How long is Route Nationale 17 (N17)?
Cameroon, africa
184 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through southeastern Cameroon on Route Nationale 17, a wild ride stretching 184 kilometers (or 114 miles for you imperial folks). You'll start in Kribi, a chill beach town right on the Gulf of Guinea—imagine kicking back there for a day or two! Then, you're off eastward towards Ebolowa, the capital of Cameroon's South Region.
Now, heads up: the road's a mix of paved and unpaved bits, and after a good rain, things get seriously uneven. I'm talking 4WD recommended territory. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Get ready for some killer scenery, though!
Road Details
- Country
- Cameroon
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 184 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in africa
hardIs the Road to Matroosberg Peak Unpaved?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Matroosberg Peak in South Africa's Western Cape Province is calling, boasting an impressive 2,249m (7,378 ft) summit. Forget smooth asphalt! The route, affectionately known as the Matroosberg 4x4 Trail, is pure, unadulterated off-road fun: think rocks, stones, sand, and gravel all the way. The initial stretch is manageable, but don't get complacent; steeper, rockier climbs are definitely in your future. From the moment you leave Bo-Swaarmoed Road, you're in for a 14.9 km (9.25 miles) climb. The trail throws an elevation gain of 1,079 m your way, meaning you'll be dealing with an average gradient of 7.24%. Now, if you're brave enough to tackle this beast in winter, prepare for a snowy spectacle! The slopes transform into a winter wonderland, offering a unique 4x4 experience. Just be mindful of the cutoff times if there's heavy snow to make sure you get back before nightfall. Whether you're after guaranteed snow or a mud-slinging adventure, Matroosberg delivers year-round!
hardDriving the wild unpaved road to Ouberg Pass in Western Cape
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a killer route for you in South Africa's Western Cape: the Ouberg Pass. Just east of Cape Town, this isn't some boring highway cruise. Heads up, though, there are *three* Ouberg Passes in South Africa, so make sure your GPS is set for the Western Cape one! This pass climbs to a cool 1,014 meters (that's over 3,300 feet!). The road is all gravel, and while most vehicles can handle it, you'll definitely want to keep it under 60 km/h. It's got a pretty steady climb and drops almost 500 meters in just under 8 kilometers. Starting near Montagu, you're in for a 23-kilometer haul. Trust me, though, the views are totally worth it. Get ready for some serious South African scenery!
hardWhere is Eselbank Pass?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure in South Africa's Western Cape? Look no further than Eselbank Pass (aka Kerskop Pass)! Nestled within the stunning Cederberg Wilderness Area, this high-altitude pass climbs to a cool 978m (3,208ft) above sea level. Forget about your average sedan; this 39.6 km (24.60 miles) route, snaking between Wuppertal and Cederberg Oasis, demands a 4x4. The unpaved road averages a gradient of 1:21, but buckle up for super steep sections hitting 1:5! Expect narrow stretches where you might need to get creative with passing other vehicles, especially when the weather turns nasty. Give yourself 1.5 to 2 hours to conquer the pass, and be prepared for a wild ride. You'll cross a low-level causeway (often submerged!), stick to the eastern bank, and then hit the fork in the road where the 4x4 fun REALLY begins. The initial climb is paved with concrete, featuring a sharp hairpin turn and relentless ascent. But the reward? Oh, the reward! Jaw-dropping views unfold as you inch your way to the summit, surrounded by iconic red Cederberg sandstone formations. As you descend towards Eselbank, you'll even pass by fields of Rooibos tea. Watch out for soft, sandy sections that could challenge non-4x4 vehicles during the hotter months. And before hitting the causeway at Eselbank, take a quick detour to check out the Eselbank Waterfall – you won't regret it!
moderateChapman’s Peak Drive is one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives
🇿🇦 South Africa
# Chapman's Peak Drive: South Africa's Most Jaw-Dropping Coastal Route If you're hunting for one of the world's most spectacular drives, look no further than Chapman's Peak Drive on South Africa's Atlantic Coast. Locals call it "Chappies," and trust us—it lives up to the hype. Perched in the Western Cape province at the south-western tip of South Africa, this 9km (5.59-mile) toll road hugs the rocky coastline like a dream. The route connects Hout Bay to Noordhoek, carving dramatically into the near-vertical face of the mountain with 114 curves that'll keep you engaged the entire way. Built between 1915 and 1922 using convict labour, it was considered an engineering marvel of its time. After a rockfall closed it in 1990 and safety concerns kept it shut intermittently, a major renovation finally reopened the road in 2009, and it's been thrilling drivers ever since. Plan on 20-25 minutes to complete the drive—though you'll want to take it slow at the 40km/h speed limit anyway. Why rush when you're treated to 180-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Peninsula's western side? The towering mountain on one side and sheer ocean drops on the other create an adrenaline-pumping experience that's absolutely unforgettable. Several pull-off spots and picnic areas dot the route, perfect for catching your breath and soaking in those panoramic vistas. If you're lucky, you might spot whales and dolphins swimming below, or even curious baboon troops wandering past. The road sits at elevations up to 593m above sea level, offering some truly Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. Fair warning: the road occasionally closes during severe weather or landslides, so check conditions before you head out. But when it's open? It's pure magic.