Butha-Buthe District · Lesotho
Moteng and Mahlasela Passes
A1Butha-Buthe to Afriski
The highest tarred road in Southern Africa, the A1 climbs two dramatic passes in sequence: Moteng (2,820 m) with its 91 bends, then Mahlasela (3,222 m), apex of the continent’s tarred network and the approach to southern Africa’s only ski resort.
From Butha-Buthe the A1 climbs almost immediately, attacking Moteng Pass with 15 km of relentless hairpins (11 extreme bends, two horseshoes) to 2,820 m. Beyond, it traverses high moorland before Mahlasela pushes to 3,222 m, a plateau of raw highland scenery with frozen rivers in winter, ending at the Afriski resort in the Kingdom in the Sky.
Scenery
Where it runs
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Character
Higher than 9 in 10 roads in the catalogue.
Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%1,917 – 3,272 mHazards
- snow and ice in winter
- closures after heavy snowfall
- gradients up to 17%
- heavy truck traffic
- brake overheating on descent
See the typical season and live conditions for the high passes ›
Sources: Road geometry © OpenStreetMap contributors
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Moteng and Mahlasela Passes.
