Is Cala Pass paved?
South Africa, africa
58 km
1,517 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Cala Pass in South Africa's Eastern Cape province is calling your name! This beauty tops out at 1,517m (that's nearly 5,000 feet!), offering views that'll make your jaw drop.
The road? Smoothly paved as you climb nearly 300 meters over just under 6 km—a decent climb with some sections getting a little steeper.
Spanning just over 28 km, the R410 connects Khowa (formerly Eliot) to Cala, winding through the Chris Hani District Municipality.
Good news is, Cala Pass is generally open year-round. However, be prepared for anything! Winter can bring snow and seriously chilly temps. And those summer electrical storms and mountain mists? They're frequent visitors, so keep an eye on the weather. All said, it's an epic journey through some stunning South African landscapes.
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 58 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,517 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in africa
hardHow To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Tizi Tigherrouzine
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! We're heading to the Col de Tizi Tigherrouzine, a seriously epic mountain pass way up in Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet region. At a whopping 2,675 meters (that's 8,776 feet!), this baby is one of the highest roads in the whole country! You'll find it clinging to the eastern side of the High Atlas Mountains, and guess what? It's paved! Yep, the R703 has been smooth sailing since 2014. But don't get too comfy – this road is still a wild ride. Think hairpin turns galore, seriously steep climbs, and weather that can throw you for a loop. This hidden gem winds its way for 34.4 kilometers (21.37 miles) between Agoudal and Aït Hani, running north to south. Trust me, the scenery alone is worth the white knuckles. Get ready for views that will blow your mind!
hardWhere is the Semenawi Bahri Tollway?
🌍 Eritrea
Cruising the Semenawi Bahri Tollway is like diving headfirst into Eritrea's wild side! This road snakes right through Semenawi Bahri National Park, so keep your eyes peeled for leopards, bushbucks, and maybe even a warthog! You'll climb high into the mountains – topping out at around 8,431 feet – and carve your way through lush forests. Because the area gets two rainy seasons, everything stays vibrantly green. On misty days, you might even find yourself driving *into* the clouds – talk about a unique photo op! Just remember the park motto: "Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints." This fully paved road, completed in 2016, is now the go-to route from Asmara to Massawa. But don't let the pavement fool you; it's a wild ride with over 40 hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections (up to 11% incline!). The road can get narrow in spots, and fog is a frequent visitor, so keep your wits about you. Clocking in at just over 40 miles, the Semenawi Bahri Tollway is a stunning alternative to the old road. Prepare for some white-knuckle driving, but the views? Totally worth it!
moderateIs Tlaeeng Pass in Lesotho paved?
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Okay, buckle up for Tlaeeng Pass, one of the highest roads in Lesotho, straddling the Butha-Buthe and Leribe districts! We're talking serious altitude here, topping out at 3,262m (10,702ft) above sea level. This beast, also known as A1 or the Oxbow-Mapholaneng Road, winds through the Lesotho Highlands, mostly unpaved, making it a true off-the-beaten-path adventure. They say it's one of the highest motorable passes in Southern Africa, maybe even Africa! Clocking in at 102km (63 miles) from Oxbow to Mokhotlong, the road carves through a desolate but stunning landscape known as the "Roof of Africa." Expect mind-blowing views, rolling mountains, and air so crisp it'll sting your lungs in the best way possible. Give yourself 3-4 hours of daylight to tackle this stretch. You'll be driving through bleak, sparsely populated, but utterly mesmerizing mountain terrain. Now, the road itself? Let's just say it's "pleasantly scenic"... but don't get too comfortable. While some parts are tarred, the harsh weather takes its toll. Ice cracks and potholes are common, so keep your eyes peeled and drive with care. It's definitely more suited for tough vehicles than, say, a donkey. 😉
moderateHow to get to Messum Crater by car?
🇳🇦 Namibia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Namibia's Dorob National Park, nestled within the Goboboseb Mountains, awaits Messum Crater – a seriously cool, off-the-beaten-path destination in Damaraland. Imagine this: you're rolling along a rugged, unpaved track in your 4x4 (seriously, don't even think about attempting this without one). The road is sandy, rocky, and demands your full attention. We're talking about a roughly 18-25 kilometer wide volcanic crater, a relic from a massive eruption 130 million years ago! You'll cruise through the Messum riverbed, weaving past incredible sedimentary rock formations. The road itself is no joke. Watch out for those sharp, sneaky rocks ready to shred your tires! Keep your speed under 40 km/h and take it slow on the steep, rocky sections. It’s wild out here – you might drive for ages without seeing another soul, so a GPS is a MUST. Stick to the tracks and be prepared for anything. The views? Absolutely epic. Imagine two concentric circles of hills, framing a landscape unlike anything you've ever seen. This isn't just a drive; it's an expedition!