Lichens Pass: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
South Africa, africa
47.8 km
1,953 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising through the Free State in South Africa? You absolutely HAVE to experience Lichens Pass, also known as Golden Gate Pass! This stunner sits at a cool 1,953 meters (6,407 feet) above sea level, nestled within the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, close to the Lesotho border in the Maluti Mountains.
Keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant lichens that give the pass its name! The R712, a fully paved road, will take you on a 47.8 km (29.70 miles) adventure from Clarens to Phuthaditjhaba. Get ready for some beautifully banked corners (yes!), but watch out for the sharp ones and the steep sections – they hit about 1:15. Speed limits range from 60 to 80 kph.
Heads up: the area's known for heavy mist, so low visibility can be a thing. And trust me, mid-winter gets seriously chilly up here. Despite the potential hazards, the road's well-engineered, making for a safe and unforgettable drive.
Where is it?
Lichens Pass: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide is located in South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -33.1627, 25.0455
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 47.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,953 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -33.1627, 25.0455
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