
How long is Moteng Pass?
Lesotho, africa
77.9 km
2,820 m
extreme
Year-round
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.
Where is it?
How long is Moteng Pass? is located in Lesotho (africa). Coordinates: -28.7430, 28.6009
Road Details
- Country
- Lesotho
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 77.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,820 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -28.7430, 28.6009
Related Roads in africa
hardTizi n’Timioukht
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Tizi n’Timioukht, a seriously awesome mountain pass in Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet region. We're talking a lofty 2,377 meters (that's nearly 7,800 feet!) above sea level. The P7319 road is paved, but don't let that fool you. Get ready for a wild ride with tons of twists, turns, and sections that get pretty narrow. Even seasoned drivers will be kept on their toes! Seriously, this road is all about constant motion – up, down, left, right, repeat! I wouldn't recommend tackling it at night or in bad weather if you're not familiar with it. And a little word of warning: if your passengers get carsick easily, maybe think twice about this one! It's also pretty steep, so maybe go easy on breakfast before you go! As you climb, get ready to be wowed by some stunning scenery. This pass is a true feast for the eyes!
extremeHow long is Tizi n'Test?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, buckle up, because the Tizi n'Test pass in Morocco is a RIDE. You'll find this insane stretch of road straddling the Marrakesh-Safi and Souss-Massa-Drâa regions. This beauty clocks in at about 48 km, running from Tafingoult up to Mouldikht. Built way back in the day (think 1920s-1930s) by the French, this road, known as Tizi n’Test Road (R203), was a game-changer, linking Marrakech with the Souss plains and the Sahara. The drive itself? About 75-90 minutes, give or take, depending on how many times you stop at those little cafes along the way. Now, let's talk real talk: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. If you get queasy looking down, maybe sit this one out. The road's narrow, like one-car-only narrow in spots, and those 500m cliffs are VERY real, with no guardrails. Plus, you're sharing the road with speedy taxis, buses, and lorries, not to mention locals selling their wares right on the corners. The 1,600m descent to Taroudannt? Intense. BUT, if you're an experienced driver and up for the challenge, the views are unreal. Think sweeping mountain vistas that will take your breath away. At the summit, snag a seat at the little restaurant for panoramic views of the Souss Valley and the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Maybe grab an egg tagine – fuel for the journey, right? Word to the wise: skip this one if it's raining (landslides are a thing), or if there's snow. And heads up, it can get seriously cloudy up there. Despite the hairpin turns and the occasional dodgy moment, it's a memory you won't forget.
moderateA wild road trip to Lalibela in Ethiopia
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Okay, picture this: you're heading to Lalibela, a mind-blowing town nestled high in the Ethiopian Highlands at a whopping 2,541m (8,336ft). This place is seriously special, famous for its ancient rock-hewn churches – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, no less! Think "New Jerusalem" carved into the mountains. Getting there is half the adventure. You’ll find Lalibela in the Amhara Region, about 645 km (400 miles) north of Addis Ababa. The main route, D31, kicks off from Gashena and it’s about 59.5 km (36 miles) of winding roads that'll take you 1-2 hours. Expect a mix of tarmac and sandy stretches, navigating a narrow path shared by buses and Land Cruisers. It's a little rough around the edges, which is part of its charm. Its relative inaccessibility is what kept Lalibela preserved for so long. Now, there are other ways to get there! Adventurous types can try gravel routes from the west (via Werota) or from the north (via Sekota). But be warned: without your own wheels, the 130 km stretch from Sekota can be tough. For the best experience, aim for the dry season, October to March. Lalibela's a major draw, so you’ll find plenty of places to stay. Get ready for a journey you won't forget!
moderateWhere is Ongeluks Nek Pass?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Ongeluks Nek Pass sits way up high, straddling the border between South Africa and Lesotho at a lofty 2,541 meters (8,336 feet)! Word to the wise: don't even *think* about tackling this route if the weather's looking dicey. You'll find this beauty snaking through the Quthing District of Lesotho and the northern reaches of South Africa's Eastern Cape Province, right near the Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve. Its name roughly translates to "Misfortune's Neck," a moniker earned way back in the day during a Griqua trek. Heads up: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The entire 28 km (18 miles) from Letlapeng (South Africa) to Makuaes (Lesotho) is unpaved, seriously rocky, and can get super rutted and muddy. We're talking off-road vehicles *only*, preferably with low range and some serious ground clearance. Trust me, you'll need it. Before you even consider attempting this pass, scout ahead *on foot*. Seriously. The road can degrade quickly, and you'll want to know what you're getting into. If you’re feeling brave enough to give it a go, make sure you have someone with experience driving it. With an average gradient of 1:9, diff locks and high ground clearance can be game changers. As you climb higher, the road gets rougher and rockier. Oh, and pro tip: bring at least two vehicles, just in case. Being in the Drakensberg mountains means the track is often muddy and slick. Expect high winds and electrical storms up top in the summer, and snow in the winter. Despite the challenges, the scenery is incredible! Just be prepared for a wild ride.