Top 10 Longest Roads in Africa 2024

Africa is home to some of the longest and most iconic roadways in the world, stretching across diverse landscapes and connecting countries and regions. These roads are not just essential for transportation; they also play a crucial role in economic development and regional integration. In this article, we explore the top 10 longest roads in Africa, providing insights into their significance and the unique experiences they offer to travelers.

1. Trans-African Highway 1 (TAH 1): Cairo to Dakar

Length: 8,636 km
Route: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal

TAH 1, also known as the Cairo-Dakar Highway, is the longest road in Africa, stretching over 8,600 kilometers. It connects the Mediterranean coast in Egypt to the Atlantic coast in Senegal, passing through several North African countries. This transcontinental highway is vital for trade and travel across North Africa, offering stunning views of the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.

2. Trans-Sahara Highway: Algiers to Lagos

Length: 4,500 km
Route: Algeria, Niger, Nigeria

The Trans-Sahara Highway is a major transcontinental road that runs from Algiers, the capital of Algeria, to Lagos in Nigeria. Covering approximately 4,500 kilometers, this road is a critical link between North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. The highway crosses the vast Sahara Desert, providing a challenging yet unforgettable journey for travelers.

3. Trans-African Highway 4 (TAH 4): Cairo to Gaborone

Length: 10,228 km
Route: Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana

TAH 4, also known as the Cairo-Gaborone Highway, is part of the larger Trans-African Highway network. This road spans over 10,000 kilometers, connecting Northern and Southern Africa. The route traverses diverse landscapes, including the Nile River, the Ethiopian Highlands, and the savannahs of East Africa, making it one of the most scenic drives on the continent.

4. N1 Road: Cape Town to Beitbridge

Length: 1,939 km
Route: South Africa

The N1 Road is South Africa’s longest highway, running from Cape Town in the south to Beitbridge on the border with Zimbabwe. Covering nearly 2,000 kilometers, this road is a major arterial route, facilitating the movement of goods and people between South Africa and the rest of Southern Africa. The N1 offers travelers the opportunity to experience South Africa’s diverse landscapes, from the winelands of the Western Cape to the bushveld of Limpopo.

5. Lagos-Mombasa Highway: Lagos to Mombasa

Length: 6,259 km
Route: Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, DRC, Uganda, Kenya

The Lagos-Mombasa Highway, also known as TAH 8, is one of Africa’s longest and most important roads, connecting the Atlantic Ocean in Nigeria to the Indian Ocean in Kenya. This transcontinental highway spans over 6,200 kilometers, crossing diverse terrains including rainforests, savannahs, and mountain ranges. The road is a key route for trade and tourism, linking West and East Africa.

6. Trans-African Highway 9 (TAH 9): Beira to Lobito

Length: 3,523 km
Route: Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola

TAH 9, also known as the Beira-Lobito Highway, connects the Indian Ocean port of Beira in Mozambique to the Atlantic Ocean port of Lobito in Angola. This 3,500-kilometer road is a crucial east-west corridor, facilitating trade between Southern African countries. The highway traverses varied landscapes, from Mozambique’s coastal plains to Angola’s rugged highlands.

7. A1 Road: Cairo to Cape Town

Length: 10,228 km
Route: Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa

The A1 Road is one of Africa’s most ambitious road projects, linking Cairo in Egypt to Cape Town in South Africa. Covering over 10,000 kilometers, this road passes through nine countries and numerous iconic landmarks, including the Pyramids of Giza and Victoria Falls. The A1 Road is a symbol of Africa’s potential for regional integration and economic development.

8. N2 Road: Cape Town to Ermelo

Length: 2,255 km
Route: South Africa

South Africa’s N2 Road is the country’s second-longest highway, running from Cape Town to Ermelo. Spanning over 2,200 kilometers, this coastal road offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and the Garden Route. The N2 is also a vital economic corridor, connecting major cities and facilitating trade within South Africa and beyond.

9. Trans-West African Coastal Highway: Nouakchott to Lagos

Length: 4,560 km
Route: Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria

The Trans-West African Coastal Highway connects Nouakchott in Mauritania to Lagos in Nigeria, stretching over 4,500 kilometers. This highway is crucial for economic integration in West Africa, linking numerous countries along the Atlantic coast. The road provides access to key ports and markets, making it a lifeline for trade and commerce in the region.

10. N7 Road: Cape Town to Vioolsdrif

Length: 666 km
Route: South Africa

The N7 Road in South Africa runs from Cape Town to Vioolsdrif on the border with Namibia. Although it is shorter than other roads on this list, the N7 is significant as it forms part of the Cape to Cairo Road network. This 666-kilometer road offers stunning views of the West Coast and the Namaqualand, famous for its springtime wildflower displays.

Conclusion: Africa’s Longest Roads in 2024
Africa’s longest roads are more than just transportation routes; they are vital arteries that connect the continent’s diverse regions and economies. From the vast expanses of the Sahara Desert to the coastal plains of Southern Africa, these roads offer unparalleled opportunities for exploration and adventure. As Africa continues to develop, these roadways will play an increasingly important role in regional integration and economic growth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the longest road in Africa?
The longest road in Africa is the Trans-African Highway 1 (TAH 1), also known as the Cairo-Dakar Highway, which stretches 8,636 kilometers from Egypt to Senegal.

2. Which road connects Cairo to Cape Town?
The A1 Road, also part of the Trans-African Highway network, connects Cairo in Egypt to Cape Town in South Africa, covering over 10,000 kilometers.

3. What is the significance of the Trans-Sahara Highway?
The Trans-Sahara Highway is a major transcontinental road that links North Africa to Sub-Saharan Africa, facilitating trade and travel across the Sahara Desert.

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