If you love to drive, you will love the road to Penhoek Pass
South Africa, africa
114 km
1,852 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, let me tell you about Penhoek Pass! This beauty sits way up high in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, clocking in at a cool 1,852 meters (that's over 6,000 feet!). You'll find it nestled in the Stormberg Mountains on the N6 between Jamestown and Komani.
The whole stretch is paved, so no need for the off-roader this time. This is a long one at 114 km (71 miles), but this isn't some boring highway slog. We're talking perfectly engineered curves from the 1950s, impressive road cuts, and mostly gentle slopes, though you'll hit some short steep sections with gradients of 1:10.
Word to the wise: this pass has a reputation for wild weather. Winter brings heavy snow and freezing temps, which often shuts the road down. Even in summer, be prepared for crazy electrical storms and hail the size of golf balls! So, check conditions before you go. Penhoek Pass is a dramatic drive you won't soon forget!
Where is it?
If you love to drive, you will love the road to Penhoek Pass is located in South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -31.7318, 21.2045
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 114 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,852 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -31.7318, 21.2045
Related Roads in africa
hardTizi n’Tfenza
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, buckle up road trippers, because Tizi n’Tfenza in Morocco is a wild ride! This mountain pass punches through the Atlas Mountains in Azilal Province, clocking in at a lofty 2,110 meters (that's 6,922 feet for us Americans). The road's paved, which is nice, but don’t get complacent. We're talking serious twists and turns – the kind that’ll keep you on your toes (and maybe reaching for the Dramamine). Seriously, if your travel buddies get carsick easily, this might not be the best choice. It's up, down, and all around, so save it for the daylight hours if you're not super familiar with the area. Oh, and for those feeling extra adventurous, a gravel road north of the pass climbs even higher to 2,387 meters! Photo cred: mohammed lotati.
moderateWhere is Lalibela?
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Lalibela, Ethiopia is a mountain town sitting pretty high up at 2,541m (8,336ft) in the Amhara Region. It's world-famous for its mind-blowing rock-hewn churches – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since '78! Seriously, these churches, carved straight out of solid rock back in the 12th and 13th centuries, are something else. Still used by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, it’s a major pilgrimage spot and often called the "New Jerusalem." Getting there? Buckle up! The road (D31) from Gashena is only 59.5 km (36 miles), but it's a wild ride. Expect a mix of paved tarmac and sandy sections, plus it's narrow, so watch out for buses and Land Cruisers. Budget 1-2 hours. Historically, its hard-to-reach location has preserved the town. There are other routes too, but they're mostly gravel. You can come from the west, branching off the Bahar Dar to Gondar road at Werota. Or, approach from the north, snaking along the road from Axum through Adwa, Abi Aday, and Sekota. Be warned: without your own wheels, that last 130 km stretch from Sekota to Lalibela could be tricky. When to go? Aim for the dry season (October to March) for the best weather. And don't worry about roughing it – Lalibela’s a popular spot these days, with plenty of places to stay and things to do.
hardDe Jagersnek Pass
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure junkies, let me tell you about De Jagersnek Pass in Mpumalanga, South Africa! This high-altitude route tops out at 1,870 meters (that's 6,135 feet!). Under normal conditions, most vehicles can handle it, so no need for a beastly 4x4... usually. Here's the deal: rain or snow can turn this track into a muddy slip-n-slide. Seriously, after a downpour, even a 4WD might struggle. On the flip side, when it's dry, a 2WD with a bit of clearance can cruise along at a chill pace. You might encounter some washboarding or ruts, but nothing too crazy. Overall, if the weather's decent, it's a smooth ride suitable for pretty much anyone, and the scenery? Totally worth it!
hardLaitsoka Pass
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Let's talk about Laitsoka Pass in Lesotho's Leribè district. This baby climbs to a cool 2,644 meters (8,674 feet) above sea level. The road? It's paved, but don't think it's a walk in the park. We're talking about the A25, the road that connects Lejone and Thaba-Tseka. Get ready for a serious workout for your steering wheel because this route throws a whopping 75 bends, corners, and curves at you. And did I mention it's steep? We're talking gradients hitting 1:5 in places. Hold on tight and enjoy the killer views!