Driving the International Coastal Road with panoramic views of the Mediterranean

Driving the International Coastal Road with panoramic views of the Mediterranean

Egypt, africa

Length

758 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Hey there, fellow road trippers! Let's talk about the International Coastal Road in Egypt, also known as Route 40M. Picture this: you, the open road, and the sparkling Mediterranean stretching out beside you. This paved beauty clocks in at around 758 km (470 miles), running from Port Said, where the Suez Canal meets the sea, all the way west to Sallum, right on the Libyan border.

Now, this isn't a quick jaunt. Set aside about 10-11 hours to soak it all in. Keep in mind, things can get a little busy during the summer months and around holidays. But trust me, the panoramic views of the Mediterranean are totally worth it. Get ready for an unforgettable coastal adventure!

Where is it?

Driving the International Coastal Road with panoramic views of the Mediterranean is located in Egypt (africa). Coordinates: 25.9023, 29.7368

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Egypt
Continent
africa
Length
758 km
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
25.9023, 29.7368

Related Roads in africa

Where is Ikhupe Pass?moderate

Where is Ikhupe Pass?

🇿🇦 South Africa

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Ikhupe Pass! You'll find this gem in the KwaZulu-Natal province, nestled in the eastern part of the country. This isn't some rough and tumble track – it's a beautifully paved road, and in great shape, too. Think well-engineered curves and a safe, smooth ride. Get ready to climb because you'll be hitting a lofty 1,469 meters (4,820 ft) above sea level. It's a lengthy trip at 100 km (62 miles), running north to south, starting around uMnambithi (Ladysmith). Expect plenty of twists and turns, some steep sections with a max gradient of about 1:13. So get ready for some epic views and a truly memorable drive!

Garden Routeeasy

Garden Route

🇿🇦 South Africa

# The Garden Route: South Africa's Best-Kept Coastal Treasure Picture this: 300 kilometers of pure coastal bliss stretching along South Africa's southern coast from Mossel Bay to Storms River. The Garden Route isn't just a drive—it's basically nature's love letter to road trippers, and honestly, it lives up to the hype. The whole vibe here is lush and dramatic. Ancient forests press right up against the Indian Ocean, golden beaches seem to go on forever, and those towering sea cliffs? Absolutely breathtaking. The name says it all—this place is bursting with vegetation, dotted with lagoons, lakes, and rivers that'll have you pulling over constantly to grab photos. You've gotta experience Knysna, where an iconic lagoon sits framed by those stunning Knysna Heads sandstone cliffs. Then there's Tsitsikamma National Park—seriously, the old-growth Afromontane forests alone are worth the detour, and that famous Storms River Mouth suspension bridge is the kind of moment you'll be talking about for years. Plettenberg Bay is postcard-perfect with pristine beaches and excellent whale watching (June to November is prime time). And the Wilderness section? A string of coastal lakes that looks almost too good to be real. The climate here is temperate and maritime, which means you get this wild mix of fynbos ecosystems alongside towering yellowwood and stinkwood forests. If you time it right during whale season, you might catch southern right whales putting on a show right from the shore. This is the kind of drive where every turn surprises you—easily Africa's most scenic coastal route.

Courage Is Required to Drive to the Summit of Matroosberg Peakmoderate

Courage Is Required to Drive to the Summit of Matroosberg Peak

🇿🇦 South Africa

Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled in South Africa's Western Cape, hidden within the Matroosberg Mountain Catchment Area, lies Matroosberg peak, soaring to a cool 2,249 meters (that's 7,378 feet!). The road to the top? Forget smooth asphalt; it's all about the Matroosberg 4x4 Trail – a rugged, unpaved beauty with rocky, stony, sandy, and gravelly bits to keep you on your toes. The beginning is a nice warm-up, but trust me, things get real with seriously rocky and steep climbs ahead. This isn't your average Sunday drive! Starting on the Bo-Swaarmoed Road, you've got about 14.9 kilometers (or 9.25 miles) to conquer to reach the summit. That translates to a hefty 1,079-meter climb, with an average gradient of 7.24%. The scenery is absolutely stunning, especially when the route becomes a snow-covered wonderland. The southern slopes hold onto that white stuff for ages, making it an unforgettable 4x4 experience. If you're chasing guaranteed snow, winter is your season. Otherwise, a post-rain visit means mud-slinging fun! Just remember, there's a cut-off time when it's snowy so you don't get stuck in the dark.

Why is it called Baster Voetslaan Pass?hard

Why is it called Baster Voetslaan Pass?

🇿🇦 South Africa

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Eastern Cape of South Africa, you NEED to check out the Baster Voetslaan Pass. This isn't your Sunday drive; this is a full-on, adrenaline-pumping, 35.3 km (21.93 miles) of unpaved glory, climbing to a lofty 2,240 m (7,349 ft). Legend says it's named after freed slaves who braved it to start a new life, so you know it's got history! Forget your average car; you absolutely need a 4x4 with low range and high clearance to tackle this beast. Seriously, don't even think about it in anything less. Expect some seriously steep and slippery sections with gradients hitting 1:4! But trust me, the views are worth it! We're talking spectacular mountainous terrain and vertigo-inducing drop-offs that will leave you breathless. Keep an eye on the weather though; this area, near the Eastern Cape Highlands, can get hammered by heavy snow in winter. We're talking electrical storms, violent winds, heavy rain, hail, the whole shebang! So, plan accordingly, and get ready for a true adventurer's pass!