Mountain Passes

Jouberts Pass with a view of Lady Grey
View of Lady Grey from the top of Joubert's Pass - Photo: Dalene Moorcroft

Lady Grey is the gateway to the mountain passes of the Eastern Cape Highlands.  It is also part of the Maloti (Drakensberg) route. The scenic Joubert’s Pass, just outside Lady Grey forms part of various adventure challenges along the highest mountain passes of South Africa. The challenges include the Great 8 Passes Challenge,  Ben 10 Eco Challenge and the High Five Challenge. 

Sixteen Mountain Passes in the Rhodes Area
Sixteen Passes in the Rhodes Area - Credit: Rhodes Tourist Information Centre
Some of the highest mountain passes of South Africa are in the Senqu area
Mountain Passes of South Africa - Source: http://www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za

The Great 8 Passes Challenge runs along the Dragon’s Tail, navigating eight mountain passes in the southernmost section of the Drakensberg Mountains. It offers the ultimate 4×4 driving experience and includes Joubert’s Pass, Otto du Plessis Pass, Barkly Pass, Bastervoetpad, Naudes Nek Pass, Carlisleshoek Pass, Volunteershoek Pass and Lundin’s Nek Pass.

Altitude, Gradient and Road Surface details of the Great Eight Passes
The Great Eight Passes - Altitudes: Ivan Hansen, Land surveyor, Queenstown, ivan@awe.co.za - Gradient: Caravan Guide andWild Trout Association

The Ben 10 Eco Challenge is a popular South African adventure that encourages tourism in the Eastern Cape Highlands. Participants drive, cycle, or walk 10 high-altitude mountain passes over 7 days, covering about 150 km of gravel roads with features like Naudes Nek and Joubert’s Pass.  The passes included in the challenge are Joubert’s Pass, Bastervoetpad, Otto du Plessis, Potrivier, Dangershoek, Heuningneskloof, Carlisleshoekspruit, Volunteershoek, Naudes Nek and Lundean’s Nek.

The High Five Challenge is dedicated to traversing the highest mountain passes and roads located in the vicinity of Tiffindell. It includes Volunteershoek, Tiffindell-Tenahead Traverse, Naude’s Nek, Carlisleshoek Pass and Ben McDhui.