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.
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.
Smuts Pass
Smuts Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.916m (6,286ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Majubanek Pass
Majubanek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.848m (6,0625ft) above the sea level, located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. There are some very steep sections at 1:5.
Masjiennek Pass
Masjiennek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.090m (6,856ft) above the sea level, located in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
De Jagersnek Pass
De Jagersnek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.870m (6,135ft) above the sea level, located in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The road is suitable for all vehicles, except in heavy rain or snow when 4WD would be much safer.
Jantjieshoek Pass
Jantjieshoek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.001m (6,564ft) above the sea level, located in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Think carefully before driving this pass, especially if poor weather is threatening and you are not in a 4WD vehicle.
Benjaminshoogte Pass
Benjaminshoogte Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.950m (6,397ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Vlaknek Pass
Vlaknek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.853m (6,079ft) above the sea level, located in the Free State, in South Africa. The road has moderate gradients and no corners.
Greylings Pass
Greylings Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.953m (6,407ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Cape, in South Africa. In snow or very wet weather, it’s recommended a 4WD vehicle to drive this pass. In fair weather it is suitable for all vehicles.
Mokobulaan Pass
Mokobulaan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.921m (6,302ft) above the sea level, located in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa.
Tiffindell Ski Resort
Tiffindell Ski Resort is the only ski resort in South Africa. Located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, the road to the resort climbs up to 2.780m (9,120ft) above the sea level. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
Foreshore Freeway Bridge is the unfinished bridge of SA
The bustling city of Cape Town, on South Africa’s southwest coast, launched a massive infrastructure project in the late 1960s to manage its ever-increasing traffic and congestion. Abandoned since the 1970’s, it’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Hattingshoogte Pass
Hattingshoogte Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.965m (6,446ft) above the sea level, located in KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa.
Tiffindell Resort-Tenahead Lodge road
Located in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, the Tiffindell Ski Resort-Tenahead Lodge road is one of the highest roads of the country, running entirely over 2.600m above the sea level.
A treacherous journey on the legendary Old Voortrekker Pass
Die Ou Voortrekkerpas (Old Voortrekker Pass) is a mountain pass at an elevation of 993m (3,257ft) above the sea level, located in the Western Cape province of South Africa.