Where is Eselbank Pass?

Craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure in South Africa's Western Cape? Look no further than Eselbank Pass (aka Kerskop Pass)! Nestled within the stunning Cederberg Wilderness Area, this high-altitude pass climbs to a cool 978m (3,208ft) above sea level.

Forget about your average sedan; this 39.6 km (24.60 miles) route, snaking between Wuppertal and Cederberg Oasis, demands a 4x4. The unpaved road averages a gradient of 1:21, but buckle up for super steep sections hitting 1:5! Expect narrow stretches where you might need to get creative with passing other vehicles, especially when the weather turns nasty.

Give yourself 1.5 to 2 hours to conquer the pass, and be prepared for a wild ride. You'll cross a low-level causeway (often submerged!), stick to the eastern bank, and then hit the fork in the road where the 4x4 fun REALLY begins. The initial climb is paved with concrete, featuring a sharp hairpin turn and relentless ascent.

But the reward? Oh, the reward! Jaw-dropping views unfold as you inch your way to the summit, surrounded by iconic red Cederberg sandstone formations. As you descend towards Eselbank, you'll even pass by fields of Rooibos tea. Watch out for soft, sandy sections that could challenge non-4x4 vehicles during the hotter months. And before hitting the causeway at Eselbank, take a quick detour to check out the Eselbank Waterfall – you won't regret it!