Where does Border Road 10 start and end?

Where does Border Road 10 start and end?

Egypt, africa

Length

190 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: driving a super-secret road, basically hugging the border between Israel and Egypt. That's Border Road 10 for you – a 190 km (118 mile) stretch of asphalt slicing through the Negev Desert. Seriously restricted, almost always closed, and patrolled by the military, it's not your average Sunday drive.

Think raw desert vibes, zero services (gas, cell signal, nada!), and some seriously intense history. We're talking about driving right next to a high-tech border fence, spotting Egyptian guard posts across the line, and feeling like you're in a real-life spy movie.

This road runs north to south, connecting the area near the Gaza Strip with the Red Sea near Eilat. Word is, the military sometimes opens it up during Jewish holidays (like Sukkot or Passover), but only for a few hours and in daylight. You *definitely* need to check with them beforehand because things can change fast.

The road itself? Paved, but not always pretty. Expect some rough patches, heat damage, and sand drifts. You'll climb to around 450 meters (1,476 feet) in the Negev Highlands, where the views of the Sinai Desert and the Eilat Mountains are mind-blowing. Pro tip: pack EVERYTHING. Fuel, food, and a ton of water are non-negotiable.

This road isn't just about the scenery, though. It's a vital artery for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), letting them quickly respond to anything happening at the border. Plus, those high-up spots along the way? They offer incredible views of the Egyptian desert – it's a crucial spot for keeping an eye on things in a very sensitive area.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Egypt
Continent
africa
Length
190 km
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in africa

Driving to Ras Dashen: One of the Highest Roads in Africamoderate

Driving to Ras Dashen: One of the Highest Roads in Africa

🇪🇹 Ethiopia

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Ethiopia's Amhara Region, specifically the North Gondar Zone, you NEED to experience Ras Dashen (also known as Ras Dejen or Ras Dashan). This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking about one of the highest roads in all of Africa, topping out at a whopping 4,277 meters (that's 14,032 feet for my American friends!). Snuggled within the stunning Simien Mountains National Park in the northern part of the country, this unpaved beauty stretches for about 33.4 km (20.75 miles) from Chiro Leba to Dilibza (Dil Yibza). You'll definitely want to bring your 4x4 for this one. Fair warning: winter can be brutal up here. The road is often impassable and those Simien Mountains can get some serious snowfall at night. But hey, the views? Totally worth it for those who dare!

The beautiful precipice road to Serra da Lebaextreme

The beautiful precipice road to Serra da Leba

🌍 Angola

# Serra da Leba: Angola's Legendary Mountain Pass Perched on the border between Huíla and Namibe provinces in southwestern Angola, about 20 miles west of Lubango, Serra da Leba is one of the world's most famous hairpin-laden mountain roads. The fully paved EN280 (Estrada Nacional 280) has quite the origin story—legend says a Portuguese woman designed and built the road, only to pass away the very day it was completed after viewing her masterpiece. Built during Angola's colonial era starting in the late 1960s and officially opened in the 1970s, this engineering marvel still turns heads today. The most intense stretch runs 29.7km from Renato Grade to Leba, where the real drama unfolds. You'll spiral down from the high plateau at 1,845 meters to nearly sea level in just over 10 kilometers—essentially dropping through 3-4 completely different climate zones in one drive. Some sections hit a stomach-churning 34% gradient, and the lack of guardrails combined with rainy or dark conditions makes this road genuinely treacherous. Locals call it "the beautiful precipice," and it's earned that nickname through decades as a national landmark and, unfortunately, the site of numerous accidents. But it's absolutely worth experiencing. The scenery is stunning, so plan to stop and soak it in rather than just barrel through. Head to the communication masts at the top (turn left past the toll station) for an incredible viewpoint where you can watch the steepest sections plunge into the lush green below. There's even a small bar nearby if you need to steady your nerves after the drive down.

Adventure along Bosluiskloof Pass in SAhard

Adventure along Bosluiskloof Pass in SA

🇿🇦 South Africa

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Bosluiskloof Pass in South Africa's Western Cape is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a rugged, unpaved track snaking its way up to 1,124 meters between the Swartberg and Elandberg mountains. Built way back in 1862 by Adam de Schmidt (who was tight with legendary road builder Thomas Bain), this pass gets its quirky name from fossilized bush ticks found in the area’s rock. The 23.9 km route from Seven Weeks Poort to Gamkapoort Dam (talk about remote!) will throw over 60 curves at you, plus some serious inclines – we’re talking gradients up to 20%! Add in some unprotected drop-offs, and you’ll understand why a 4x4 is highly recommended. Forget about rushing; daylight is your friend here. But trust me, the slow pace is worth it. The views are absolutely breathtaking! Just remember to keep your eyes on the road while you soak it all in!

Is Tlaeeng Pass in Lesotho paved?moderate

Is 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. 😉