A Scenic Paved Road to Katbakkies Pass
South Africa, africa
52.5 km
1,198 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk Katbakkies Pass in South Africa's Western Cape! This beauty climbs to almost 4,000 feet, so get ready for some serious elevation.
"Katbakkies" apparently means "Cat's Face" or "Car's Boot" - how cool is that? You'll find it nestled in the southwestern part of the country.
They've recently paved the road, but don't think it's a walk in the park! It's seriously steep – like a 1-in-12 gradient – so make sure your car is up for the challenge. The road's on the narrow side, too, so take it easy and soak in the crazy-beautiful, barren scenery.
The pass stretches for about 32 miles, winding from the R355 road to a place called Die Dorp Op Die Berg.
Being on the edge of the Groenfontein Private Nature Reserve, the views are just unreal. If you're a photographer, prepare to lose your mind – especially at the first lookout. This spot is right on the southern edge of the Tanqua Karoo, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
Perched high in the Swartruggens Mountains, Katbakkies Pass experiences it all, from snowy winters (a HUGE tourist draw!) to scorching summers. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
A Scenic Paved Road to Katbakkies Pass is located in South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -29.7319, 23.3956
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 52.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,198 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -29.7319, 23.3956
Related Roads in africa
hardIs the Road to Matroosberg Peak Unpaved?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Matroosberg Peak in South Africa's Western Cape Province is calling, boasting an impressive 2,249m (7,378 ft) summit. Forget smooth asphalt! The route, affectionately known as the Matroosberg 4x4 Trail, is pure, unadulterated off-road fun: think rocks, stones, sand, and gravel all the way. The initial stretch is manageable, but don't get complacent; steeper, rockier climbs are definitely in your future. From the moment you leave Bo-Swaarmoed Road, you're in for a 14.9 km (9.25 miles) climb. The trail throws an elevation gain of 1,079 m your way, meaning you'll be dealing with an average gradient of 7.24%. Now, if you're brave enough to tackle this beast in winter, prepare for a snowy spectacle! The slopes transform into a winter wonderland, offering a unique 4x4 experience. Just be mindful of the cutoff times if there's heavy snow to make sure you get back before nightfall. Whether you're after guaranteed snow or a mud-slinging adventure, Matroosberg delivers year-round!
extremeThe difficult road to the abandoned mines of Ahouli
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're up for a seriously off-the-beaten-path experience, you HAVE to check out Ahouli. This former mining village is tucked away in the heart of Morocco, between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. Ahouli's got a fascinating (and slightly eerie) history. It was a bustling mine back in the day, but after the veins dried up, it became a ghost town. Crazy, right? Even now, you might spot some brave souls sneaking in to scavenge – talk about dedication! The whole place is like a time capsule, with abandoned buildings and mining equipment slowly being swallowed by the desert. Now, getting there is an adventure in itself. The 26 km road from Midelt is not for the faint of heart! You’ll wind through the stunning Gorges de la Moulouya on a narrow, unpaved road. Forget guardrails – you're on your own! The landscape is breathtaking, though, all rugged brown rocks alongside the rushing Moulouya River, with pops of vibrant pink flowers. Seriously Instagrammable… if you dare to take your eyes off the road. The real kicker? A seriously sketchy old bridge – think single iron beam and a bunch of wobbly wooden planks. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this trip, especially if it's been raining. But if you're looking for a unique travel experience, Ahouli is calling your name. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
moderateHow to Drive the Wild Road to Tizi n’Tirghist
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to Tizi n’Tirghist, a seriously epic mountain pass chilling way up high in Morocco's Béni Mellal-Khénifra region. I'm talking a staggering 2,633 meters (that's 8,638 feet!) above sea level, making it one of the highest roads you'll find in the whole country. You'll find this beast, also called Tizi-n-Tirghist, nestled in the Azilal Province, right in the heart of Morocco. The good news? This road, P3107, has been paved recently! The not-so-good news? Get ready for a wild ride with tons of twists, turns, and some seriously steep sections. We're talking an average gradient of around 10%, so hold on tight! This unforgettable pass stretches for about 15 kilometers (or 9.32 miles) as it climbs from Aghbalou in the south all the way north to the R302 road. The views? Totally worth it!
hardWhere is Skeleton Coast?
🇳🇦 Namibia
Located along Namibia’s hauntingly barren Skeleton Coast, in the country’s northwest, the Skeleton Coast Road is one of the most stunning drives in the world. Where is Skeleton Coast? The road is tucked away in the Skeleton Coast National Park, in the northern part of the Atlantic coast of Namibia, between the coast and the central plains, near the Angola border, in southwest Africa. Why is the Skeleton Coast famous? The coast is famous all over the world for the many shipwrecks which litter its shoreline. Nicknamed the world’s largest ship cemetery, the reason for the wrecks is the thick fog that occurs there when the warm air from the desert meets the cold moist air coming in from the Atlantic Ocean. Further north is the Cape Cross Seal Reserve. Can you drive to Skeleton Coast? The road, officially known as C34-D2302, is 437 km (271 miles) long. The surface of this road is sand and salt and runs south-north from the old German colonial town of Swakopmund to the tiny settlement of Terrace Bay. The road takes you through a desert area almost completely empty but for the occasional shipwreck embedded in the sand. The sense of being very close to the end of the world is overpowering. How remote is the road to Skeleton Coast? Along the drive, you’ll feel like you're on the edge of the world and surrounded by sand and very little else for miles and miles in all directions. Petrol stations are rare sightings along the road, so it is best to fill up with fuel whenever possible. The road, also known as the Skeleton Coast Freeway, is extremely lonely in a remote and little-visited place. Is the Skeleton Coast Road paved? The road along the coast is a "salt" road, which is smoother than an asphalt road and very nice to drive on. But when there is mist from the ocean, the road gets very slippery, a bit like black ice. The road comprises tarmac, gravel, sand, and even salt-paved. 4x4 vehicles only with sufficient spares and water. Is the Skeleton Coast Road dangerous? You are requested to drive, even in daylight, using your headlights to alert oncoming vehicles of your presence. The mirage effect along this coast is common. Following heavy mist, the salt road becomes very slippery. Please drive accordingly. In the unlikely event of it raining, you are advised not to make use of the road. There is little traction on the surface even for 4x4s. Salt and mud accumulate on the vehicle and are costly to remove. Driving on the road when it has been softened by rains will damage the surface even further, making it longer and more costly for the Roads Authority to repair the road to a serviceable condition. Do not attempt to drive across the salt pans, even in a 4X4. Although Namibia has used the metric system for over forty years, you will notice that all of the distance signs along the Skeleton Coast Road are marked in miles and not kilometers. Pic: Florian Habenicht Spreetshoogte Pass is one of the steepest (14%) roads in Namibia Van Zyl's Pass is the wildest 4x4 trip in Namibia Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.