Travel guide to the top of Uitkyk Pass
South Africa, africa
137 km
1,022 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through South Africa's Western Cape, heading into the wild heart of the Cederberg Wilderness Area. You're about to tackle Uitkyk Pass—also known as Cederberg Pass or Sederbergpas—and trust me, it's a stunner!
This beauty tops out at 1,022 meters (3,353ft) and stretches for a good 137km (85 miles) from Clanwilliam in the Olifants River valley to Die Dorp Op Die Berg. The road's a bit of a mixed bag; the west side got a fresh layer of pavement in late 2019, but east of the peak, it's gravel all the way.
Hold on tight, because it gets pretty steep in places, hitting a max gradient of 12%! But it's worth it for the views—endless vistas of the unique Cederberg mountains, spectacular rock formations, and landscapes that'll leave you breathless. Just watch out for those drop-offs! It's a road trip you won't forget.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Uitkyk Pass is located in South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -32.2860, 22.6154
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 137 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,022 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -32.2860, 22.6154
Related Roads in africa
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Jaap se Hoogte
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, folks, buckle up for Jaap se Hoogte Pass in Mpumalanga, South Africa! This beauty clocks in at a lofty 1,888 meters (that's 6,194 feet for my imperial friends!). The road itself? Smooth asphalt all the way, following the R577. Be warned, though: you'll hit some pretty steep sections, with gradients hitting around 10% in places. But hey, the views along this scenic route more than make up for the climb! It's a truly awesome drive.
hardWhere is Col de Tirourda?
🌍 Algeria
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Ever heard of Col de Tirourda? This beauty straddles the Bouïra and Tizi Ouzou provinces in northern Algeria, and let me tell you, it's a stunner! Clocking in at around 27.5 km (that's about 17 miles for my American friends), this road takes you on a wild ride from a town nestled in Tizi Ouzou Province to another in Bouïra Province. The road is fully paved, which is a bonus. But don't get too comfy! This climb is seriously steep in sections. Prepare for some epic views. Just keep your eyes on the road!
extremeA road with dramatic views to Cirque de Jaffar in the High Atlas
🇲🇦 Morocco
# Cirque de Jaffar: Morocco's Wild Mountain Adventure Nestled in the Drâa-Tafilalet region at the foothills of Jebel Ayachi in the Eastern High Atlas, Cirque de Jaffar is a natural amphitheatre that'll take your breath away—quite literally. This is Morocco's ultimate off-road playground, and it's definitely earned its reputation as one of the country's most challenging drives. The Piste de Jaffar stretches 67.2 km (42 miles) from Tounfit to Midelt, and trust me, every kilometer is an adventure. This is a serious unpaved road that demands respect—we're talking rocky, treacherous terrain with dramatic cliff drops that'll keep your knuckles white. You'll need a proper 4x4 to tackle it, though even then, expect a solid 3-4 hours of slow, careful driving to make it through. What makes this route truly spectacular is the payoff. Those towering High Atlas mountains create stunning panoramic views that justify every nerve-wracking moment. And then you arrive at the cirque itself—a natural wonder with slopes that vary from a mellow 20 degrees to spine-tingling 45-50 degree angles where rockfall constantly reshapes the landscape. The road peaks at 2,257m (7,404ft) elevation. Winter brings snow to these heights, and spring runoff can trigger flash flooding in the valleys, so summer is definitely your best bet for this expedition. The route is named after the village and tomb of Sidi Jaffar, adding a touch of local history to your wild ride. This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's one of the classic pistes of the Eastern High Atlas, demanding serious driving skills and nerves of steel. But for adventurous souls ready for an unforgettable experience, it's absolutely worth every pothole.
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.