Sa's High 5!

CLOSED! We cannot take anymore, sorry!

SA's High 5!

(Update 4/3/2017: This trip is closed. We have a full compliment)

(Update: 30/1/2017, Mountain Passes have put out a challenge to drive all 10 passes in the area. We are looking at fitting them into the schedule)

On the weekend of the 18th to 21st March 2017 we return to the Eastern Cape Highlands. we will be doing the 'SA's High 5 as well as few other famous passes in the area.

We will be staying at Tiffindell Ski Resort.

There is Self Catering Camping (R100 per person per night) and Chalets(R375 per person  per night) available. There is also a restaurant on site.

The use of plug points for the campers is R150 per day

Saturday 18th March 2017.

Depart from the Rotunda, Hilton (via Underburg) or Southgate Spar, PMB (via Ixopo) at 5am. We will meet up in Matatiele before proceeding to Tiffindell.

We will travel via Pitseng Pass, Elandshoogte Pass, Naude's Nek Pass, and finally the Tiffindell/Tenahead Traverse.

Sunday 19th March 2017. 

We will drive the highest pass in the Cape, Ben MacDhui Pass

Monday 20th March 2017.

We will do a circular route via Volunteershoek Pass, Bastervoetpad Pass, Elandshoogte Pass, Naude's Nek Pass, Rhodes (lunch), and back to Tiffindel via the Carlisleshoekspruit Pass

Tuesday 21st March 2017.

We leave Tiffindell via the Tiffindell/Tenahead Traverse., the Naude's Nek Pass, Elandshoogte Pass, and  Pitseng Pass returning to PMB

Note the order in which we traverse the passes on day 2, 3, and 4 may change.

South Africa’s High5 (As supplied by Tiffindell)

 Carlisleshoek Pass 2557m: (Grade 3) This fairly extreme pass is for the more experienced driver. It descends 739 meters over 14, 4 km producing some exceptionally steep gradients, with some of the sections an adrenaline pumping 1:2,3. This pass is the main access road to Tiffindell Ski Resort.
Getting there: From Rhodes head east out of town on the main gravel road to the Naudes Nek pass, Take the first gravel road to the left (north) about 1,5 km from the police station. Drive to the Wartrail area and ascend up the western side of the mountain via the Bidstone/Volnteershoek Pass (4x4 only). At the Tiffindell turn-off keep right and continue for 7 km to reach the northern starting point on the Carlisleshoekpruit Pass. Most motorists visiting this pass for the first time would naturally be approaching it from the town of Rhodes.

 Naudés Nek 2587m: (Grade 3) Due to the 32.5 km length of this mega-pass, with the western start from the Naude family memorial site near Rhodes to the lofty 2587 meter high summit, Naude's Nek Pass is the second highest altitude, gravel road, publicly accessible pass in South Africa and is a much sought after personal trophy for pass 'hunters' to say: "I've driven it!" Zig-zagging its way over the Southern Drakensberg, the pass is a long and slow drive with an average gradient of 1:16. To get to Naude's Neck Pass you need to allow plenty of time as you will need to start from either Maclear (70 km to the SE) or Mount Fletcher to the West, using the tiny village of Rhodes as lunchtime. Allow about 2 hours from Rhodes to the intersection at the Pot River Pass. If the weather is bad, add plenty more time, as your speed will be a lot slower.
 The Wartrail (Volunteershoek Pass/Bidstone Pass 2581m: (Grade 3)
This is a particularly tough, high-altitude gravel pass that connects the Wartrail farming valley with the well-known Tiffindell Ski Resort. Relatively long at 9,64km, it rises from 1916m ASL to 2567m. With its 1/14 average climb gradient, this pass can be called nothing but 'steep'! The first 5 km offers gradients of up to 1:5! This is definitely a pass that will be driven by a 'gravel travel' enthusiast for many good reasons. The pass is rough and tough as it goes through some severe hairpins as the road traverses the mountainside in a series of switchbacks, each of them opening up increasingly dramatic views. With an altitude gain of 662 meters, this is one of SA's more serious passes.

 The TTT 2600m: (Grade 3) This rugged gravel and rock road takes you from Tiffindell to Tenahead. It is the highest contour road in South Africa. Complete remoteness as you straddle the Lesotho border, the police outposts lead you past the Cairntoul Stock Theft Police Station, then arriving at Tenahead. The 27KM route takes over 2 hours. Enjoy the scenic views!

 Ben McDhui 3001m: (Grade 3)
Ben McDhui is the highest point in the Cape Province. Known by the locals as “Makhollo” (Great Mother), and referred to as “Ben Mac” by local residents. A tough switch back road to the top of the Cape through Tiffindell Ski & Alpine Resort. This on its own is worth the photo at the top. The drive will take you approximately 1.5 hours to complete including the stop at the top of the Mountain for a few pictures.