Ferndale Scenic Circle 4x4 Route
South Africa, africa
18.7 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving an off-road experience in South Africa's Eastern Cape, the Ferndale Scenic Circle is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a gnarly 18.7km loop that'll put both you and your vehicle to the test.
We're talking serious ground clearance required here, folks. You'll be traversing the Henderson Heights range, hitting some seriously high peaks. Think breathtaking views, but also, think extreme conditions. The weather can be intense, with scorching summers and winters that can bring snow!
This isn't for the faint of heart – or low-riding vehicles. You'll definitely need low range and preferably a high-clearance 4x4 (though a 4x2 with a diff lock could also work). Be prepared for a bumpy, grinding ride! But if you're up for a challenge and crave raw, untouched scenery, this route is an absolute must. Just remember to pack accordingly and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Where is it?
Ferndale Scenic Circle 4x4 Route is located in South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -31.7794, 21.4502
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 18.7 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -31.7794, 21.4502
Related Roads in africa
moderateCrossing the scary Linyanti River bridge
🇳🇦 Namibia
Okay, picture this: You're in Namibia, way up in the Zambezi Region, smack-dab in the middle of Mamili National Park. You're about to cross the Linyanti River, but not on some boring, modern bridge. Nope, you're facing the Sangwali Bridge - a 40m stretch of iron planks suspended over a muddy, watery abyss. Honestly, it's less "bridge" and more "a dare to your suspension and nerves." This isn't for the faint of heart! But if you're up for an adventure, and have nerves of steel, the views are unforgettable. Just remember this baby ain't for sissies; it's a wild ride with unbelievable scenery. Just hold on tight!
moderateDriving the 4x4 road to Tizi n’Tadermant is not a piece of cake
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Tizi n’Tadermant in Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet region! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a high-altitude pass, scraping the sky at 2,799m (that's 9,183ft!) and claiming its spot as one of Morocco's loftiest routes. You'll find this beast nestled in the Atlas Mountains, west of its even taller cousin, Tizi n’Termant, and north of Tinghir. Now, be warned: the road? Let’s just say "unpaved" is putting it mildly. We're talking serious 4x4 territory. But trust me, the 51.17km (31.8 miles) from Bou Azmou to Zerchane is worth the bumpy ride. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking!
extremeAn Unforgettable Drive to Tizi n’Bou Oudi
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, fellow adventurers, buckle up for Tizi n’Bou Oudi, a seriously high mountain pass soaring to 9,166 feet in Morocco’s Drâa-Tafilalet Region. Seriously, it's up there with the highest roads in the whole country! You’ll find this gem nestled in Tinghir Province, right in the heart of Morocco. The R704, the iconic road snaking through the pass, stretches for 48 glorious miles from Boumalne Dadès up to Agoudal. And the adventure kicks off with a bang, winding through the legendary Gorges du Dadès. Now, listen up: the road starts paved as you leave Boumalne Dadès. But, trust me, you're gonna want a 4x4 for what comes next. This turns into a seriously rugged dirt road, a rollercoaster of hairpin turns, slick patches, and unforgiving gravel that demands your full attention. This route isn't for the faint of heart, with nerve-wracking drop-offs and zero guardrails. Perched high in the Atlas Mountains, Tizi n’Bou Oudi is usually open year-round. Winter can throw a wrench in the plans though, with occasional closures due to gnarly weather.
hardCan you drive to Mafika Lisiu Pass?
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Lesotho, high up in the Maloti Range, on the A25 – a completely paved road built back in the 90s. You're tackling the Mafika Lisiu Pass, one of the highest roads in the whole country, topping out at over 10,173 feet! This isn't just a Sunday drive though. This 109-mile stretch, connecting Thaba-Tseka to Hlotse, will keep you on your toes with its steep climbs and descents, plus hairpin bends that’ll test your driving skills. Factor in 4-5 hours to soak it all in. Oh, and keep an eye out for waterfalls cascading down the mountains! A word to the wise: this pass isn't for the faint of heart. You'll spot signs warning of sharp descents, snow/ice, and falling rocks. Seriously! Mother Nature keeps things interesting here, especially when it rains, sending rocks tumbling onto the road. But hold up, because the views are absolutely killer. Think unique alpine flora, insane photo opportunities, and the Bokong Nature Reserve (the highest in Africa you can reach by car!) near the summit. Check the weather forecast before you go because you do NOT want to be up here in a storm. Trust me, despite the potential hazards, the scenery is worth every white-knuckle moment. The winter snow here? Totally unmatched in Southern Africa.