Highest Mountain Passes 4x4

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7 Days & Nights (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)

Highest Mountain Passes

Traverse 10 of the highest mountain passes in South Africa, 20 mountain passes overall. Snow is possible during this time & sometimes the passes are snowed in.

Adventure Highlights

  • Spot the majestic Cape Vultures soaring above the spectacular cliffs.
  • Enjoy craft pizza and beer.
  • Listen to local historic tales by a warm fire.
  • Visit the secluded Dangershoek.

10 of the Highest Mountain Passes

  • Barkly Pass - Altitude: 2018 m
  • Bottleneck Pass - Altitude: 2204m (substitute for Ben MacDhui if closed)
  • Bastervoetpad Pass - Altitude: 2240 m
  • Naudes Nek Pass - Altitude: 2590 m
  • TTT (Tiffindell-Tenahead Traverse) - Altitude: 2720 m
  • Ben MacDhui Pass - Altitude: 3001 m
  • Carlisleshoekspruit Pass - Altitude: 2563 m
  • Volunteershoek Pass - Altitude: 2581 m
  • Lundin’s Nek Pass - Altitude: 2170 m
  • Joubert’s Pass - Altitude: 2234 m
  • Otto du Plessis Pass - Altitude: 2115 m

Trip Details

  • Total Distance: About 920 km
  • Off-road/Gravel: 550 km
  • Vehicle Requirements: A 4x4 with high clearance and low-range gear is needed. Diff lock recommended.
  • Terrain: Be prepared for road building and clearing of overgrowth in certain sections.
  • Weather: Snow is possible, with some passes potentially snowed in.
  • Start Point: Elliot
  • End Point: Queenstown

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Elliot
We start our journey by arriving in Elliot and passing through the scenic Barkly Pass.

Day 2 - Baster Voetslaan Route
Our adventure takes you through the rugged Bottleneck Pass and the challenging Fetcani Pass, followed by the historic Baster Voetslaan Pass.

Day 3 - Elliot to Rhodes
The day’s journey includes crossing the Wildebeest River Bridge and Sivewright Bridge. We navigate through Potriver Pass, Elandshoogte Pass, and the breathtaking Naudes Nek Pass, ending with a visit to Naudes Monument.

Day 4 - TTT Circular Route
Embark on the Tiffindell Tenahead Traverse, explore the Tiffindell Ski Resort, and cross the impressive Ben MacDhui Pass and Carlislehoekspruit Pass.

Day 5 - Rhodes to Bidstone
Journey from Rhodes to Bidstone marked by the scenic Bidstone Pass, also known as Volunteershoek.

Day 6 - Bidstone to Lady Grey
This route includes the picturesque Wartrail, the Lundins Nek Pass, also referred to as Lundeans Nek, and the beautiful Jouberts Pass. Cross the Benjaminshoogte Pass and De Wet Bridge.

Day 7 - Lady Grey to Queenstown
This leg of the journey has you navigating Grondnek Pass, Kraai River Pass, and the Zadelboom Bridge. Cover the Otto Duplessis Pass, Indwe Poort, Mackays Nek Pass, Drivers Drift Railway Bridge, and None’s Nek Pass, finishing with Finchams Nek Pass.

Day 8 - 10km - Departure from Queenstown
Conclude your trip by passing Finchams Nek Pass one last time before departing from Queenstown.

Map

Explore the breathtaking route

Highest Passes 4x4 Map

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Testimonials

  • What an experience, Spectacular tour, highly recommended. Having just completed this tour with Danny, we can highly recommend the adventure and experience. Not only was the tour leader, Danny, extremely professional and his expertise appreciated, the accommodation and catering was top class. - Graeme Van Ginkel
  • It’s was the most amazing trip I’ve done. Cant give enough credit to Danny. Awesome Africa Tours & Adventures read it before I send the scenery the places we stayed at! Like a magical Pandora box or Beauty around also the place we stayed at. Carole Eldridge.
  • So privileged to be part of your tour. - Marlene Van Ginkel
  • August 2024 - Dietmar Krupe, Tony Halket, Lukas Van Der Westhuizen, Christian Nel
    • An unforgettable journey through the Eastern Cape highest mountains
    • An Awesome Trip & great company, may our paths cross again.
    • Thank you for an enjoyable trip.
    • Many thanks for a lovely trip, made great friends and good memories.