Where does Border Road 10 start and end?
Egypt, africa
190 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: driving a super-secret road, basically hugging the border between Israel and Egypt. That's Border Road 10 for you – a 190 km (118 mile) stretch of asphalt slicing through the Negev Desert. Seriously restricted, almost always closed, and patrolled by the military, it's not your average Sunday drive.
Think raw desert vibes, zero services (gas, cell signal, nada!), and some seriously intense history. We're talking about driving right next to a high-tech border fence, spotting Egyptian guard posts across the line, and feeling like you're in a real-life spy movie.
This road runs north to south, connecting the area near the Gaza Strip with the Red Sea near Eilat. Word is, the military sometimes opens it up during Jewish holidays (like Sukkot or Passover), but only for a few hours and in daylight. You *definitely* need to check with them beforehand because things can change fast.
The road itself? Paved, but not always pretty. Expect some rough patches, heat damage, and sand drifts. You'll climb to around 450 meters (1,476 feet) in the Negev Highlands, where the views of the Sinai Desert and the Eilat Mountains are mind-blowing. Pro tip: pack EVERYTHING. Fuel, food, and a ton of water are non-negotiable.
This road isn't just about the scenery, though. It's a vital artery for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), letting them quickly respond to anything happening at the border. Plus, those high-up spots along the way? They offer incredible views of the Egyptian desert – it's a crucial spot for keeping an eye on things in a very sensitive area.
Road Details
- Country
- Egypt
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 190 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in africa
hardHow To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Tizi Tigherrouzine
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! We're heading to the Col de Tizi Tigherrouzine, a seriously epic mountain pass way up in Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet region. At a whopping 2,675 meters (that's 8,776 feet!), this baby is one of the highest roads in the whole country! You'll find it clinging to the eastern side of the High Atlas Mountains, and guess what? It's paved! Yep, the R703 has been smooth sailing since 2014. But don't get too comfy – this road is still a wild ride. Think hairpin turns galore, seriously steep climbs, and weather that can throw you for a loop. This hidden gem winds its way for 34.4 kilometers (21.37 miles) between Agoudal and Aït Hani, running north to south. Trust me, the scenery alone is worth the white knuckles. Get ready for views that will blow your mind!
hardAdventure Along the R332 Road in Eastern Cape
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure awaits in South Africa's Eastern Cape! The R332, stretching 171 km (106 miles) from Willowmore to Andrieskraal (via Studtis), is a wild gravel road that’ll test your mettle – and your car. Word is that legendary road engineer Thomas Bain himself carved this one out back in the late 1800s! Forget smooth tarmac, this is an entirely unpaved, single-lane beauty (with a few navigable sections) that demands respect – a 4x4 is seriously recommended. Prepare for some serious elevation, too, as you climb to 1,157 m (3,795 ft). And get ready to get wet! You'll be fording the Baviaans River *ten times*. Don't underestimate these crossings – even if they look shallow. Rain can change everything in an instant, and seasonal deluges can cause serious washouts. Set aside about 5 hours for the drive, but that's without any stops to soak it all in. Also, this is true off-the-grid stuff; say goodbye to your cellphone signal once you enter the Baviaanskloof. The scenery, though, is beyond worth it. Get ready for a truly unforgettable ride!
moderateWhere is Tizi N´Talghaumt?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through central Morocco, right on the edge of the Middle and High Atlas mountains. You're tackling the Tizi N´Talghaumt pass, sitting pretty at 1,907m (6,256ft). This beauty marks the spot where Errachidia province meets Khénifra province. It's a 50.8 km (31.56 miles) stretch of sweet, paved road, Route Nationale N°13 (N-13), taking you from Ait El Abbass up to Midelt. Sure, it gets a little steep in places, but nothing your ride can't handle. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The views are insane: rugged cliffs, crazy deep gorges, and these valleys bursting with green. And the payoff? At the top, you're looking out over the whole world! Plus, if you're feeling adventurous, there's a little gravel road that’ll take you even higher to Aguerdn Zegzaoun Pass at 2,339m (7,673ft). Trust me, your camera roll will thank you.
hardWhat are the highest roads in South Africa?
🇿🇦 South Africa
# 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.