B22 is a sandy high mountain road
Ethiopia, africa
294 km
3,551 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're planning a trip to the Amhara Region of northern Ethiopia, you NEED to know about the B22 – or as the locals call it, the China Road (thanks to the builders!).
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about 294 km (182 miles) of unpaved, high-mountain road stretching from Weldiya, the capital of Semien Wollo Zone, all the way to Wereta, a cool town east of Lake Tana.
Hold on tight, because you'll be climbing to a whopping 3,551m (11,650ft) above sea level! Expect a bumpy ride, but trust me, the views are absolutely breathtaking. This west-to-east route is a feast for the eyes – just be prepared for some serious off-roading!
Where is it?
B22 is a sandy high mountain road is located in Ethiopia (africa). Coordinates: 9.1602, 40.3468
Road Details
- Country
- Ethiopia
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 294 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,551 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 9.1602, 40.3468
Related Roads in africa
hardEselbank Pass in SA: 4x4 vehicles only
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Eselbank Pass (aka Kerskop Pass) in South Africa's Western Cape! We're talking serious mountain vibes at 978m (3,208ft) up in the Cederberg Wilderness Area. Now, listen up: this ain't a Sunday drive in your average sedan. This 39.6 km (24.60 miles) track running from Wuppertal to Cederberg Oasis is mostly unpaved, and some sections are crazy steep (up to 1:5 gradient!), so a 4x4 is essential. Seriously, this is more track than road at times, especially when the weather turns sour. Parts are super narrow, so get ready to "make a plan" when you meet another vehicle. Expect a 1.5-2 hour slow and steady trek. After you follow the low-level causeway, a sign warns you about taking the right fork with your 4x4. Then you climb a concrete base, hit a hairpin, and the road heads south, climbing steadily for another 2 km to the next switchback onto concrete. The second half is very steep, so take it slowly and enjoy the amazing views all around you. You'll be rewarded with weathered red Cederberg sandstone formations and a sandy track at the summit. Soon you will skirt some Rooibos tea plantations and experience some relatively easy sections. Be careful - the track can be soft and sandy, and if you are not in a 4x4, this section might give you problems. Before the sharp right-hand bend at the causeway at Eselbank, take a 200 meter detour to look at the Eselbank Waterfall.
extremeA fairly extreme road for experienced drivers to Carlisleshoek Pass
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Carlisleshoek Pass! This high-altitude stunner sits at 2,563m (8,408ft) in South Africa's Eastern Cape. You don't necessarily NEED a 4x4, but you absolutely need controlled power, especially on those zigzagging cement strips on the steepest bits. It's one of the highest roads in the country, after all! This unpaved beauty, also called Carlislehoekspruit Pass or Carlisle's Hoek, is infamous for its descent into the quaint village of Rhodes. Trust me, this pass is for seasoned drivers only. Snaking through the Drakensberg Mountains, this 20.4 km (12.67 miles) route runs from the R396 (east of Rhodes) up to the Tiffindell Ski Resort on Ben McDhui peak. Think incredible views! Slow and steady wins the race here (40km/h max!). Expect narrow sections, blind corners, steep grades, and potential slipperiness when wet. Seriously, experience is key. The road climbs 573 meters in just over 6km, resulting in some seriously steep sections (think 1:10 average, with bursts of 1:2!). While a normal car can handle it in dry conditions, a 4x4 is a much safer bet in rain or snow. For regular vehicles, stick to 1st gear on those steep climbs – no shifting! Keep the revs up, and avoid stalling, especially on the hairpins. Automatic drivers, lock that gearbox in 1st! The switchbacks demand your full attention, but even big 4x4s can navigate the corners by using the extra space provided. Lowest gear, high revs, wide corners, confident driving – that's the mantra! Some bikers describe it as "going into free fall" due to the steepness, with one describing it as "one of the hairiest descents in Africa". In just over three kilometers, you'll plunge more than 300 meters. Winter driving requires serious prep – temps can plummet to -22C, so pack warm clothes! This road demands respect; while 4x4 isn't mandatory, it's HIGHLY recommended.
hardWhere is Van Reenens pass?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Alright, road trippers, buckle up for Van Reenen's Pass! This high-altitude beauty sits way up in the Drakensberg mountains, straddling the border between KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State. We're talking 1,777m (5,830ft) above sea level, so expect some serious views. This 52.3 km (32.49 miles) stretch of the N3, connecting Harrismith and Sand River Valley, should take you about 40-50 minutes without stops. And trust me, you'll WANT to stop – the scenery as you descend towards Ladysmith is epic. Now, a word of warning: this isn't just a Sunday drive. Van Reenen's Pass has a reputation, and not always a good one. It's a major trucking route, so traffic can be heavy. Plus, those steep sections (around 1:20) combined with wet, misty weather make for seriously slippery conditions and reduced visibility. Winds can be fierce, and have been known to topple lighter vehicles! And keep an eye on the weather forecast. While usually open year-round, heavy snow in winter can shut it down temporarily. So, while the views are stunning, remember to drive smart and stay safe out there!
hardBainskloof Pass is a drive worth taking in SA
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on Bainskloof Pass! This gem is tucked away in the Western Cape of South Africa, and trust me, you'll want your camera ready. We're talking next-level scenic views as you climb to 597m (1,958ft) above sea level. This isn't just any road; it's a seriously impressive piece of history, completed way back in 1854 by the self-taught engineering genius Andrew Geddes Bain. He crafted this masterpiece with convict labor and some seriously rough-and-ready methods. Originally for horse-drawn carriages, it's now a smooth paved road (R310) that was actually rebuilt in 2022. The pass stretches for about 31.2km (19.38 miles), winding from Wellington in the Cape Winelands to a bridge over the Breede River, headed towards Ceres. Get ready for some serious curves and climbs; some sections get as steep as 9%! One side’s hugging the mountainside, and the other? Well, let’s just say it’s a steep drop down to the Bainskloof River. Parts of the road get pretty narrow, and while it’s mostly in good shape, keep your eyes peeled for the odd rough patch. Word to the wise: this road's got a reputation! There are stories of accidents and even, dare I say, spooky sightings. If you're brave enough to peek over the edge, you might spot some seriously old car wrecks down below. Drive carefully, soak in the incredible views, and maybe keep an eye out for those rumored spirits! At the summit you will find a plantation and a picnic spot.