
Road trip guide: Conquering Jaap se Hoogte
South Africa, africa
N/A
1,888 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, folks, buckle up for Jaap se Hoogte Pass in Mpumalanga, South Africa! This beauty clocks in at a lofty 1,888 meters (that's 6,194 feet for my imperial friends!). The road itself? Smooth asphalt all the way, following the R577. Be warned, though: you'll hit some pretty steep sections, with gradients hitting around 10% in places. But hey, the views along this scenic route more than make up for the climb! It's a truly awesome drive.
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering Jaap se Hoogte is located in South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -27.7159, 25.2128
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Max Elevation
- 1,888 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -27.7159, 25.2128
Related Roads in africa
hardWho built Bainskloof Pass?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, picture this: Bainskloof Pass, nestled in South Africa's Western Cape province. This isn't just any road; it's a seriously scenic mountain pass, clocking in at about 31 kilometers. You'll climb to almost 600 meters, so be prepared for some views! The pass winds its way through the Limiet Mountains, connecting Wellington (right in the heart of wine country!) to the Ceres area, near the Breede River. It's a total masterpiece of engineering, originally built way back in the 1850s by a guy named Andrew Geddes Bain. Apparently, he didn't even have formal training! Now, about the drive itself: it's paved, but don't expect a Sunday cruise. There are tons of twists and turns, and some sections get pretty steep – we're talking gradients up to 9%! Parts of the road can be narrow, with a sheer drop-off on one side and the mountains on the other. Oh, and some say it's haunted due to the number of accidents, with a local legend that cars just inexplicably go over the edge. Spooky! Despite the challenges, the views are insane, and there's even a picnic spot up top. Just take it slow and keep your eyes on the road... and maybe an eye out for ghosts?
moderateA scenic paved road to Tradouw Pass in South Africa
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! You HAVE to add Tradouw Pass to your South African bucket list. Nestled in the Western Cape Province, about halfway between Swellendam and Heidelberg within the Gatplaats Nature Reserve, this baby clocks in at 17.2 km (10.68 miles) of pure driving bliss. "Tradouw" apparently means "the way of the women" in the old Khoi language – cool, right? This incredible pass, also known as Tradouws Pass, climbs up to 352m (1,154ft), and you'll feel every meter with some seriously steep sections hitting a 10% gradient! Think winding, paved roads (thanks to a revamp in 1979) carved right into the stunning mountain scenery. We're talking about Sir Thomas Bain masterpiece levels of road building here. Built with the help of prisoners between 1869 and 1873, this is one of thirteen passes he built! There are viewpoints galore with dedicated parking areas. Trust me, you'll want to pull over and soak it all in! Aim for a clear day to really maximize those breathtaking views. Seriously, this north-south route from Barrydale to the R322 is a must-do!
hardGorges du Dades, where you will be driving just 12 inches from the side of the mountain
🇲🇦 Morocco
# Gorges du Dadès: Morocco's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive Nestled in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, the R704 Road through Gorges du Dadès is an absolute bucket-list experience. This 60.8 km (37.77 miles) stretch winds north-south from M'Semrir to Boumalne Dades, and honestly? It's one of those drives that'll have your heart racing and your camera working overtime. The landscape here is something else—we're talking stunning rock formations, historic kasbahs clinging to the cliffs, lush palm groves, and desert vistas all rolled into one. The Dades River has literally carved its way through the valley, creating dramatic gorges bordered by thin strips of green vegetation against jaw-dropping rock walls. Think Grand Canyon vibes, but with an extra dose of raw, untamed beauty. Now, let's be real: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is paved, but it's absolutely relentless—constant hairpin turns, steep climbs, sharp descents, and you'll be driving mere feet from the mountainside with a seriously steep drop below. No guardrails to save you here. The tight switchbacks mean most people take 1.5 to 2 hours to complete it, and that's pushing it. Driving at night or in poor visibility? Not recommended unless you really know what you're doing. And fair warning: Moroccan drivers can be... let's say "spirited." The road does get slippery after rain, so time your visit wisely. March through May is ideal for the lower valleys, while May to July showcases the mountains at their peak. Don't just barrel through—stop at the overlooks, explore the kasbahs on foot, and catch the views from the cafe at the top. This is one ride that demands your respect and attention.
hardWhere does the A2 Road start and end?
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Okay, so picture this: You're in Ethiopia, about to tackle a seriously epic drive! We're talking about Route 2, but specifically the wild section from Alamata to Korem. Alamata is a town nestled on the eastern edge of the Ethiopian Highlands, so you already know you're in for some views. This isn't just a Sunday drive, though. Get ready for a proper climb! This 31.8 km (almost 20 miles) stretch throws you right into the heart of the mountains. We're talking steep, with gradients hitting up to 12% in places – so make sure your engine's ready to work. And while you're white-knuckling it up those inclines, remember to glance around! The scenery is absolutely stunning as you wind your way up through the eastern edge of the Ethiopian Highlands.