Driving the International Coastal Road with panoramic views of the Mediterranean
Egypt, africa
758 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Hey there, fellow road trippers! Let's talk about the International Coastal Road in Egypt, also known as Route 40M. Picture this: you, the open road, and the sparkling Mediterranean stretching out beside you. This paved beauty clocks in at around 758 km (470 miles), running from Port Said, where the Suez Canal meets the sea, all the way west to Sallum, right on the Libyan border.
Now, this isn't a quick jaunt. Set aside about 10-11 hours to soak it all in. Keep in mind, things can get a little busy during the summer months and around holidays. But trust me, the panoramic views of the Mediterranean are totally worth it. Get ready for an unforgettable coastal adventure!
Where is it?
Driving the International Coastal Road with panoramic views of the Mediterranean is located in Egypt (africa). Coordinates: 25.9023, 29.7368
Road Details
- Country
- Egypt
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 758 km
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 25.9023, 29.7368
Related Roads in africa
moderateBorder Road 10: Driving the restricted desert route between Israel and Egypt
🌍 Egypt
Border Road 10 is a super-exclusive route hugging the Israeli-Egyptian border! This 190 km (118-mile) stretch of asphalt is usually off-limits, winding through a seriously militarized desert landscape. Imagine cruising right next to the border fence itself! This road is basically a high-speed patrol route for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) – vital for keeping an eye on the Sinai border. If you somehow manage to get access, you're in for a raw, unfiltered desert experience. Forget gas stations, cell service, or even water – you're on your own out there! Running north-south, from near the Gaza Strip down to the Red Sea near Eilat, this drive gives you a crazy up-close view of the border infrastructure. You'll be right beside the high-tech fence, and you can even spot Egyptian border posts across the line – talk about an intense vibe! Getting permission to drive Border Road 10 is a major challenge. Most of the time, it's closed to civilians. But occasionally, the IDF opens sections to the public during Jewish holidays like Sukkot or Passover. These openings are super short, usually only about 10 days a year, and only during daylight. Even then, you HAVE to check with the military, as things can change in a heartbeat depending on what's happening in the Sinai. The road itself is paved, but the condition varies wildly. Some parts are perfectly maintained, while others are beat up by the heat and covered in sand. The highest point is in the Negev Highlands, reaching 988 m (3,241 ft) and offering insane views of the Sinai Desert and Eilat Mountains. You MUST be self-sufficient. Bring tons of extra fuel, food, and water. Beyond the scenery, this road is a key part of regional security. It lets the IDF respond super fast to any border breaches. The high-altitude lookouts give a strategic view over the vast Egyptian desert, making it one of the most closely watched roads on the planet.
extremeCan you drive to Baboons Pass?
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Baboons Pass in Lesotho's Maseru District is calling your name – if you're brave enough. This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking about one of the most remote, roughest, and downright impassable passes in the country. Forget sedans – this is 4x4 territory, and even then, only for the seriously experienced. Clocking in at 26km (16.15 miles) from Ramabantha Trading Post to near Semonkong, this road is a wild ride up to a staggering 2,689m (8,822ft) above sea level. Picture this: massive boulders the size of beach balls, super narrow spots, washouts from floods, seriously steep climbs, hairpin turns, and sheer drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. One wrong move and you're taking a tumble! Built way back in the '60s, Baboons Pass, affectionately nicknamed "the car breaker," is legendary. Don't expect to cruise – you might cover only 500m before needing to fix something or clear the path. Landslides and monster-sized rocks are common roadblocks. Oh, and the weather? Totally unpredictable, so be prepared for anything, especially rain. You'll likely be crawling in first gear, low range, for the entire distance. This baby can take up to 10 hours on a good day, or even two days when conditions get dicey! Bring a convoy of 4–6 vehicles, because teamwork is key on this epic adventure.
moderateChapman's Peak Drive
🇿🇦 South Africa
# Chapman's Peak Drive Picture this: a jaw-dropping 9-kilometer coastal road hugging the cliffs of Chapman's Peak on South Africa's Cape Peninsula, snaking its way from Hout Bay to Noordhoek with a wild 114 curves that'll keep you on your toes. Completed way back in 1922, this engineering feat took seven years to carve through some seriously stubborn granite—pretty impressive for the time. The drive is basically a love letter to dramatic scenery. You've got the Atlantic Ocean sprawling beneath you, pristine Noordhoek Beach's white sands, and the iconic Sentinel peak punctuating the landscape. It's no wonder film crews and advertisers can't get enough of this place—those curves and coastal views have starred in countless car commercials and movies. Now, here's the real talk: the road had a rough patch. Rockfall was a serious problem, so it shut down for several years before reopening in 2003 after a major safety overhaul that cost over R155 million. These days, you'll find protective half-tunnels in the hairiest sections, catch fences, concrete canopies, and a high-tech rockfall detection system keeping things secure. A toll system helps fund the ongoing maintenance. Whether you're a cyclist tackling the Cape Town Cycle Tour (the world's largest timed cycling event) or a road-tripper hunting for that perfect sunset photo, Chapman's Peak delivers. Just check the weather and road conditions before heading out—severe storms or rockfall alerts can trigger closures. There are plenty of viewpoints and picnic spots to soak it all in when you need a breather.
hardTizi-n-Taggourt
🇲🇦 Morocco
Alright adventure junkies, buckle up for Tizi-n-Taggourt, a seriously epic Moroccan mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,693 meters (that's 5,554 feet!). You'll find this beast in the Tinghir Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region. Now, let's be real, this isn't your Sunday drive. The road (aka Tizi-n-Teggourt) is gravel, rocky, and definitely tippy in spots. Think teeth-rattling bumps and a real test for your driving skills. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is an absolute must, and a healthy dose of courage is recommended! It’s pretty steep in sections, so if you’re afraid of heights, you might want to grab a stress ball. But hey, the scenery is absolutely worth it!