Long Tom Pass is One of the Best Roads in South Africa
South Africa, africa
57.2 km
2,151 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising along the R37 in Mpumalanga, South Africa, winding your way up Long Tom Pass. This isn't just any road trip; it's an adventure! We're talking 57.2 km of pure driving bliss, stretching from Lydenburg to Sabie, with the whole thing sitting pretty at 2,151m above sea level in the Sterkspruit Nature Reserve.
Named after the famous Long Tom cannons from the Anglo-Boer War (history buffs, take note!), this fully paved road is a rollercoaster of hundreds of bends and curves. The good news is the road's now in great shape and handles plenty of traffic. You'll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views at every turn. Just a heads up: this pass sits high on the Great Escarpment, so be prepared for heavy mist. Low visibility can be a real mood killer, so keep an eye on the weather. Trust me, though, the views alone are worth it!
Where is it?
Long Tom Pass is One of the Best Roads in South Africa is located in South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -29.2181, 23.7671
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 57.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,151 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -29.2181, 23.7671
Related Roads in africa
hardThe unpaved road to Tizi n’Targa isn't an easy one
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Tizi n’Targa in Morocco's Marrakesh-Safi region! We're talking serious elevation here – 2,535 meters (8,316 feet) to be exact, placing you high in the Western High Atlas mountains. Forget your fancy sports car; you'll NEED a 4x4 for this 37-kilometer (23-mile) dirt track running from Tiwona to Ouanchkrir. Expect seriously narrow sections and some steep climbs that will test your nerve, but the insane views from this remote pass more than make up for it! Think dramatic landscapes and that feeling of being on top of the world. Just south of Tizi n’Tabgourt, this off-the-beaten-path adventure is a must for intrepid travelers.
hardWhere is Col de Tirourda?
🌍 Algeria
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Ever heard of Col de Tirourda? This beauty straddles the Bouïra and Tizi Ouzou provinces in northern Algeria, and let me tell you, it's a stunner! Clocking in at around 27.5 km (that's about 17 miles for my American friends), this road takes you on a wild ride from a town nestled in Tizi Ouzou Province to another in Bouïra Province. The road is fully paved, which is a bonus. But don't get too comfy! This climb is seriously steep in sections. Prepare for some epic views. Just keep your eyes on the road!
hardWhy was the road to Mokhoro built?
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Quthing district of Lesotho lies Mokhoro, a seriously epic mountain peak. Getting there? Well, that's half the fun! The road to the top? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. The initial section is a real beast – more like a boulder field than a road. Seriously, keep your eyes peeled because the turn-off can be hard to spot. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance, and even then, reaching the summit might be impossible! Be prepared for some terribly steep sections! The whole thing's only a hair over a half-mile long, but the elevation gain is intense, making for an average gradient of 22%. Heads up: access is usually open, but winter can throw a wrench in the works with occasional closures due to snow and ice. But trust me, the views are worth the white-knuckle drive. You'll be rewarded with stunning panoramas of real, raw Africa. Get ready to feel like you're on top of the world!
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.