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
easyDriving the scenic Clarence Drive in South Africa
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! You HAVE to add Clarence Drive to your South Africa itinerary. This coastal gem, located on the east coast of False Bay, is just a hop, skip, and a jump – about 60km – from Cape Town. This beauty, also known as Clarens Drive (R44), stretches for a sweet 22.2km between Rooi-Els and the naval town of Gordon's Bay. Fun fact: it was carved into the landscape by Italian prisoners of war back in the 1940s! Now, hold onto your hats, because this fully paved road isn't just a drive, it's an *experience*. With 77 bends and a few sharp corners, this road keeps you on your toes. Just watch out for potential rockfalls or mudslides after heavy rains. Overtaking opportunities are rare so take your time and savor the views. Speaking of views, prepare to be wowed! Towering mountains on one side, and breathtaking coastal vistas of False Bay, Table Mountain, and the Cape Peninsula on the other. Keep your eyes peeled for whales (seasonal!), adorable jackass penguins, and playful dolphins. Just a heads-up, it gets pretty popular during the summer holidays!
hardR7 is the Unpaved Road Through Ruaha National Park
🇹🇿 Tanzania
Okay, picture this: You're smack-dab in the middle of Tanzania, in Ruaha National Park – the BIGGEST one in the whole country! We’re talking over 20,000 square kilometers of raw, untamed Africa. Think endless plateaus, dramatic rocky hills (they call 'em kopjes), golden grasslands stretching as far as the eye can see, and those crazy cool baobab trees that look like they're upside down. And the best part? You basically have the whole place to yourself! Now, about the road... Forget smooth tarmac. We're talking a bumpy gravel track – they call it the R7. Leave your sedan at home, you're gonna need a 4x4 for this adventure! This road is open year-round, but be warned: during the dry season, it's a seriously corrugated and sandy ride. And when the rains come (November to February for a little shower, March to April for the full monsoon), even a 4x4 might struggle. But hey, that's half the fun, right?
moderateIs Tikjda Pass paved?
🌍 Algeria
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Tikjda Pass! Nestled high in Algeria's Bouïra province, in the Djurdjura Mountains, this paved beauty (Route N33) climbs to 1,462m (4,796ft). Clocking in at 23km (14.29 miles) running from Slim, it's not a cruise in the park. Expect some tight squeezes and dramatic drop-offs that'll definitely keep you on your toes! So, is it worth it? Absolutely! The summit boasts a ski resort, and the surrounding landscape is breathtaking. Think cedar forests blanketing peaks and hillsides. Nearby, you can check out incredible viewpoints like Point de vue du Djurdjura and Gouffre de l’Akouker – on a clear day, you can even spot the Mediterranean Sea! A short trek will get you to the Takouatz Guerisséne, a small glacier. Plus, Lake Goulmin is just 10km west – a detour you won't regret. This four-season resort is an awesome spot for snow sports in winter and all sorts of activities in the summer. Once off-limits due to unrest, Tikjda now welcomes visitors to soak in the peaceful vibes and natural beauty. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
moderateBetsiboka Bridge is the longest bridge of Madagascar
🇲🇬 Madagascar
Okay, picture this: you're in central-northern Madagascar, right? You're cruising along Route 4, a major artery connecting Mahajanga and Antananarivo, and BAM! You hit the Betsiboka Bridge. This isn't just any bridge; it's supposedly the longest in the whole country! We're talking roughly 350 meters of iron planks stretching across the mighty Betsiboka River. Seriously, it's a stunner. This bridge is an experience in itself!