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
easyTop 4 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Travel to Ethiopia
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Okay, buckle up for the Semien Lodge Road in Ethiopia! This wild stretch winds its way through the Simien Mountains National Park. We're talking about a roughly 21-mile (34 km) unpaved adventure, climbing from around 8,700 feet (2650m) to a lung-busting 12,139 feet (3700m). Expect a slow and bumpy ride – think washboards, loose gravel, and maybe the occasional pothole the size of a small car. But oh man, the views! Imagine sweeping panoramas of jagged peaks, deep valleys, and unique wildlife like the Gelada baboon. Just be prepared for some serious exposure; some sections are seriously narrow with steep drops. It's a heart-pumping drive, but the scenery is absolutely worth it.
easyD1986 is a Road Through a Salt Field on the Coast of Namibia
🇳🇦 Namibia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the D1986 in Namibia, right on the edge of the Atlantic in Walvis Bay. This isn't your average road trip; it's a visual feast! This freshly paved 21.6km (13.42 miles) stretch takes you east to west from the city all the way to Paaltjies Parking Area, and it's all about the salt. We're talking seriously cool salt lakes. You're driving right through one of Africa's biggest solar evaporation facilities, a massive 3,500-hectare area where they pull in a crazy 24 million tons of seawater every year. The result? Over 700,000 tons of top-notch salt. It's not just a road; it's a working landscape, a photographer's dream, and a totally unique travel experience.
hardWhere is Mount Tullu Dimtu?
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Okay, picture this: Tullu Dimtu, a seriously high peak in southeastern Ethiopia, about 450 km from Addis Ababa. We're talking the fourth highest in the whole country! The road up? It's an adventure. You'll start in a town at 2,600 meters, then head to the Bale Mountains National Park entrance. The road winds its way up to over 4,000 meters across the Sanetti Plateau, before a smaller, unpaved track heads for the summit. The B22 section is sandy and high! Watch out for some serious elevation gain, but the views are unreal. At the very top you'll find a telecommunication facility. The scenery is truly something else, though – totally worth the challenging drive.
hardTizi Bouzabel
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Let me tell you about Tizi Bouzabel, a Moroccan mountain pass that’ll leave you breathless (and maybe a little carsick!). We're talking 2,267 meters (that's 7,437 feet!) up in the Boulemane Province of Fès-Meknès. The P5115 road is paved, which is a plus, but don't let that fool you. It's a real rollercoaster with more twists, turns, and narrow sections than you can shake a stick at. Seriously, this route will test your driving skills, so maybe leave it to the pros if you're not a seasoned driver. And definitely avoid it at night or when the weather's dodgy. Expect a super steep climb. Oh, and a word to the wise: light meals only before this drive. Trust me on this one. The views though? Totally worth it.