Is Cala Pass paved?

Is Cala Pass paved?

South Africa, africa

Length

58 km

Elevation

1,517 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Cala Pass in South Africa's Eastern Cape province is calling your name! This beauty tops out at 1,517m (that's nearly 5,000 feet!), offering views that'll make your jaw drop.

The road? Smoothly paved as you climb nearly 300 meters over just under 6 km—a decent climb with some sections getting a little steeper.

Spanning just over 28 km, the R410 connects Khowa (formerly Eliot) to Cala, winding through the Chris Hani District Municipality.

Good news is, Cala Pass is generally open year-round. However, be prepared for anything! Winter can bring snow and seriously chilly temps. And those summer electrical storms and mountain mists? They're frequent visitors, so keep an eye on the weather. All said, it's an epic journey through some stunning South African landscapes.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
South Africa
Continent
africa
Length
58 km
Max Elevation
1,517 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in africa

The scary road to Tizi n'Test in the High Atlasextreme

The scary road to Tizi n'Test in the High Atlas

🇲🇦 Morocco

# Tizi n'Test: Morocco's Most Thrilling Mountain Pass Ready for one of the most spectacular drives in Morocco? Tizi n'Test is a high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,101m (6,893ft) on the boundary between the Marrakesh-Safi and Souss-Massa-Drâa regions. The entire 47.7 km (29.63 miles) stretch from Tafingoult to Mouldikht is paved, so you're getting a proper road adventure here. Here's a fun fact: this route was an engineering marvel built by the French between 1926 and 1932—the first modern road to connect Marrakech to the Souss plains and beyond. Before this, the pass was considered practically impassable, controlled only by sultans who jealously guarded this vital trade route to the south. These days, with the newer highway between Agadir and Marrakech stealing the spotlight, Tizi n'Test doesn't get quite the love it used to, and you'll notice it in the road conditions. Plan on spending 75-90 minutes if you're driving straight through, though cafes dot the route if you need a breather. **Fair warning:** This isn't a drive for everyone. You'll need mountain driving experience and a strong stomach for heights—the narrow sections have little forgiveness, with unbarriered 500m cliffs that'll make your palms sweat. Expect hairpin bends, steep climbs, speeding trucks, and locals hawking minerals at tight corners. The descent from the pass is particularly intense. Skip this one if it's raining (landslides are real), and definitely drive it in daylight. Snow can block the pass entirely, and cloud cover rolls in thick once you're up there. But here's why it's worth it: the views are absolutely breathtaking. Mountain vistas unfold at every turn, and at the summit, a small restaurant serves up panoramic views of the Souss Valley with the Anti-Atlas ridge rising majestically beyond. Grab a hot drink and a simple egg tagine while soaking it all in. Just be ready for those endless switchbacks to test your nerve.

Tizi n’Tizzamoderate

Tizi n’Tizza

🇲🇦 Morocco

Okay, so you're heading to Morocco? Awesome! You HAVE to check out Tizi n’Tizza. This high mountain pass sits way up at 1,777 meters (that's 5,830 feet!). You'll find it in the Guercif Province, in the Oriental region. The road, known as P5427, is paved, which is good news. But, heads up, it's pretty narrow. Think tons of twists and turns that’ll keep you on your toes. Even if you're a seasoned driver, this one will keep you focused. Seriously, it's up, down, right, left, non-stop! I wouldn't recommend tackling it at night or if the weather's dodgy, especially if it's your first time. The views, though? Totally worth it!

Is the road to Mahlasela Pass paved?moderate

Is the road to Mahlasela Pass paved?

🇱🇸 Lesotho

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the A1 in Lesotho's Butha-Buthe District, headed toward Mahlasela Pass. You're climbing to a whopping 3,278m (10,754ft) above sea level! This 77.9 km (48.4 miles) stretch from Qalo to Letseng-la-Terae is totally paved, though you'll find more potholes than tar the closer you get to Mokhotlong. The road can get steep, with a max slope of 17%, and you'll be sharing the road with a fair amount of traffic, including some big rigs. Plan ahead though! This is the northern Highlands, so heavy snow can shut things down in winter – icy conditions can be super treacherous. But trust me, the views from the top are totally worth it. The journey itself is stunning, think frozen rivers, breathtaking vistas, and seriously spectacular views. It’ll take you between 1.5 and 2 hours to drive, but remember, this road is your gateway to Lesotho's high-altitude adventure, including the Afriski Mountain Resort. It's said to be one of the highest road passes in Southern Africa, so get ready for an unforgettable ride.

Tizi n’Isakalenehard

Tizi n’Isakalene

🇲🇦 Morocco

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Souss-Massa-Drâa region of Morocco and you're craving a serious off-road challenge, Tizi n’Isakalene is calling your name. This mountain pass tops out at a whopping 2,551 meters (8,369 feet) – talk about breathtaking views! But hold on, this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking rocky, gravelly terrain that will test your skills and your vehicle. Picture this: menacing desert landscapes with steep, rocky climbs. Large, sharp rocks are everywhere, so get ready for some tight maneuvering. Seriously, you'll want high clearance, skid plates, and differential lockers. This is NOT a stock vehicle kind of road. The route can be tricky to follow, too. It’s a complex network of poorly defined roads, so even with a GPS, you'll need your wits about you. And don't forget the Moroccan sun! It gets crazy hot in the summer, so pack plenty of water. Last but not least, this is a journey best shared, so never tackle this trail alone. Trust me, you'll want a buddy (and maybe a mechanic) along for the ride!