What are the highest roads in South Africa?
South Africa, africa
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
# South Africa's Mountain Passes: A Driver's Dream
South Africa is seriously one of the most geographically stunning countries you'll ever drive through. The landscape is basically split between a massive, elevated inland plateau and a coastline that drops dramatically down via the Great Escarpment. It's geology at its most dramatic – and it makes for some incredible driving.
The crown jewel? The Drakensberg Mountains. These ancient, breathtaking peaks sit right at the edge of that escarpment, creating some of the most visually stunning mountainous terrain anywhere on the continent.
All this crazy geography has spawned an amazing network of high mountain passes that'll get your adrenaline pumping. These routes tackle some serious elevation and steep grades as they cross the escarpment face, giving you the kind of challenging driving that comes with absolutely mind-blowing views. If you're driving here during the Southern Hemisphere winter, you might even catch snow on these passes – which is pretty surreal given where you are on the map.
Ready to explore some of the world's most spectacular roads? Grab your map and start planning. Whether you're after heart-pounding curves or jaw-dropping vistas, South Africa's mountain passes deliver both in spades.
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in South Africa? is located in South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -30.9168, 22.5000
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -30.9168, 22.5000
Related Roads in africa
moderateTizi Tirkabine
🌍 Algeria
Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Tizi Tirkabine! This mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,362 meters (that's 4,468 feet!) in the stunning Djurdjura Mountains of northern Algeria, specifically in the Bouïra province. You'll find it nestled within the gorgeous Djurdjura National Park, accessible via the N30 road. Trust me, the scenery alone is worth the trip – think majestic peaks and lush cedar forests blanketing the hillsides. Now, let's be real: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is... challenging, let's say. You'll definitely need your wits about you! Expect asphalt, but don't be surprised if you need chains or snow tires, even outside of winter. This route demands respect!
hardAllemansnek Pass
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk about Allemansnek Pass in Mpumalanga, South Africa! This one tops out at a cool 1,847 meters (that's 6,059 feet for my imperial system friends). Don't expect any crazy switchbacks or hair-raising inclines here. It's a pretty chill drive on a paved road – the R543, to be exact. But what makes it special? Well, near the top, you'll find a memorial marking the site of a major battle during the Anglo-Boer War. On June 11th, 1900, this quiet pass was the scene of a fierce fight between Boer and British forces. So, you're not just driving through scenery; you're driving through history!
moderateChapman’s Peak Drive is one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives
🇿🇦 South Africa
# Chapman's Peak Drive: South Africa's Most Jaw-Dropping Coastal Route If you're hunting for one of the world's most spectacular drives, look no further than Chapman's Peak Drive on South Africa's Atlantic Coast. Locals call it "Chappies," and trust us—it lives up to the hype. Perched in the Western Cape province at the south-western tip of South Africa, this 9km (5.59-mile) toll road hugs the rocky coastline like a dream. The route connects Hout Bay to Noordhoek, carving dramatically into the near-vertical face of the mountain with 114 curves that'll keep you engaged the entire way. Built between 1915 and 1922 using convict labour, it was considered an engineering marvel of its time. After a rockfall closed it in 1990 and safety concerns kept it shut intermittently, a major renovation finally reopened the road in 2009, and it's been thrilling drivers ever since. Plan on 20-25 minutes to complete the drive—though you'll want to take it slow at the 40km/h speed limit anyway. Why rush when you're treated to 180-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Peninsula's western side? The towering mountain on one side and sheer ocean drops on the other create an adrenaline-pumping experience that's absolutely unforgettable. Several pull-off spots and picnic areas dot the route, perfect for catching your breath and soaking in those panoramic vistas. If you're lucky, you might spot whales and dolphins swimming below, or even curious baboon troops wandering past. The road sits at elevations up to 593m above sea level, offering some truly Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. Fair warning: the road occasionally closes during severe weather or landslides, so check conditions before you head out. But when it's open? It's pure magic.
extremeHow long is Tizi n'Test?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, buckle up, because the Tizi n'Test pass in Morocco is a RIDE. You'll find this insane stretch of road straddling the Marrakesh-Safi and Souss-Massa-Drâa regions. This beauty clocks in at about 48 km, running from Tafingoult up to Mouldikht. Built way back in the day (think 1920s-1930s) by the French, this road, known as Tizi n’Test Road (R203), was a game-changer, linking Marrakech with the Souss plains and the Sahara. The drive itself? About 75-90 minutes, give or take, depending on how many times you stop at those little cafes along the way. Now, let's talk real talk: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. If you get queasy looking down, maybe sit this one out. The road's narrow, like one-car-only narrow in spots, and those 500m cliffs are VERY real, with no guardrails. Plus, you're sharing the road with speedy taxis, buses, and lorries, not to mention locals selling their wares right on the corners. The 1,600m descent to Taroudannt? Intense. BUT, if you're an experienced driver and up for the challenge, the views are unreal. Think sweeping mountain vistas that will take your breath away. At the summit, snag a seat at the little restaurant for panoramic views of the Souss Valley and the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Maybe grab an egg tagine – fuel for the journey, right? Word to the wise: skip this one if it's raining (landslides are a thing), or if there's snow. And heads up, it can get seriously cloudy up there. Despite the hairpin turns and the occasional dodgy moment, it's a memory you won't forget.