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.

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 is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.031m (6,663ft) above the sea level, located in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Clarence Drive is the name of a very scenic coastal road in the south of South Africa. It was built by Italian prisoners in the 1940’s.

South Africa is known for its stunning natural beauty, with breathtaking mountain ranges, picturesque valleys, and winding rivers that provide a haven for nature lovers and adventure-seekers alike. Among these natural wonders is the Prince Albert Pass, a winding mountain road that offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

There are millions of roads in the world. Many of these roads cut across rural or uninhabited areas where numerous domesticated and wild animals wander freely. In this article, we reveal some of the most vulnerable animals and accident hotspots in 10 selected countries (based on most cars per capita).