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

Driving the wild unpaved road to Ouberg Pass in Western Capehard

Driving 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!

Ongeluks Nek Pass: The Ultimate Road Trip Guidemoderate

Ongeluks Nek Pass: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

🇿🇦 South Africa

Ongeluks Nek Pass sits way up high at 2,541 meters (8,336 feet), straddling the border between South Africa and Lesotho. Seriously, don't even think about tackling it in bad weather. This is one of the highest roads you'll find around here! Linking Lesotho's Quthing District to the northern reaches of South Africa's Eastern Cape Province, it carves its way through the Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve. Locals call it "Accident Neck," and the name has a dark history, dating back to 1860 when a Griqua trekker met an untimely end from a gunshot. Forget smooth sailing; the road is completely unpaved and seriously rocky. We're talking off-road vehicles *only* – the kind with low range and plenty of ground clearance. Expect ruts, mud, and a generally challenging experience. This road needs some love or it might just disappear completely! Heads up: visibility can be a real issue. It's smart to hop out of your ride and scout ahead on foot before committing. If you're brave enough to tackle this dusty, bumpy beast, make sure you've got an experienced driver. Diff locks and high ground clearance will make life much easier, especially with an average gradient of 1:9. The higher you climb, the rougher things get. And for safety's sake, bring a buddy – two vehicles minimum! The road stretches for 28 km (18 miles), winding from Letlapeng (South Africa) to Makuaes (Lesotho). Tucked way up in the Drakensberg mountains, this area gets a *lot* of rain, which means the track is often super muddy and slippery. Expect fierce winds and thunderstorms at the summit in summer, and snow in winter.

Driving the scenic Joubert Pass in northern Namibiahard

Driving the scenic Joubert Pass in northern Namibia

🇳🇦 Namibia

Okay, adventure time! Let's talk Joubert Pass in the Kunene region of Namibia. Picture this: you're cruising through northern Namibia on the C43, also known as Otjomatemba Pass, hitting an elevation of 1,436 meters (that's 4,711 feet!). This 134 km (83 mile) stretch from Sesfontein to Opuwo is a mix of paved and unpaved fun, so budget around 3 hours to soak it all in. Keep an eye out for river crossings near the bottom where some big rocks might be hanging out. And get ready to drop into first gear for that super steep, asphalted kilometer—it’s a real grunt! A small part down low is a bit bumpy, but no need for a 4x4 for the rest of the gravel route. Oh, and just a heads-up: some people call it Jan Joubert Pass, but that's a different road altogether. The views? Totally worth it!

Driving to Ras Dashen: One of the Highest Roads in Africamoderate

Driving to Ras Dashen: One of the Highest Roads in Africa

🇪🇹 Ethiopia

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Ethiopia's Amhara Region, specifically the North Gondar Zone, you NEED to experience Ras Dashen (also known as Ras Dejen or Ras Dashan). This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking about one of the highest roads in all of Africa, topping out at a whopping 4,277 meters (that's 14,032 feet for my American friends!). Snuggled within the stunning Simien Mountains National Park in the northern part of the country, this unpaved beauty stretches for about 33.4 km (20.75 miles) from Chiro Leba to Dilibza (Dil Yibza). You'll definitely want to bring your 4x4 for this one. Fair warning: winter can be brutal up here. The road is often impassable and those Simien Mountains can get some serious snowfall at night. But hey, the views? Totally worth it for those who dare!