Is Rooiberg Pass unpaved?

Is Rooiberg Pass unpaved?

South Africa, africa

Length

52.2 km

Elevation

798 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Rooiberg Pass, perched high in the Western Cape of South Africa, is an absolute gem. We're talking 52.2 km (32.43 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road fun, stretching from Vanwyksdorp to Calitzdorp.

Forget the pavement – this beauty is all dirt, so while a regular car *can* make it, you'll have a much better time (and less stress!) in something with a bit of clearance. Seriously, trust me on this one.

This pass, built way back in 1928, isn't just a straight shot up a hill. Get ready for dozens of twists, turns, and hairpin bends that will definitely get your heart pumping. Some of those drops are pretty wild! And with gradients hitting 11% in places, you'll definitely feel it in your engine.

Give yourself about 90 minutes to soak it all in (without stops, of course – you'll want to budget extra time for photo ops). The road winds through gorgeous ravines and over rugged, rocky terrain. It's a pretty secluded drive, but the views are worth it. Prepare for stunning vistas of the valley towards Oudtshoorn, framed by magnificent mountains in every direction. This one's a true feast for the eyes!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
South Africa
Continent
africa
Length
52.2 km
Max Elevation
798 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in africa

How high is the road from Dodola to Dinsho?moderate

How high is the road from Dodola to Dinsho?

🇪🇹 Ethiopia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising from Dodola to Dinsho in southeastern Ethiopia, right in the heart of the Oromia Region. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about a climb! You'll hit some serious altitude – one of the highest roads in Africa, in fact. As you wind your way through the Bale Mountains National Park, prepare for about 26 kilometers of unpaved adventure. Keep your eyes peeled not just for the stunning scenery, but also for potential hazards along the way. This road is a true test of both your driving skills and your sense of adventure!

Sandwich Harbour, a crazy rollercoaster 4x4 dune drivingmoderate

Sandwich Harbour, a crazy rollercoaster 4x4 dune driving

🇳🇦 Namibia

Okay, picture this: Sandwich Harbour, a crazy-beautiful freshwater lagoon where the Namib Desert slams right into the Atlantic Ocean. We're talking Namibia, about 50 km south of Walvis Bay. It's also known as Sandwich Bay, and trust me, it lives up to the hype. Think massive sand dunes—some towering 100 meters high—tumbling straight into the surf. Seriously, this place is a photographer's dream and a critical wetland for Southern Africa. Now, getting there? It's an adventure, and you'll need a 4x4. This is Namib-Naukluft National Park territory. Be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way, because you'll be squeezed between the roaring ocean and those ancient dunes. The tricky part? At high tide, that narrow beach road vanishes under the waves. So, while the scenery is totally mind-blowing, be warned: the drive can be a bit stressful. Plan accordingly!

How long is the road to Platberg?hard

How long is the road to Platberg?

🇿🇦 South Africa

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Platberg is calling your name, and it's one heck of a climb! We're talking a 7,854-foot peak in the Free State of South Africa, so buckle up for some serious elevation. The road stretches for about 7.45 miles, taking you to a summit buzzing with communication towers. Now, here's the deal: this isn't your Sunday drive. The road isn't fully paved; instead, you'll find concrete strips strategically placed on the super-steep sections to help with traction. Trust me, your average car will be crying for mercy. This route is strictly for high-clearance 4x4s and experienced drivers! Plus, being in the eastern part of the country, the weather can turn on a dime. If the conditions are bad, this road becomes seriously treacherous. Oh, and did I mention the summit gets buried in snow? Definitely not one to attempt if you're faint of heart! But, if you're up for a real challenge with some epic scenery, Platberg is waiting.

Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the world's most spectacular coastal drivesmoderate

Chapman’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.