Is the Carlisleshoek Pass unpaved?
South Africa, africa
20.4 km
2,563 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Carlisleshoek Pass in South Africa's Eastern Cape is calling your name. Nestled high in the Drakensberg Mountains, this unpaved beauty tops out at a dizzying 2,563 meters (8,408 feet). It's a 20.4 km (12.67 mile) stretch that plunges from the R396 near the charming village of Rhodes (think trout fishing!) up to the Tiffindell Ski Resort.
While you might not *need* a 4x4 in dry conditions, controlled power is a must, especially on those zigzagging cement strips during the most intense climbs. This pass isn't for the faint of heart. Expect steep grades—we're talking gradients of 1:10, with some sections hitting a crazy 1:2 (that's 44%!). Narrow roads, sharp corners, and blind spots are all part of the fun.
The descent into Rhodes is legendary. Bikers have called it "going into free fall" due to its steepness. Imagine dropping over 300 meters in just over 3 kilometers. Seriously, keep your speed down (think 40km/h max) and be prepared for slippery conditions, especially if it's wet. In winter, be prepared for extreme cold (as low as -22C!). Basically, come prepared, drive smart, and get ready for some insane scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 20.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,563 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in africa
hardHow to reach the summit of Tizi n’Merekse?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Off the beaten path in Morocco's Anti-Atlas mountains, you'll find the Tizi n’Merekse, a seriously high mountain pass topping out at well over 2,300 meters. It's not a long trip, but it packs a visual punch with some of the most incredible, untouched views of the Anti-Atlas you can find, far away from the usual tourist hotspots. To get there, you'll be tackling the Ait Qalla Track, a rugged, unpaved mountain trail that's going to demand a 4x4 with some serious ground clearance. Think classic Moroccan high desert: loose gravel, that iconic red dust, and sharp stones just waiting to get cozy with your tires. This is a short but harsh and isolated environment, so you need to be self-sufficient and ready for anything Mother Nature throws your way. The adventure starts at the Tizi n'Tmourhas, which is already a pretty wild ride on the R112 road. The R112 will test your skills, but the Ait Qalla Track is where the real fun begins. From that main road, it's a quick climb, but don't let the short distance fool you. Expect some seriously steep sections where your engine is going to be working hard. The air is thin up here, and the loose surface means you'll need to engage 4WD to keep from spinning your wheels. This area is super dry and exposed, and in the summer, the heat is intense with zero shade along the track. You won't see many other vehicles out here, so if something goes wrong, you could be waiting a while for help. Before you hit the Ait Qalla Track, make sure your vehicle is in top shape and you've got plenty of water. The reward for this climb? Unreal panoramic views of the scorched valleys below, giving you a perspective of the Anti-Atlas that most travelers never get to experience. It's the perfect little side trip if you're already exploring the R112 and want to add another high-altitude pass to your Moroccan adventure.
moderateDriving the 4x4 road to Tizi n’Termant is not a piece of cake
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Tizi n’Termant in Morocco! This insane mountain pass punches way up to 9,711 feet, making it one of the highest in the whole country. You'll find it nestled in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, east of its slightly-less-extreme sibling, Tizi n’Tadermant, and north of Tinghir. Now, fair warning: this isn’t a Sunday cruise. We're talking a full 31.8 miles of unpaved, seriously rough road snaking through the Atlas Mountains from Bou Azmou to Zerchane. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's mandatory! But trust me, the views are epic, the kind that'll have you pulling over every five minutes to snap photos. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
extremeHow To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Kibo Hut?
🇹🇿 Tanzania
Okay, picture this: you're in Tanzania, ready for an epic adventure up Mount Kilimanjaro. Forget paved roads – we're talking raw, unadulterated off-roading to Kibo Hut! This mountain hut sits way up high, at a staggering 4,750 meters (that's over 15,500 feet!). You'll feel like you're driving on the moon, surrounded by a stark, otherworldly desert within the Kilimanjaro National Park. It's close to the Kenyan border, so keep an eye out for wildlife. The road is a beast. From Marangu, it's a roughly 36.5 km (22.68 miles) climb, and it's relentlessly steep. We're talking an average gradient of over 9%, so your average car need not apply! You'll gain over 3,300 meters in elevation. But that's not all. High altitude sickness is a real concern – the air gets thin up there, with significantly less oxygen than you're used to. If you have any heart or respiratory issues, take extra precautions, and watch out for increased pulse rates and shortness of breath. This road is challenging, but the views are absolutely breathtaking!
extremeThe 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.