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.
Swartberg Pass, switchbacks and breathtaking views at every turn
Swartberg Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.574m (5,164ft) above sea level, located in the Western Cape province of South Africa.
Sani Pass is a hairy drive to the roof of Africa
Sani Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.876m (9,400ft) above the sea level, located on the border of South Africa and Lesotho. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
Driving Die Hel, South Africa's Road To Hell
Die Hel is a valley located in the Western Cape Province, on the southwestern coast of South Africa. The road to Die Hel is rather dangerous.
Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives
Located on South Africa's Atlantic Coast, Chapman’s Peak Drive ranks among the world's most breathtaking coastal drives, offering unparalleled scenic beauty and thrilling twists along the way.
Bainskloof Pass is a drive worth taking in SA
Bainskloof Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 597m (1,958ft) above sea level, located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It’s said to be one of South Africa’s finest scenic passes.
A journey on the legendary Montagu Pass of SA
Montagu Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 741m (2,431ft) above sea level, situated in the Western Cape province of South Africa.
Travel guide to the top of Prince Alfred Pass in SA
Prince Alfred's Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,040m (3,412ft) above sea level, located in South Africa.
Eselbank Pass in SA: 4x4 vehicles only
Eselbank Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 978m (3,208ft) above sea level located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. This route is not recommended for normal cars.
What are the highest roads in South Africa?
Located on the southernmost tip of the African continent, South Africa is one of the most geographically varied countries of the continent. The mountain ranges of the country are some of the oldest and most beautiful in the world, and several of the highest peaks have snow in the Southern hemisphere winter season.
A memorable road trip to Rooiberg Pass in SA
Rooiberg Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 798m (2,618ft) above sea level, located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
A challenging drive to Naude's Neck Pass in SA
Naude's Neck Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.592m (8,503ft) above sea level, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. This pass is not for the faint-hearted, and even in full 4WD, vehicles can slide around on the muddy surfaces. It’s one of the highest roads of South Africa.
A scenic paved road to Tradouw Pass in South Africa
Tradouw Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 352m (1,154ft) above sea level, located in the Western Cape Province in South Africa. It is truly one of those mountain passes that you must drive.
A dangerous paved road to Van Reenen's Pass in South Africa
Van Reenen's Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.777m (5,830ft) above sea level, located in the Free State province of South Africa. This pass produces a fair portion of South Africa’s trucking accidents.
De Beer's Pass is one of the most dangerous roads of South Africa
De Beer's Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,722m (5,649ft) above sea level, located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. This is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the country and has been the site of a number of fatal accidents.
Adventure along Bosluiskloof Pass in SA
Bosluiskloof Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.124m (3,687ft) above the sea level, located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Focused attention by drivers required.
A fairly extreme road for experienced drivers to Carlisleshoek Pass
Carlisleshoek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.563m (8,408ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. You don't need 4x4, but you do need controlled power, particularly where the cement strips zigzag their way up the most extreme section. It’s one of the highest roads of South Africa.
Lootsberg Pass is the highest road in the Karoo
Lootsberg Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.781m (5,843ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
Outeniqua Pass offers spectacular views changing at every corner
Outeniqua Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 800m (2,600ft) above the sea level, located in the Western Cape province of South Africa.
Travel Guide to Joubert's Pass in the Witteberg Mountains
Joubert's Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,234m (7,329ft) above sea level, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, near the border with Lesotho.
Barkly Pass is a sensational drive in South Africa
Barkly Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.018m (6,620ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Hela Hela Pass is a steep unpaved road in South Africa
Hela Hela Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.199m (3,934ft) above the sea level, located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.
Cala Pass, a sensational road in Eastern Cape
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.
Dare to drive the Volunteershoek Pass
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.
The unpaved road to Misverstand Dam
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.
If you love to drive, you will love the Penhoek Pass road
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.
A scenic paved road to Katbakkies Pass
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.
A scenic road to Garcia's Pass
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, one of SA's best roads
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 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.