Is A3 Road paved?

Is A3 Road paved?

Lesotho, africa

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,600 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Cruising through the heart of Lesotho's highlands on the A3 highway! This well-maintained, paved road stretches from Thaba-Tseka's capital to the outskirts of Maseru, offering a scenic east-west adventure. Heads up though, there's a short, rough patch of about 100m near Mokhoabong Pass where winter water takes its toll on the asphalt.

The A3 sees its fair share of traffic, so stay alert, especially around those sharp bends where buses and trucks might need some extra room. The views along the way are absolutely breathtaking, making the drive totally worth it.

Keep in mind, the A3 climbs pretty high, always staying above 1,600m. Always check the weather forecast as heavy snow is common. And if it's super cold, watch out for black ice—seriously dangerous stuff!

The road tops out at some impressive altitudes: Lebelonyana Pass (2,292m), Pitsaneng Pass (2,266m), and the legendary Mokhoabong Pass, soaring to 2,900m! Get ready for a mountain adventure.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Lesotho
Continent
africa
Max Elevation
1,600 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in africa

A scenic paved road to Rooinek Passhard

A scenic paved road to Rooinek Pass

🇿🇦 South Africa

Okay, so you're cruising through the Western Cape of South Africa, right? You absolutely HAVE to hit the R323 and tackle the Rooinek Pass. It tops out at 782 meters (that's 2,565 feet for my imperial system friends!). The whole road is paved, which is always a bonus. Just be ready for some pretty steep sections, we're talking gradients of up to 1:9 in places! Hold on tight for some seriously stunning scenery as you climb. This pass is short but sweet, packing a punch with incredible views that will make you want to stop every five minutes for a photo. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you.

Driving the technical gravel road to Groot Zuikerboschkop Pass in Mpumalangaextreme

Driving the technical gravel road to Groot Zuikerboschkop Pass in Mpumalanga

🇿🇦 South Africa

Groot Zuikerboschkop Pass: buckle up for a wild ride in Mpumalanga, South Africa! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a full-on off-road adventure sitting pretty at 2,102m (6,896ft) above sea level, near Dullstroom. Think high-altitude grasslands, dramatic scenery, and weather that keeps you on your toes. This 12.6 km (7.8 miles) gravel track kicks off from the R540, but don't expect smooth sailing. We're talking seriously rugged conditions here. Low-clearance vehicles need not apply – even 4x4s will be put to the test. Imagine loose stones, deep ruts carving their way through the landscape, and inclines that'll make your engine roar. Speaking of inclines, some sections hit a steep 1:6 gradient (around 16.6%)! Pair that with the uneven surface, and you'll need your A-game when it comes to gear selection. Potholes the size of small craters are lurking, ready to wreak havoc on your tires or alignment. Seriously, stay focused! The weather can be a real game-changer. Rain turns the gravel into a slippery mess, challenging even the best 4x4 systems. Plus, being up high means visibility can vanish in a blink due to low clouds and mist. Being in the back country of Mpumalanga means you're on your own. Double-check that spare tire, pack your essential tools, and be ready to handle minor repairs yourself – help isn't exactly around the corner. It's a high-risk, high-reward kind of route that demands respect and careful driving.

Border Road 10: Driving the restricted desert route between Israel and Egyptmoderate

Border Road 10: Driving the restricted desert route between Israel and Egypt

🌍 Egypt

Border Road 10 is a super-exclusive route hugging the Israeli-Egyptian border! This 190 km (118-mile) stretch of asphalt is usually off-limits, winding through a seriously militarized desert landscape. Imagine cruising right next to the border fence itself! This road is basically a high-speed patrol route for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) – vital for keeping an eye on the Sinai border. If you somehow manage to get access, you're in for a raw, unfiltered desert experience. Forget gas stations, cell service, or even water – you're on your own out there! Running north-south, from near the Gaza Strip down to the Red Sea near Eilat, this drive gives you a crazy up-close view of the border infrastructure. You'll be right beside the high-tech fence, and you can even spot Egyptian border posts across the line – talk about an intense vibe! Getting permission to drive Border Road 10 is a major challenge. Most of the time, it's closed to civilians. But occasionally, the IDF opens sections to the public during Jewish holidays like Sukkot or Passover. These openings are super short, usually only about 10 days a year, and only during daylight. Even then, you HAVE to check with the military, as things can change in a heartbeat depending on what's happening in the Sinai. The road itself is paved, but the condition varies wildly. Some parts are perfectly maintained, while others are beat up by the heat and covered in sand. The highest point is in the Negev Highlands, reaching 988 m (3,241 ft) and offering insane views of the Sinai Desert and Eilat Mountains. You MUST be self-sufficient. Bring tons of extra fuel, food, and water. Beyond the scenery, this road is a key part of regional security. It lets the IDF respond super fast to any border breaches. The high-altitude lookouts give a strategic view over the vast Egyptian desert, making it one of the most closely watched roads on the planet.

Tizi n’Taroubia, a steep unpaved road in the Atlasextreme

Tizi n’Taroubia, a steep unpaved road in the Atlas

🇲🇦 Morocco

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Tizi n’Taroubia is calling, a high-altitude hideaway straddling the Errachidia and Khénifra provinces in Morocco. We're talking serious elevation here— 2,339 meters (7,673 feet) above sea level! Nestled between the Middle and High Atlas ranges, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road? Unpaved and STEEP, with an average gradient of 9.10%. Translation: you're gonna want a 4x4 with some serious clearance to conquer this beast. Keep in mind this high altitude pass can be impassable at any time of year because of snow. Trust me, it's worth it. The peak is loaded with communication towers, and the views? Totally epic. The climb kicks off and stretches for 4.9 kilometers, packing in a hefty 446 meters of elevation gain. So, prepare for a workout— for both you and your vehicle— but also, get ready for some seriously unforgettable scenery!