What are the most spectacular roads in 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.
Matroosberg Peak: courage is required to drive to the summit
Matroosberg is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.249m (7,378ft) above the sea level, located in Western Cape (South Africa).
Biggest altitude gain ranking of 500 South African passes
South Africa is a country renowned for its varied topography and occupies the southern tip of the African continent.
Adventure along the R332 Road
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: suitable for all vehicles in fair weather
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.
The road to Molteno Pass, South Africa's first mountain pass
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.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Mike's 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, one of the most beautiful mountain roads in the Eastern Cape
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.
Adventure Along The Wild Road to Donkey Pass
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.
Guide to Griffin's Hill Pass
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.
Adventure along the Old Mill Drift 4x4
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.
A steep road to Mariepskop Pass
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.
Crossing the narrow Gourits River Bridge
Located in the Southern Cape of South Africa, the Gourits River Bridge is 131.88 m long. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
A funny challenging road to Normandien Pass
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.
The inhumane climb to Hanse Kop with 27% ramps
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.
Road trip guide: Conquering the Steenkampsberg Pass
Steenkampsberg Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.248m (7,375ft) above the sea level, located in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
An epic enthralling road to Baster Voetslaan Pass
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.
The road to Lundins Nek Pass is not suitable for normal cars
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.
A paved road to the summit of Ikhupe Pass
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.
Driving the wild road to Ouberg Pass
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: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
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.
Clivia Pass: a curvy paved road to the summit
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.
Perdepoort Pass, a sensational road 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.
Ongeluks Nek Pass: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
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 Peak
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.
A memorable road trip to Endoumeni Pass
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.
A scenic paved road to Rooinek Pass
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
Santa Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.068m (6,784ft) above the sea level, located in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Road trip guide: Conquering Jaap se Hoogte
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
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.
Driving the challenging road to Qacha's Nek border
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.
Bottelnek Pass
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.
Groot Zuikerboschkop Pass
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.
Pitseng Pass
Pitseng Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.900m (6,233ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. It is quite OK to drive it in a normal car in clear, dry weather.
Allemansnek Pass
Allemansnek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.847m (6,059ft) above the sea level, located in Mpumalanga, South Africa. This pass is straightforward with no sharp curves or steep gradients.
Travel guide to the top of Uitkyk Pass
Uitkyk Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.022m (3,353ft) above the sea level, located in Western Cape, in South Africa.
Sak se Pad Pass
Sak se Pad Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.942m (6,371ft) above the sea level, located in KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa. The road to the pass is not for sissies. This route should not be attempted by inexperienced off-road drivers or in a single vehicle.
Kastrolnek Pass
Kastrolnek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.031m (6,663ft) above the sea level, located in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Sentinel Peak
Sentinel Peak is a high mountain parking lot at an elevation of 2.545m (8,349ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
Ferndale Scenic Circle 4x4 Route
Ferndale Scenic Circle 4x4 Route is a 18.7km loop located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Vehicles need good ground clearance. The trail goes through some of the highest peaks in the Henderson Heights range.