
When Was the R332 Road Built?
South Africa, africa
171 km
1,157 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for an epic South African adventure on the R332, nestled in the Eastern Cape! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 171 km (106-mile) trek from Willowmore to Andrieskraal via Studtis, mostly on a single-lane gravel road built way back in the late 1800s by the legendary Thomas Bain.
Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one – it's unpaved and can get pretty hairy. You'll climb to a lofty 1,157 m (3,795 ft) and ford the Baviaans River not once, but ten times! Those river crossings are no joke; water levels can change in a flash, especially with rain. Even if it looks shallow enough for a regular car, be cautious – seasonal rains can cause serious washouts.
Give yourself about 5 hours to soak it all in (without stops). The scenery is stunning, but remember, you're heading into a remote area with zero cellphone reception in Baviaanskloof. So, slow down, enjoy the ride, and prepare to be amazed!
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 171 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,157 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in africa
moderateIs the road to Griffin's Hill Pass paved?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, buckle up, road-trippers! We're heading to Griffin's Hill Pass in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa! This beauty sits at a cool 5,217 feet above sea level in the eastern part of the country. Good news for everyone: the whole shebang is paved! We're talking about the old national road between Estcourt and Mooi River, so you know it's got some history. It's generally open year-round, which is awesome, but keep an eye on the weather in winter. It's high enough to get snow, and they might close it down if things get too wild. The pass stretches for about 30 miles from south to north, starting near Frere (named after that Governor guy from way back when). You'll climb a decent amount getting to the top, but nothing too crazy. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery. It's a classic South African drive!
extremeWhere is Bushman's Pass?
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for Bushman's Pass, aka Lekhalong-la-Baroa, nestled high in Lesotho's Maseru district. This beauty sits west of the epic, reaching a cool 2,266m (7,434ft) above sea level. What's the road like? Paved and oh-so-curvy! You'll be snaking along the A3, tackling a steep climb with some sections hitting a 1:5 gradient. Get ready for a wild ride with 65 bends, corners, and curves to keep you on your toes! This epic pass stretches for 46km (28.58 miles), linking Nazareth to Likalaneng in a west-to-east adventure. Word of caution: this is the central highlands, so weather can be a beast. Keep an eye on the forecast, especially in winter. Snow and ice are regular visitors at the summit and can make the road super dicey. Be smart, be safe, and get ready for incredible views!
moderateR704: Conquering Morocco's Toughest Road in the High Atlas
🇲🇦 Morocco
# Morocco's R704: The Ultimate High Atlas Adventure Tucked deep in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains, the R704 is genuinely one of the most intense driving experiences on the planet. This isn't your everyday road trip—it's a serious test of skill and nerves that reaches a jaw-dropping 2,910 meters (9,547 feet) above sea level. You'll find this beast in Tinghir Province, in the Drâa-Tafilalet region in eastern Morocco. The route stretches 77 kilometers (48 miles) from the stunning Boumalne Dades to the remote village of Agoudal, running north through the spectacular Gorges du Dadès. Fair warning: you'll absolutely need a 4x4 vehicle for this one—seriously, don't even think about attempting it otherwise. The landscape is wild and unpredictable. The first 70 kilometers are paved, which is nice while it lasts. Then you hit the piste—a rough, unforgiving dirt track that'll humble even experienced drivers. We're talking sweeping curves on slippery, rock-hard gravel that demands complete focus. The entire route sits above 1,600 meters elevation, with notable passes like Tizi n'Bou Oudi (2,794m), Tizi-n'Ouano (2,910m), and Jebel Ouamenzri (2,583m) throwing obstacles your way. Winter? Forget about it—this road doesn't get plowed. The views are absolutely stunning though. You'll weave through dramatic gorges, spot historic kasbahs, and watch the landscape shift from snowy peaks to semi-desert terrain. It's genuinely otherworldly. But let's be real: this road shows no mercy. You're driving inches from sheer drops with zero barriers in places. Single-track sections with hairpin turns mean meeting another vehicle is genuinely nightmarish. There's a notorious sticky clay puddle that'll trap you if you're not careful, and rain transforms this already-challenging route into something seriously treacherous. Plan your visit for March to May (lower valleys) or May to July (mountain sections) for the best conditions.
moderateWhere is Oukaïmeden ski resort?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, picture this: You're in Morocco, ditching the beach for the *High* Atlas Mountains! You're heading to Oukaïmeden, a ski resort way up in Al Haouz Province. Get this, it's said to be the highest in Africa, perched at a cool 8,602 feet! To get there, you'll cruise along the P2030, a totally paved road that starts in Tamezindert (off the P2017). This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. The road is about 18.7 miles of pure driving bliss. It twists and climbs through the valley, gaining over 5,300 feet in elevation. Expect some serious switchbacks and grades hitting up to 8%. Keep your eyes peeled for some pretty incredible scenery and maybe even some ancient petroglyphs as you approach the town. Oh, and remember, you're in the shadow of the Toubkal Heights, so the views are gonna be epic! Just concentrate on the road – it demands your full attention!