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
hardTravel Guide to Joubert's Pass in the Witteberg Mountains
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Joubert's Pass is calling! This epic gravel road climbs to a whopping 2,234 meters (7,329 feet) in the Eastern Cape, practically kissing the Lesotho border. Nestled in the Witteberg Mountains, Joubert's Pass is a 50.9 km (31.62 mile) rollercoaster that begins and ends on the R58. Most vehicles can handle it in good weather, but if the skies open up or the snow starts falling, you'll definitely want a 4x4. Leaving Lady Grey behind, you'll cruise through gorgeous farmland before ascending into the Lammergeier Nature Reserve. Don't let the views distract you too much, though — this road is no joke! With gradients reaching 1:6, it's a steep climb full of rough patches, breathtaking vistas, and high-altitude conditions. Weather can change on a dime, and careful driving is a must! Opened back in 1914 by seven farmers (five of them Jouberts!), the pass boasts a stone monument at the summit, honoring those hard-working Joubert family members and a couple of others. While usually open year-round, snow can shut it down anytime, so check conditions before you go. Joubert's Pass definitely earns its place among South Africa's top gravel road adventures!
moderateHow to Drive the Wild Road to Tizi n’Tirghist
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to Tizi n’Tirghist, a seriously epic mountain pass chilling way up high in Morocco's Béni Mellal-Khénifra region. I'm talking a staggering 2,633 meters (that's 8,638 feet!) above sea level, making it one of the highest roads you'll find in the whole country. You'll find this beast, also called Tizi-n-Tirghist, nestled in the Azilal Province, right in the heart of Morocco. The good news? This road, P3107, has been paved recently! The not-so-good news? Get ready for a wild ride with tons of twists, turns, and some seriously steep sections. We're talking an average gradient of around 10%, so hold on tight! This unforgettable pass stretches for about 15 kilometers (or 9.32 miles) as it climbs from Aghbalou in the south all the way north to the R302 road. The views? Totally worth it!
extremeHow to get to Erg Chigaga dunes in Morocco?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the Zagora Province of Morocco, you'll find Erg Chigaga, supposedly the biggest and most untamed sand dunes in the whole country. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Tucked away near the Algerian border, the road to this sandy paradise, also called Erg Chegaga, is a real beast. Think sand, rocks, and more rocks – strictly 4x4 territory. Your jumping-off point is the Berber town of M'Hamid El Ghizlane (or Lamhamid Ghozlane, if you're feeling fancy). From there, it's a 50 km (30-mile) trek through a landscape of sand, dried-up lakes, and seriously rugged terrain. Trust me, you'll want a driver who knows their stuff. Budget about 2 hours for the whole adventure. And get this – the dunes here are the tallest in Morocco, towering over 150 meters high! What makes Erg Chigaga truly special is that it's off the beaten path. You won't find hordes of tourists here, just a savage, untouched desert experience miles from civilization. If you're looking for an authentic escape, this is it!
hardDriving the Ait Qalla Track to Tizi n’Merekse: A hidden detour in the Anti-Atlas
🇲🇦 Morocco
Way out in Morocco's Souss-Massa region, you'll find the Tizi n’Merekse, a super-high mountain pass topping out at 2,352m (7,716ft). It’s a quick detour, but the views of the Anti-Atlas mountains? Totally worth it, especially since you'll be far from the usual tourist crowds! Now, getting there is an adventure. You'll be tackling the Ait Qalla Track, a rough, unpaved mountain road that screams for a 4x4 with good clearance. Think classic Moroccan desert: loose gravel, red dust, and sharp rocks just waiting to mess with your tires. It's short, but seriously rugged, so be prepared to be self-sufficient. The climb starts from another high point, the Tizi n'Tmourhas, right off the already-challenging R112. The Ait Qalla Track is only about 1.9 km (1.18 miles) to the top, but don't let that fool you. Even though the road's fairly straight, there are some seriously steep sections, hitting a 7% gradient. And, at that altitude, the air gets thin, so your engine might struggle a bit. Plus, the loose surface means you'll definitely want 4WD to avoid spinning out. The Tizi n’Merekse is exposed and dry. In summer, expect intense heat and zero shade. Traffic is basically non-existent, so if you have car trouble, you might be waiting a while for help. Before heading up the Ait Qalla Track, make sure your ride's in top shape and you've got plenty of water. The reward? Epic panoramic views of the valleys below – a perspective of the Anti-Atlas most travelers never see. It's the perfect little add-on for overlanders already conquering the wild R112 and looking to bag another high-altitude pass!