The Road to Molteno Pass, South Africa's First Mountain Pass
South Africa, africa
110 km
1,204 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're up for an adventure? Then Molteno Pass in South Africa needs to be on your radar. Straddling the Western and Northern Cape provinces, this epic route climbs to a cool 1,204 meters (3,950 ft).
You'll find it snaking through the Nuweveld Mountain Range in the southern part of the country, hugging the eastern edge of the Karoo National Park – keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! Word has it this was South Africa's OG mountain pass, dating way back to 1881.
The R381 will be your trusty guide up and over. Expect a mix of gravel and asphalt, so it's a proper off-the-beaten-path experience. Clocking in at 110 km (68.35 miles), this north-south route kicks off in Beaufort West (the Karoo's biggest town) and winds its way up to Loxton. Trust me, the views are worth it!
Where is it?
The Road to Molteno Pass, South Africa's First Mountain Pass is located in South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -28.7539, 22.3947
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 110 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,204 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -28.7539, 22.3947
Related Roads in africa
moderateWhere is Tizi n’Tabgourt?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Tizi n’Tabgourt is a high mountain pass at an elevation of above sea level, located in the Marrakesh-Safi region of Morocco. It’s one of the highest roads in the country Where is Tizi n’Tabgourt? The pass is situated north of of the country, within the , the greatest mountain range of North Africa. Is the Road to Tizi n’Tabgourt Unpaved? The road to the summit is is essential. Stretching (in Chichaoua Province of the Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz region) towards (in Taroudant Province of the Souss-Massa-Drâa region). How to drive the scenic road from Agadir to Essaouira? An epic road to Tizi n'Outfi in the High Atlas Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
easyLong Tom Pass is One of the Best Roads in South Africa
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising along the R37 in Mpumalanga, South Africa, winding your way up Long Tom Pass. This isn't just any road trip; it's an adventure! We're talking 57.2 km of pure driving bliss, stretching from Lydenburg to Sabie, with the whole thing sitting pretty at 2,151m above sea level in the Sterkspruit Nature Reserve. Named after the famous Long Tom cannons from the Anglo-Boer War (history buffs, take note!), this fully paved road is a rollercoaster of hundreds of bends and curves. The good news is the road's now in great shape and handles plenty of traffic. You'll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views at every turn. Just a heads up: this pass sits high on the Great Escarpment, so be prepared for heavy mist. Low visibility can be a real mood killer, so keep an eye on the weather. Trust me, though, the views alone are worth it!
difficultTizi n'Tichka Pass
🇲🇦 Morocco
# Tizi n'Tichka Pass: Morocco's Most Epic Mountain Drive Want to experience North Africa's highest mountain pass? The Tizi n'Tichka is your answer. This legendary stretch of road (the N9) climbs to a breathtaking 2,260 meters as it winds through Morocco's High Atlas Mountains, connecting the vibrant city of Marrakech with Ouarzazate—a gateway to the Sahara. The whole journey spans about 200 kilometers of pure mountain magic, following a route that French Foreign Legion soldiers carved out way back in 1936. These days, it's the main artery connecting Marrakech to the stunning Draa Valley oases and those famous film studios you've heard about. The drive from Marrakech is basically a masterclass in landscape transformation. You'll start in the lush Haouz plain and gradually climb through picture-perfect Berber villages that seem to defy gravity on the mountainsides. Walnut and almond groves give way to increasingly sparse terrain as you approach the pass itself. Fair warning: this road is a switchback lover's dream (or nightmare, depending on your comfort level). Hairpin turns everywhere, and you'll be sharing the road with an incredible mix of traffic—everything from sleek modern cars to donkeys to heavily laden trucks, all navigating those narrow curves at wildly different speeds. Once you crest the pass and head down toward Ouarzazate, you're entering the heart of Berber country. Ancient kasbahs (think Game of Thrones vibes) scatter across the landscape, and a quick detour to the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou is an absolute must. This stunning fortified village has doubled as ancient Rome, medieval deserts, and Middle Eastern cities in major films. The pass stays open year-round, though winter snow can occasionally cause closures. Along the way, don't miss the roadside mineral vendors selling gorgeous geodes and fossils, or stop at a small restaurant for authentic tagine and mint tea.
hardHow long is the Montagu Pass?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, picture this: Montagu Pass, nestled in South Africa's Western Cape province, a real gem hiding at 741m above sea level. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 17.2 km dirt road adventure through the Witfontein Nature Reserve, connecting the N9 and R62 roads. Don't let the "unpaved" part scare you off – most cars can handle it in good weather. Just take it slow. This pass has serious history; construction started way back in 1844 and convicts built it by hand! It's the original route between George and Oudtshoorn and hasn't changed much since. Now, fair warning, things can get a little tight with oncoming traffic. Keep an eye out for closures due to weather or road work. This baby has around 126 bends! Also, watch for falling rocks, especially when it's wet. Expect a 45-60 minute drive if you don't stop, but trust me, you WILL want to stop. The views of the Outeniqua Mountains are absolutely incredible, so plan for photo ops!