A Steep Unpaved Road to Hela Hela Pass in KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa, africa
47.3 km
1,199 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the Hela Hela Pass! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a heart-pumping, 47.3 km (29.39 miles) dirt track adventure nestled in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Also known as Helehele or Hella Hella (it's so good, they named it thrice!), this pass climbs to a whopping 1,199m (3,934ft) above sea level. Think hairpin turns and seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients of 1:6 that'll test your driving skills!
Word to the wise: this road is entirely unpaved and can be a beast when wet. The gravel becomes super slick, so take your time, embrace the slide, and soak in those unreal views as you ascend. Keep an eye out for the wicked 145-degree left hairpin turn about three-quarters of the way up. It's a stunner! The route runs from Owambeni to Richmond, going from west to east. Get ready for a ride you won't soon forget!
Where is it?
A Steep Unpaved Road to Hela Hela Pass in KwaZulu-Natal is located in South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -29.0337, 23.4131
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 47.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,199 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -29.0337, 23.4131
Related Roads in africa
moderateDriving the difficult road to Tizi n'Tichka in the Atlas
🇲🇦 Morocco
Tizi n'Tichka Pass in Morocco: get ready for a wild ride! This mountain pass sits way up high at 2,212m (7,257ft). Its Berber name translates to "difficult mountain pasture," and trust me, it lives up to the name! Snaking between Marrakesh-Safi and Drâa-Tafilalet regions, it’s your gateway from the bustling Marrakech Plains to the vast Sahara Desert, right in the heart of the High Atlas mountains. The road, also called Col du Tichka or Tizi n’Aguelmous, is fully paved and known as Route Nationale 9 (formerly Route P-31). It's 54km (33 miles) long, stretching north-south from Zerkten to Agouim. Built as a military road back in 1936 by the French, today it’s the main artery connecting Marrakesh to Ouarzazate. Usually open year-round, keep an eye on the weather from November to March – snow can cause closures. But be ready for strong sunshine all year! The road itself is decent but winding, with over 100 turns, and at times, you might not want to look down! They say it's one of the most dramatic drives in the country. Some sections are freshly paved, while others are... well, let's just say they add character! Expect some wind, but you can totally tackle it in a 2WD. Heads up: it can get crowded, so hit it early if you're heading south. And it’s not just tourists – watch out for the trucks! But the views? Absolutely stunning! Jaw-dropping vistas of the Atlas Mountains await around every hairpin turn. From the summit, you'll be blown away by the surrounding landscape. As you descend towards Ouarzazate, prepare to be mesmerized by the pre-Sahara region and the majestic Atlas peaks. This pass leads from the plains surrounding Marrakech, and the beauty continues past the pass, where snow can often block the road in winter, past stunning kasbahs (medieval fortresses) down to Ouarzazate, your entry to the Draa Valley and the Sahara. The views, villages and time spent on Tizi n’Tichka will be unique. Don't miss Kasbah Aït Benhaddou near the pass – a famous filming location and Morocco's best-preserved kasbah. And at the summit, you can even pick up some cool minerals at the shops.
extremeAssekrem
🌍 Algeria
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! We're heading to Assekrem, a seriously epic plateau way up in the Hoggar Mountains of southern Algeria. We're talking almost 9,000 feet above sea level in Tamanrasset Province! The route to the top, known locally as Route de l'Assekrem, is a wild gravel track, and "bumpy" is an understatement. You'll definitely need a 4x4 and some serious driving skills for this one. Think steep inclines and watch out for those sneaky patches of loose gravel that can appear out of nowhere, especially after it rains. Pack plenty of water, food, and gear—you're out in the middle of nowhere! Timing is key: October or November are your best bets. Summer is scorching, and winter nights get seriously cold. Up top, you'll find a communication tower and a mountain refuge, but the real highlight is the hermitage of Charles de Foucauld, built way back in 1910 and still home to a few monks. Oh, and pro tip: hire a local guide. It's not just for safety; getting lost in this desert can be a fatal mistake.
hardHow to drive to Masjiennek Pass in Mpumalanga?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, road trip lovers, let me tell you about the Masjiennek Pass in Mpumalanga, South Africa! This baby climbs up to 2,090 meters (that's nearly 7,000 feet!). It's one of the highest paved passes around, and the views of the Drakensberg escarpment? Seriously stunning. You'll find it chilling just west of the Long Tom Pass, winding through the Makobulaan Nature Reserve. Think unique high-altitude plants and rugged, rocky terrain. The road itself (the R37) is smooth as butter thanks to some top-notch engineering. But don't get complacent! This 55-kilometer (34-mile) stretch from Sabie (right on the Sabie River) to Lydenburg (aka Mashishing) is packed with more twists and turns than you can shake a stick at. Be ready for some serious inclines too, with gradients hitting 10% in places. And keep an eye on the weather – winter snow can make things a bit dicey.
hardHow to Reach the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro by Motorcycle? An Altitude Record in Africa
🇹🇿 Tanzania
Picture this: Africa's majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, its peak reaching a staggering 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). And get this - back in '74, a group of adventurous souls from Moto Club Igualada actually rode a Bultaco Sherpa T 250cc motorcycle to the very top! This wasn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about navigating through Kilimanjaro National Park, adjusting to the altitude, and tackling unforgiving terrain of snow and ice. Along the way, they crossed volcanic rock scree without assistance. Their journey started in Igualada, Spain, drove to Algeciras by road, then embarked to Tangier and crossed Africa from north to south, covering a massive 20,000 kilometers, crossing the Algerian Sahara on the way back. The route took them through multiple countries, before finally arriving at the mountain, starting at the Marangu Hotel. The team reached Gilman’s Point at 5,820 meters, eventually making their way to Uhuru Peak. While not necessarily paved, it's a road with a view - one that few have ever experienced from the seat of a motorcycle!