
Road trip guide: Conquering the Steenkampsberg Pass in Mpumalanga
South Africa, africa
64.6 km
2,248 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Steenkampsberg Pass in Mpumalanga, South Africa! This beauty tops out at a cool 2,248m (7,375ft), so be prepared for some seriously breathtaking views.
Sometimes folks mix it up and call it De Berg Pass, but whatever you call it, it's located north of Dullstroom. Heads up: winter can bring snow to these heights, so pack accordingly!
The road, known as the R577, is paved, but it's seen better days. Watch out for a few potholes, especially as you get closer to the top. It was opened in '88, and some sections clock in at a steep 1:7 grade.
The pass stretches 64.6 km (40.14 miles) from Roossenekal in the west to Lydenburg in the east. Get ready for an epic drive with scenery that will leave you speechless!
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering the Steenkampsberg Pass in Mpumalanga is located in South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -31.2539, 21.8747
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 64.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,248 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -31.2539, 21.8747
Related Roads in africa
hardB22 is a sandy high mountain road
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're planning a trip to the Amhara Region of northern Ethiopia, you NEED to know about the B22 – or as the locals call it, the China Road (thanks to the builders!). This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about 294 km (182 miles) of unpaved, high-mountain road stretching from Weldiya, the capital of Semien Wollo Zone, all the way to Wereta, a cool town east of Lake Tana. Hold on tight, because you'll be climbing to a whopping 3,551m (11,650ft) above sea level! Expect a bumpy ride, but trust me, the views are absolutely breathtaking. This west-to-east route is a feast for the eyes – just be prepared for some serious off-roading!
hardAn epic road to Tizi n'Outfi in the High Atlas
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, picture this: you're in Morocco's Tadla-Azilal region, ready for an adventure. Buckle up, because you're about to tackle the Tizi n'Outfi pass! We're talking about a 47km stretch of road (that's about 30 miles) winding up to a whopping 1,944m (or 6,377ft) above sea level. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The R307 road climbs through the High Atlas mountains between Demnate (east of Marrakech) and the remote village of Aït Tamlil. While mostly paved, Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting. Expect some rough patches, the occasional rockfall, and hairpin turns galore! Oh, and did I mention the lack of guardrails in places? Passing can get a little tight too. But here's the thing: the views are absolutely incredible! Seriously, the breathtaking scenery is worth the challenge. This road trip is not just a drive; it's an experience.
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’Isakalene
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Souss-Massa-Drâa region of Morocco and you're craving a serious off-road challenge, Tizi n’Isakalene is calling your name. This mountain pass tops out at a whopping 2,551 meters (8,369 feet) – talk about breathtaking views! But hold on, this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking rocky, gravelly terrain that will test your skills and your vehicle. Picture this: menacing desert landscapes with steep, rocky climbs. Large, sharp rocks are everywhere, so get ready for some tight maneuvering. Seriously, you'll want high clearance, skid plates, and differential lockers. This is NOT a stock vehicle kind of road. The route can be tricky to follow, too. It’s a complex network of poorly defined roads, so even with a GPS, you'll need your wits about you. And don't forget the Moroccan sun! It gets crazy hot in the summer, so pack plenty of water. Last but not least, this is a journey best shared, so never tackle this trail alone. Trust me, you'll want a buddy (and maybe a mechanic) along for the ride!