Dare to drive the gravel 4x4 road to Volunteershoek Pass
Volunteershoek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,567m (8421 ft) above sea level, located in Eastern Cape, South Africa. This is strictly a 4x4 only route. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.
Is Volunteershoek Pass unpaved?
The pass, also known as Bidstone Pass or Volenteershoek Pass, is located on a gravel road linking Rhodes and Tiffindell Ski Resort. The road is narrow with some precipitous drop-offs, so do pause to check for oncoming vehicles coming up the pass as they have right of way. Controlled power is needed, particularly where the cement strips zigzag their way up the most extreme section.
How long is Volunteershoek Pass?
Located in the eastern part of the country, near the border with Lesotho, this tough, gravel pass is 9,64km (6 miles) long, and it rises from 1916m ASL to 2567m. With its 1:14 average gradient, this pass can be called nothing but 'steep'! The first 5 km offers gradients of up to 1:3. Approaching Tiffindell Ski Resort, the road climbs up the highest point in the Cape (at 3.001m above sea level). Known by local tribes as "Makhollo" (Great Mother), the Europeans named this peak Ben McDhui.
Is Volunteershoek Pass worth the drive?
The weather in this zone is harsh and highly unpredictable and it does not take much time for the bright sunshine to change to moderate to heavy snowfall. Temperatures at these heights can reach -22 degrees centigrade in winter, so enquire about conditions before setting out and be prepared. After the steepest section, the road gives wonderful views of Halstone Krans and the valley farmlands beyond. The road is scenic and steep. At the summit there’s a small mountain cabin.
Pic&Video: So Far Hiking Blog