a steep climb with some sections hitting a 1:5 gradient. Get ready for a wild ride with 65 bends, corners, and curves to keep you on your toes! This epic pass stretches for 46km (28.58 miles), linking Nazareth to Likalaneng in a west-to-east adventure. Word of caution: this is the central highlands, so weather can be a beast. Keep an eye on the forecast, especially in winter. Snow and ice are regular visitors at the summit and can make the road super dicey. Be smart, be safe, and get ready for incredible views!
extremeTravel guide to the top of Prince Alfred Pass in SA
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Prince Alfred's Pass in South Africa! Tucked away in the Western Cape's Langkloof Mountains, this isn't just a road, it's a proper experience. Built way back in the 1860s by the legendary road builder Thomas Bain (and 250 convicts!), this 68 km (42-mile) stretch of the R339 winds its way from Knysna to Uniondale, up and over the mountains. Think dense forest, gorges, and those kinds of forgotten valleys you only stumble upon by accident. Oh, and expect it to take a good two hours, minimum. Now, a word of warning: this isn't a highway. We're talking gravel, potholes, and enough hairpin bends to make your head spin. In places, it shrinks to a single lane – cue the white knuckles! You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle, ideally a 4x4. And seriously, skip this one after heavy rains. Leave the trailer at home, too. Pro tip: fill up on gas and grab some cash in Uniondale, because you won't find any services or even cell service once you're on the pass. But here's the thing: it's unbelievably beautiful. Imagine insane views, lush forests, and a feeling of pure, unadulterated escape. Just take it slow (max 40km/h, but 25km/h is more like it), watch out for oncoming traffic (descending vehicles yield), and give a little *hoot* on those blind corners. And leave the caravan and quad bikes at home, seriously. Trust me, the scenery is worth every bump and bend!
moderateTravel guide to Oukaïmeden Observatory
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Marrakesh-Tensift-El Haouz region of Morocco, practically in the shadow of Jebel Toubkal, lies the Oukaïmeden Observatory road. We're talking seriously high altitude here – 2,764 meters (that's 9,068 feet!). This makes it one of the highest roads you'll find in Morocco. Tucked away in the High Atlas Mountains, the paved road to the top is a real rollercoaster – super steep and packed with hairpin turns. It's generally open year-round, but be warned: winter weather can shut it down temporarily. The summit is home to an astronomical observatory, a radar dome, and some comms gear. And the views? Forget about it! Looking north towards Marrakech is simply stunning. Starting from the Oukaïmeden ski resort, the climb is only 2.2 kilometers, but don't let that fool you. You'll gain 140 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 6.36% and ramps hitting a punishing 15% in places. Get ready for a serious workout for both you and your car!