Road trip guide: Conquering the Steenkampsberg Pass in Mpumalanga
South Africa, africa
64.6 km
2,248 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Steenkampsberg Pass in Mpumalanga, South Africa! This beauty tops out at a cool 2,248m (7,375ft), so be prepared for some seriously breathtaking views.
Sometimes folks mix it up and call it De Berg Pass, but whatever you call it, it's located north of Dullstroom. Heads up: winter can bring snow to these heights, so pack accordingly!
The road, known as the R577, is paved, but it's seen better days. Watch out for a few potholes, especially as you get closer to the top. It was opened in '88, and some sections clock in at a steep 1:7 grade.
The pass stretches 64.6 km (40.14 miles) from Roossenekal in the west to Lydenburg in the east. Get ready for an epic drive with scenery that will leave you speechless!
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering the Steenkampsberg Pass in Mpumalanga is located in South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -31.2539, 21.8747
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 64.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,248 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -31.2539, 21.8747
Related Roads in africa
moderateIs Swaershoek Pass Unpaved?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure awaits in South Africa's Eastern Cape at Swaershoek Pass! This mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,981m (6,499ft), promising some serious views. Known locally as Swaers Hoek Pass (or, back in the day, Zwagershoek, which means "brother-in-law's corner" in Dutch), this isn't your average Sunday drive. It's an unpaved, steep climb on the R337 that's surprisingly well-maintained, so most vehicles can handle it when the weather's good. But don't underestimate it – you'll gain a whopping 470 meters in just 8.19 km! That's an average gradient of 1:12, with some sections hitting a challenging 1:9. The full experience stretches for 84.2 km (52.31 miles), running from Cradock (Nxuba) in the north to Pearston in the south. Situated high in the Bankberg mountains, expect an exciting ride with views of rugged peaks and ranges that'll have you reaching for your camera at every turn. Get ready for an unforgettable South African adventure!
moderateThe breathtaking road to Lac d’Isli
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Lac d’Isli is calling your name! Perched way up high in the High Atlas Mountains of central Morocco, this crater lake sits pretty at 2,313 meters (that’s 7,588 feet!). You’ll find it nestled inside the Haut Atlas Oriental National Park. The road in? Totally untamed! It's about 9.6 km of unpaved fun starting from the R317. Trust me, you're gonna want a 4x4 for this one. The views? Absolutely stunning. Think rugged mountains and crystal-clear water. Just be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride – this isn't your average Sunday drive.
hardThe breathtaking road to Tizi n’Tissili n’Imenaine in the High Atlas
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I just tackled Tizi n’Tissili n’Imenaine, a seriously epic mountain pass in Morocco's Azilal Province. This beast clocks in at a whopping 2,776m (9,107ft) – making it one of the highest roads in the whole country! You’ll find it nestled in the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region, right in the heart of Morocco. And get this, just south of the pass, a gravel track leads to another high point, Tizi n’Tirghist at 2,633m (8,638ft). Double win! Now, let's be real, the road (R302) to the top is a test. You'll cruise on stretches of smooth pavement, but then BAM! You're hit with gravel sections. Most are doable in a standard car when it's dry, but still, be prepared. Perched way up in the High Atlas mountains, this road is generally open all year. However, winter brings heavy snow, so closures can happen in the blink of an eye. The full stretch from Tamda to Zaouiat Ahansal is about 44 km (27.34 miles) of pure mountain magic. Get ready for some jaw-dropping scenery!
moderateJbel Bouiblane
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Jbel Bouiblane is calling your name. This epic mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,960 meters (6,430 feet) in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region. Forget smooth asphalt – we're talking gravel, rocks, and a ride that'll test your suspension (and maybe your nerves!). Situated in the Middle Atlas Mountains, this road is typically snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. This isn't a Sunday drive; it's a playground for experienced off-roaders. Newbies beware! The payoff? A mountain refuge awaits at the summit, and incredible views along the 3.2 km climb from the P5115 road. Quick tip: keep an eye on the sky; a sunny day can turn into a 4x4 nightmare in a hurry!