Dare to drive the gravel 4x4 road to Volunteershoek Pass
South Africa, africa
964 km
1,916 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Volunteershoek Pass, a beast of a 4x4 trail nestled high in South Africa's Eastern Cape! We're talking serious elevation here, hitting 2,567m (that's 8,421 feet!). You might also hear it called Bidstone Pass or Volenteershoek Pass.
This isn't your Sunday drive. This gravel track links Rhodes to the Tiffindell Ski Resort, and it’s a proper climb. The road's skinny with some pretty intense drop-offs, so keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic – uphill has the right of way. You'll need to finesse your 4x4 with controlled power, especially on those crazy cement strip zigzags up the steepest part.
Clocking in at just over 9.5km (6 miles), this pass throws you from 1916m to that lofty 2567m peak. Expect a steep 1:14 average gradient, and some sections hit a brutal 1:3 in the first 5km. You'll be near the mighty Ben McDhui (3,001m), the highest point in the Cape.
Heads up: the weather here is WILD. Sunshine can turn into a blizzard in no time, and winter temps can plummet to -22 degrees Celsius. Check the forecast before you go and pack accordingly!
Once you conquer the tough climb, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Halstone Krans and the valley below. The scenery is epic! There’s even a small mountain cabin at the summit. Trust me, this is one unforgettable 4x4 adventure!
Where is it?
Dare to drive the gravel 4x4 road to Volunteershoek Pass is located in South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -30.4581, 24.0329
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 964 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,916 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -30.4581, 24.0329
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