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
extremeWhere’s Sani Pass?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Sani Pass! This legendary route, clocking in at 76.5 km, straddles the border between South Africa (Kwa Zulu-Natal province) and Lesotho (Thaba-Tseka District), climbing to a whopping 2,876m (9,400ft) above sea level. Locals call it the "Roof of Africa," and trust me, it lives up to the name! Starting near Himeville in South Africa's Drakensberg foothills, you'll wind your way up to Molumong in Lesotho, tackling some seriously hair-raising hairpin turns. The road has been partly upgraded, with the lower sections now tarred, but a good chunk remains unpaved, adding to the thrill. Budget about 2.5 to 3.5 hours for the drive—you'll want to soak in the incredible views! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. Sani Pass is notorious for its challenging conditions, demanding a proper 4x4 vehicle. Expect steep gradients, mud, ice, and even snow, potentially any time of year. Give way to ascending cars and pack mules, and be prepared to navigate water crossings and those crazy 130-180 degree switchbacks. The scenery, however, is worth every white-knuckle moment. In summer, waterfalls cascade down, and the slopes burst with wildflowers. Just remember to be cautious—this pass has earned its reputation for a reason. It's often closed due to weather, especially during the winter months (May to July). And what awaits you at the summit? The highest pub in Africa, of course! Don't forget your passport, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Just remember, it's strictly 4x4 territory, so choose your ride wisely. Sani Pass is truly the mother of all South African mountain passes, and a gateway to the stunning scenery of both the Drakensberg and Lesotho.
extremeA demanding unpaved road to Tizi n'Oulaoun
🇲🇦 Morocco
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Tizi-n-Oulaoun, a seriously epic mountain pass nestled way up in central Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet region! We're talking a lung-busting 2,789m (9,150ft) above sea level, making it one of Morocco's highest roads. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget smooth tarmac – it's all unpaved, seriously narrow, and mind-blowingly steep. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drops? We're talking hundreds of meters down, with nothing but air between you and the bottom. Hairpin turns for days, a relentless climb, and definitely a test of your driving skills (and maybe your sanity!). 4x4 is a must! Not for the faint of heart – if you're scared of heights or landslides, maybe skip this one. The road winds its way to Amezri village, your starting point for conquering Irhil M'Goun from the south. Pro tip: check the weather before you go. This road can get hammered by avalanches, heavy snow, landslides, and crazy high winds. But the views? Absolutely worth it.
hardHow to drive to Masjiennek Pass in Mpumalanga?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, road trip lovers, let me tell you about the Masjiennek Pass in Mpumalanga, South Africa! This baby climbs up to 2,090 meters (that's nearly 7,000 feet!). It's one of the highest paved passes around, and the views of the Drakensberg escarpment? Seriously stunning. You'll find it chilling just west of the Long Tom Pass, winding through the Makobulaan Nature Reserve. Think unique high-altitude plants and rugged, rocky terrain. The road itself (the R37) is smooth as butter thanks to some top-notch engineering. But don't get complacent! This 55-kilometer (34-mile) stretch from Sabie (right on the Sabie River) to Lydenburg (aka Mashishing) is packed with more twists and turns than you can shake a stick at. Be ready for some serious inclines too, with gradients hitting 10% in places. And keep an eye on the weather – winter snow can make things a bit dicey.
moderateCol de Timicha is a classic road trip in the High Atlas
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet region, heading for the epic Tizi n' Timicha pass. Locals call it Col de Timicha or Tizi Timicha, and trust me, it's a ride. This fully paved road (they call it P7319) winds up, up, UP to 2,397 meters (that's 7,864 feet!). Stretching for about 20.3 kilometers (or 12.61 miles) between Anfgou and Anemzi, via Tamaloute, this road is no joke – it's seriously steep! You're right in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, so the views are absolutely insane. The road's generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter. Snow's not super common, but it can happen, and flash floods are a risk in the valleys, especially during spring snowmelt. Get ready for an adventure!