Roads of South Africa

In the vast expanse where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans brush against golden shores and the Big Five roam freely, South Africa unfolds a tapestry of roads as rich in beauty as the country's storied heritage. The Swartberg Pass, with its switchbacks and serpentine twists, showcases a dance of earth and sky, offering breathtaking vistas at each twist and turn.

For thrill-seekers, the formidable Sani Pass awaits, spiraling its way to the roof of Africa, each bend challenging one's mettle and unveiling unparalleled views of the mighty Drakensberg Mountains. Delve into the depths of the intriguing Die Hel, often referred to as South Africa's 'Road To Hell', a journey as captivating in its mystique as it is in its rugged terrain. But for those who find solace in the embrace of the ocean, the Chapman’s Peak Drive is an unrivaled experience. Winding its way along the coast, this drive effortlessly merges the sheer might of jagged cliffs with the serene beauty of the azure Atlantic, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

In South Africa, every stretch of tarmac, gravel, or dirt isn't merely a road; it's a narrative of nature's splendor, engineering marvels, and timeless tales. So, rev up the engine, let the rhythms of the Rainbow Nation guide your journey, and embark on an odyssey where every mile is a memory waiting to be made.

Cala Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.517m (4,977ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Cape, province of South Africa.

Volunteershoek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.567m (8421 ft) above the sea level, sea level, located in Eastern Cape, South Africa. This is strictly a 4x4 only route. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Misverstand Dam is a combined gravity & arch type dam located near Porterville, Western Cape, in South Africa. It’s a perfect place for any water enthusiast.

Penhoek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.852m (6,076ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

Katbakkies Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.198m (3,930ft) above the sea level, located deep in the Swartruggens Mountains, in Western Cape, South Africa.

Garcia's Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 548m (1,797ft) above the sea level, located North of Riversdale in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

Long Tom Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.151m (7,057ft) above the sea level, located in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Matroosberg is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.249m (7,378ft) above the sea level, located in Western Cape (South Africa).

South Africa is a country renowned for its varied topography and occupies the southern tip of the African continent.

Located in the heart of the Eastern Cape, in South Africa, the R332 Road is a real adventure. Mostly a single lane gravel road this is a beautiful area but drive slowly and carefully. It should be driven only by a 4x4.

Swaershoek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.981m (6,499ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

Molteno Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.204m (3,950ft) above the sea level, located in Western Cape province of South Africa. It’s said to be South Africa's first mountain pass.

Mike's Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.931m (6,335ft) above the sea level, located in the KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Private vehicles are no longer allowed on the pass.

Otto Du Plessis Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.115m (6,938ft) located in the Eastern Cape, in South Africa. The pass has all the elements a classic gravel road pass of intrigue, danger, views and technical driving.

Donkey Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.394m (7,854ft) above the sea level, located in the Free State province of South Africa. It’s a 4x4 track with concreted strips. 

Griffin's Hill Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.590m (5,217ft) above the sea level, in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.

Old Mill Drift 4x4 is an amazing drive in the Free State, South Africa, with a length of 28.6km. The trail requires a 4WD vehicle with low range and good ground clearance.

Mariepskop Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.942m (6,371ft) above the sea level, located in Mpumalanga. It’s one of the great South African passes.

Located in the Southern Cape of South Africa, the Gourits River Bridge is 131.88 m (432.69 ft) long. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Normandien Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.992m (6,535ft) above the sea level, located in Kwa Zulu-Natal, South Africa. This pass is recommended to be driven in a 4x4 or 4x2 bakkie with diff-lock.

Steenkampsberg Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.248m (7,375ft) above the sea level, located in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Hanse Kop is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.159m (3,802ft) above the sea level, located in the Western Cape province of South Africa.

Baster Voetslaan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.240m (7,349ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Avoid the pass entirely when it is wet, as conditions get slippery at best.

Lundins Nek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.170m (7,119ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Cape, in South Africa.

Ikhupe Pass (also known as Mkupe Pass) is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.469m (4,820ft) above the sea level, located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.

Ouberg Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.014m (3,326ft) above the sea level, located in the Western Cape province of South Africa.

Lichens Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.953m (6,407ft) above the sea level, located in the Free State of South Africa.

Perdepoort Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 906m (2,972ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

Clivia Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.968m (6,456ft) above the sea level, located in Mpumalanga, in eastern South Africa.

Ongeluks Nek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.541m (8,336ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, near the border with Lesotho. This is a high rainfall area, therefore this track is often very muddy and slippery. No road maintenance is done on this road. Do not travel this pass in severe weather conditions. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of South Africa.

Ben Macdhui is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.995m (9,826ft) located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It’s one of the highest roads of the country. Even in summer you can confront with snowy days.

Endoumeni Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.375m (4,511ft) above the sea level, located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.

Rooinek Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 782m (2,565ft) above the sea level, located in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Santa Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.068m (6,784ft) above the sea level, located in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Jaap se Hoogte is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.888m (6,194ft) above the sea level, located in Mpumalanga, in South Africa.

Vanrooyshoogte Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.023m (6,637ft) above the sea level, located in the Free State, South Africa.

Qacha's Nek is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.989m (6,525ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Lesotho and South Africa.

Groot Zuikerboschkop Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.102m (6,896ft) above the sea level, located in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The road is not suitable for vehicles with low clearance and even 4x4's will have issues here in wet weather.

Bottelnek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.201m (7,221ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Cape, in South Africa.