When was Outeniqua Pass built?
South Africa, africa
18.2 km
792 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising through the Western Cape of South Africa? You HAVE to check out Outeniqua Pass! This beauty climbs to 800m (2,600ft) in the stunning Outeniqua Mountains.
Built between 1943 and 1951 by Italian POWs (talk about history!), this pass has been upgraded a couple of times since then, so you're in for a smooth ride.
We're talking a well-maintained, two-lane tar road - the N9/N12 national road, to be exact. Clocking in at 18.2 km (11.30 miles) between Oudtshoorn and George, it’s a sweet alternative to the other roads in the area.
Now, it does get a bit twisty – about 40 curves in total, with some steep sections hitting a 1:10 gradient. Plus, it's a popular route for big trucks, and accidents can sometimes lead to temporary closures. And heads up: mist and low-hanging clouds are common, so drive carefully! Rockfalls are also a risk, especially when it's wet.
But trust me, the views are SO worth it! There are three little parking areas near the top with killer vistas. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Indian Ocean. Seriously, pick a sunny day for this drive – you won't regret it!
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 18.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 792 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in africa
hardTizi n’Tiferguine
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the Dra-Tafilalt region of Morocco and you've got a serious 4x4 and a taste for adventure, then Tizi n'Tiferguine is calling your name. We're talking a high mountain pass, hitting 2,025 meters (that's 6,643 feet!) above sea level, tucked south of the majestic High Atlas mountains. Forget smooth sailing! This road is a wild ride – gravel, rocky, and bumpy doesn't even begin to cover it. This one’s for the experienced off-roaders only; if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, steer clear. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4, and a good head for heights. It’s a steep climb, with twists, turns, and narrow sections that'll keep you on your toes. Expect an intense up-and-down rollercoaster the whole way. Oh, and keep an eye on the weather – thunderstorms can turn this track into a real 4x4-only zone, or even make it impassable. But hey, you're not afraid of a challenge, are you?
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.
hardIs Lebelonyana Pass paved?
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Lebelonyana Pass in Lesotho's Quthing district! This high-altitude beauty sits at a lofty elevation, offering views that'll make your jaw drop. The road? Well, it's paved...sort of. Think of it as a bit rough around the edges, narrow in spots, and seriously steep – some sections will have your engine working overtime! Officially part of the A3, the locals call it the "Road To Likalaneng Pass." The western approach is a long, steady climb, while the eastern side is shorter but packs a punch with some wild, winding curves. Clocking in at around 42 kilometers (26 miles), this west-to-east traverse is usually open for business. However, keep an eye on the weather, as winter can bring snow and temporary closures. Just north of the pass, a gravel road (4x4 highly recommended!) beckons you to conquer a nearby mountain peak at an even higher elevation. Get ready for one of Lesotho's most epic drives!
hardVlaknek Pass
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, so you're cruising through the Free State in South Africa, and you spot a turnoff for Vlaknek Pass. This isn't your nail-biting, hairpin-turn kind of pass, but it still climbs up to a cool 1,853 meters (that's over 6,000 feet!). It's a pretty straightforward shot – think long, gently sloped sections rather than crazy curves. Now, here's the thing: when it rains, this track transforms into a mud-slicked adventure! Seriously, it can get super slippery and even impassable if the weather's bad, even for a 4x4. Under normal circumstances, though, a regular car with decent clearance can handle it, just take it slow and steady on those long, straight stretches. Keep an eye on the sky, though. Being up that high means you might encounter snow in the winter months, and trust me, you don't want to be caught unprepared!