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
extremeTrans-Sahara Highway is 4.500km of true adventure in Africa
🌍 Algeria
Fancy a serious adventure? The Trans-Sahara Highway, stretching a whopping 4,500km (around 2,800 miles), slices right through Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria! It's not just a drive; it's a full-on immersion into one of the world’s most extreme environments. This epic route connects Algiers with Lagos, offering a chance to witness the Sahara in all its mesmerizing glory. While most of the TSH is now paved, keep in mind that some sections are still just sandy tracks, demanding a proper 4WD and serious desert driving skills. You’ll need to be totally self-sufficient with supplies and prepared to tackle some serious paperwork and visa hurdles. Heads up: in southern Algeria, a local escort is required by law, and the Algeria-Niger border can be closed due to regional instability. Even on the paved bits, be prepared for crazy sand drifts that can bury the road for days. Resources are scarce, sandstorms are common, and temperatures can soar to a brutal 50°C. Potholes and bumps abound, adding to the challenge. The Algerian stretch is considered the trickiest, with scorching heat and remote, unforgiving landscapes. While the central section is less traveled, it demands respect, careful planning, and robust vehicles to survive the desert's harsh conditions. Make sure your fuel and water are topped off – you don't want to get stranded!
moderateA5 road
🇱🇸 Lesotho
A5 road is a very scenic journey in Lesotho. Climbing up to 2.756m (9,041ft) above the sea level, it’s one of the highest roads of the country. The road was recently paved. It’s steep with countless turns. Driving at night, or in poor visibility, is not recommended for drivers unfamiliar with the road. This route is not recommended if your passengers are prone to car sickness. It’s 142 km long and links the A4 road (near Seforong in the Quthing District) and the A3 road (near Roma in the Maseru District). Open to traffic throughout the year. May be closed for short periods in winter when the weather is bad. Pic: Graham Maclachlan 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.
hardWhere is Van Reenens pass?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Alright, road trippers, buckle up for Van Reenen's Pass! This high-altitude beauty sits way up in the Drakensberg mountains, straddling the border between KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State. We're talking 1,777m (5,830ft) above sea level, so expect some serious views. This 52.3 km (32.49 miles) stretch of the N3, connecting Harrismith and Sand River Valley, should take you about 40-50 minutes without stops. And trust me, you'll WANT to stop – the scenery as you descend towards Ladysmith is epic. Now, a word of warning: this isn't just a Sunday drive. Van Reenen's Pass has a reputation, and not always a good one. It's a major trucking route, so traffic can be heavy. Plus, those steep sections (around 1:20) combined with wet, misty weather make for seriously slippery conditions and reduced visibility. Winds can be fierce, and have been known to topple lighter vehicles! And keep an eye on the weather forecast. While usually open year-round, heavy snow in winter can shut it down temporarily. So, while the views are stunning, remember to drive smart and stay safe out there!
moderateWhere is Misverstand Dam?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Swartland region of South Africa, about 125km north of Cape Town, heading for the awesome Misverstand Dam. This spot is a total haven for anyone who loves being on the water - think fishing, boating, lazy picnics... the works! Now, the road in is part of the adventure. Once you peel off the N7, you've got about 8.8 km of unpaved road to tackle. But don't worry, it's usually in pretty good nick. Just take your time and soak in the views. This road might be gravel, but it takes you straight to a proper watersports paradise!