Where is Gates of Paradise Pass?

Where is Gates of Paradise Pass?

Lesotho, africa

Length

26.5 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're in Lesotho, the "Mountain Kingdom," ready for an adventure. You're heading to the Gates of Paradise Pass in the Mafeteng District, and trust me, the name doesn't lie!

This pass is tucked away in the western part of the country, your gateway to the stunning Makhaleng Valley. So, why "Gates of Paradise?" Because the views from the top are simply breathtaking – some say they're the best you'll find while road-tripping through the real Africa. Seriously, you HAVE to pull over and snap some pics.

Now, let's talk about the road. It's mostly unpaved, so buckle up for a slow, bumpy ride. A 4x4 will make your life much easier; small cars might struggle. The corners are easy, but be prepared for some steep sections (think 1:5 gradients) as you approach and leave the summit.

The whole experience is about 26.5 km (16.46 miles) of pure, scenic bliss as you wind your way from Thabaneng to Phafoli. Get ready for some incredible scenery!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Lesotho
Continent
africa
Length
26.5 km
Difficulty
easy

Related Roads in africa

Djebel n'Ouhattar: Only Experienced Drivers with Advanced Off Road Skillshard

Djebel n'Ouhattar: Only Experienced Drivers with Advanced Off Road Skills

🇲🇦 Morocco

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a must-try for your Moroccan bucket list: Djebel n'Ouhattar. We're talking about a sky-high mountain pass clinging to the High Atlas Mountains in the Al Haouz Province. At a whopping 3,064 meters (that's 10,052 feet!) above sea level, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in Morocco. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The 16.3 km (10.12 miles) route, stretching from Oukaïmeden (Africa's highest ski resort!) to Timoummar, is entirely unpaved. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 with high clearance to tackle this beast. Be warned: snow usually makes it impassable from late October until late June or early July. Expect a seriously steep climb – hitting gradients of up to 14% – with a wild collection of 26 hairpin turns and stretches so narrow you'll be holding your breath! But the views? Oh, the views are totally worth the nail-biting experience!

Eselbank Pass in SA: 4x4 vehicles onlyhard

Eselbank Pass in SA: 4x4 vehicles only

🇿🇦 South Africa

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Eselbank Pass (aka Kerskop Pass) in South Africa's Western Cape! We're talking serious mountain vibes at 978m (3,208ft) up in the Cederberg Wilderness Area. Now, listen up: this ain't a Sunday drive in your average sedan. This 39.6 km (24.60 miles) track running from Wuppertal to Cederberg Oasis is mostly unpaved, and some sections are crazy steep (up to 1:5 gradient!), so a 4x4 is essential. Seriously, this is more track than road at times, especially when the weather turns sour. Parts are super narrow, so get ready to "make a plan" when you meet another vehicle. Expect a 1.5-2 hour slow and steady trek. After you follow the low-level causeway, a sign warns you about taking the right fork with your 4x4. Then you climb a concrete base, hit a hairpin, and the road heads south, climbing steadily for another 2 km to the next switchback onto concrete. The second half is very steep, so take it slowly and enjoy the amazing views all around you. You'll be rewarded with weathered red Cederberg sandstone formations and a sandy track at the summit. Soon you will skirt some Rooibos tea plantations and experience some relatively easy sections. Be careful - the track can be soft and sandy, and if you are not in a 4x4, this section might give you problems. Before the sharp right-hand bend at the causeway at Eselbank, take a 200 meter detour to look at the Eselbank Waterfall.

Driving the 4x4 road to Tizi n’Termant is not a piece of cakemoderate

Driving the 4x4 road to Tizi n’Termant is not a piece of cake

🇲🇦 Morocco

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Tizi n’Termant in Morocco! This insane mountain pass punches way up to 9,711 feet, making it one of the highest in the whole country. You'll find it nestled in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, east of its slightly-less-extreme sibling, Tizi n’Tadermant, and north of Tinghir. Now, fair warning: this isn’t a Sunday cruise. We're talking a full 31.8 miles of unpaved, seriously rough road snaking through the Atlas Mountains from Bou Azmou to Zerchane. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's mandatory! But trust me, the views are epic, the kind that'll have you pulling over every five minutes to snap photos. Just be prepared for a wild ride!

Ziz Gorges: A Comprehensive Travel Guidehard

Ziz Gorges: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

🇲🇦 Morocco

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet region, specifically the Errachidia Province. You're about to dive into the Gorges du Ziz, a canyon carved by the Ziz River. Trust me, this is epic! You’ll be twisting and turning along National Route 13 (N13), a fully paved but oh-so-challenging road tucked into the Eastern High Atlas. Think countless hairpin turns, dramatic cliffs looming over you, and scenery that'll make your jaw drop. Seriously, even in a sturdy Unimog, it feels narrow at times! Keep your eyes peeled for those bus drivers—they can be a bit… enthusiastic… when overtaking. This 55.4 km (34.42 miles) stretch runs from Errachidia to Kerrandou, and the real highlight is between the Legionnaire’s Tunnel (built way back in the 30s!) and the dam of Barrage Al-Hassan Addakhil (hello, stunning lake!). Expect mind-blowing views of the Ziz River's upper course, a totally dramatic landscape. There are plenty of viewpoints and picnic spots to pull over and soak it all in. Trust me, you’ll want to!