Drakensberg Passes
The passes listed here are those which gain you entry to the escarpment and Lesotho, where the average altitude above sea level usually exceeds 3 000 metres. Because of the height climbed (which may exceed 1 km), the thin air, the distances involved, their steepness and even their remoteness, passes are among the greatest physical and mental challenges that a hiker can face in South Africa.
Knuckles Traverse Pass
Knuckles Traverse Pass is located in the Bushman's Nek just left of Lammergeier pass and goats cave.
Read More...
Lammergeier Pass
Lammergeier Pass is located in the Bushman's Nek and is a relatively easy pass, however the last 1km on a steep uphill from Lammergeier cave has no visible path. At the top of the pass you will see goats cave on your right.
Read More...
Langalibalele Pass
Old maps may refer to this as "Bushman's River Pass", as it was known in the 19th century. The exact date of the name change to "Langalibalele Pass" is uncertain, but makes reference to the arrest of the amaHlubi Chief Langalibalele at the top of this pass in 1873. Seven people died during this capture, five from the E ...
Read More...
Leslie's Pass
Leslie's Pass is relatively easy to hike, it is just very long. Leslie's and Injisuthi pass are the only routes to the top in the Injisuthi area.
Read More...
Lotheni Pass (North Fork)
Lotheni Pass North Fork is a rock pass situated in the Lotheni region.
Read More...
Lotheni Pass (South Fork - gully access)
Lotheni South Pass. The gully access is actually more prominent but the North Fork is the one indicated on maps. It is a known smuggling route and is an easier hike than the North Fork.
Read More...
Lotheni Pass (South Fork)
Lotheni South Fork is a smuggling route with a trail. Lotheni South Fork is an easier hike than the North Fork.
Read More...
Madonna Pass
From the gully at Madonna & Her Worshippers is Madonna Pass.
Read More...
Mangaun Pass
Mangaun Pass is located in the Vergelegen area.
Read More...
Manxome Pass
Manxome Pass is located in the Mnweni region. It is not marked as a pass on the official maps. It is a physically challenging pass to do as it is long and steep but it offers extraordinary views.
Read More...
Mashai Pass
Mashai Pass is often used by hikers climbing the Rhino. Some sections are harshly eroded making it a tricky pass to do. It is the first gully North of Mlambonja Peak and has cairns marking the top.
Read More...
Masubasuba Pass
The Masubasuba Pass is the most direct way to climb the Hodgson's Peaks. The approach to the pass is spectacularly scenic.
The hike up this pass is along the Pholela River Valley and then via Fingall's Rock.
Read More...
Mbundini Pass
Mbundini Pass is difficult to navigate due to the lack of a path. It is a challenging climb.
Read More...
Mike's Pass
Mike's Pass is a demanding gravel 4X4 pass high in the mountains near Bergville.
Read More...
Minaret Pass
Along Minaret Pass, rockfall might be an issue. The pass is best accessed from Lakes Cave. Minaret Pass is located south of Hodgson's Peak.
Read More...
Mkhomazi Pass
Mkhomazi Pass is situated in the Vergelegen area. It is a pass with a trail that the locals frequently use.
Read More...
Mlahlangubo Pass
Mlahlangubo Pass has two access points - the gully, where there is minor local usage, and the north pass. It is an easy pass from Vergelegen Camp.
Read More...
Mlambonja Pass (Bell Traverse)
Mlambonja Pass (also known as Umlambonya pass) is a steep pass in the Cathedral range. It is still used often because it is a more direct route to the escarpment from the hotel and has a large, comfortable cave nearby.
Read More...
Mnweni Pass
The Mnweni Pass is steep but is one of the most rewarding ascents. The view just gets better!
Read More...
Mohlesi Pass
Mohlesi Pass is not often used. It is a steep pass which can be found in the south of the Drakensberg in the Vergelegen region.
Read More...
Mqatesheni Pass
Mqatesheni Pass is situated in the Vergelegen area.
Read More...
Mudslide Pass
The climb to the Crack and The Mudslide Pass is steep but a chain ladder will help you over the more difficult sections. The descent is steep, loose and slippery after rainfall.
Read More...
Mzimkhulu Pass (Middle)
The Mzimkhulu Middle Pass is located in the Garden Castle area. There is a waterfall on route which may be tricky to navigate.
Read More...
Mzimkhulu Pass (North)
There are three possible heads to the Mzimkhulu pass. The North pass is easy with a distinct path and offers beautiful scenery.
Read More...
Mzimkhulu Pass (South)
The South Mzimkhulu Pass has no path but it is an easy pass.
Read More...
Mzimude Pass (North)
Mzimude Pass (North) is located in the Garden Castle area. The pass has no trail and it is not used often.
Read More...
Mzimude Pass (South)
The Mzimude Passes are not rock passes. The South Pass is steep and is used more often than the North Pass. It has a lot of exposure due to height but it is still safe.
Read More...
Namahadi Pass
Namahadi is the highest peak in the Free State and it is one of the highest in the Drakensberg. It is an easy pass with very limited exposure.
Read More...
Ngaqamadola Pass (North)
The Ngaqamadola North Pass is moderatly difficult. It does not have a path to follow.
Read More...
Ngaqamadola Pass (South)
The Ngaqamadola South Pass is in good condition. It is not a difficult pass to do.
Read More...
Nguza Pass
Nguza Pass is a rock pass without a trail. It is an amazing pass that is definitely worth doing.
Read More...
Ngwangwane Pass (Bushman's Pass)
Ngwangwane Pass is also known as Bushman's Pass has no trail but is a relatively easy and flat pass.
Read More...
Nhlangeni Pass
Nhlangeni Pass is located in the Vergelegen area in the Berg. It is a moderately easy hike that lacks a trail.
Read More...
Ntonjelana Pass (iNtonyelana)
Ntonjelana Pass is a steep pass located in the Mnweni area. It is probably the easiest pass in this area. The path is very obvious as it is frequently used as a smuggling route.
Read More...
Ntshintshini Pass
Ntshintshini Pass is without a trail and located in the Vergelegen area.
Read More...
Ntubeni Pass
Ntubeni Pass is steeper than Lotheni Pass and is grass the whole way up. It is located in the Lotheni area.
Read More...
Organ Pipes Pass (Camel Route)
Organ Pipes Pass - the Camel Route is marked as dangerous on official maps but this only really applies in icy conditions. There is beautiful scenery on both sides of the ridge.
Read More...
Organ Pipes Pass (Thuthumi Ridge Route)
Organ Pipes Pass is probably one of the most commonly used passes in the KZN Drakensberg. The name is derived from the very impressive wall of rock pinnacles near the top of the pass. The ridge offers stunning views of the Cathedral and Cathkin ridges.
his route is commonly used for smuggling activities and is best av ...
Read More...
Phinong Pass
Phinong Pass has a trail. It is fairly easy to hike in the Vergelegen Reserve.
Read More...
Pins Pass
Pins Pass is not a rock pass. If you choose the correct route, it is a relatively easy and straightforward pass.
Read More...
Pitsaneng Pass (North)
The Pitsaneng North Pass is a gully followed by a traverse and a ridge (from the top down).
Read More...
Pitsaneng Pass (South)
The Pitsaneng South Pass is without a trail.
Read More...
Redi Pass
Redi Pass is the sixth highest peak in South Africa. The direct route up it demands rock climbing.
Read More...
Rhino Pass
The approach to Rhino Pass is difficult but the actual pass is fairly easy. It has spectacular scenery.
Read More...
Rockeries Pass
Rockeries Pass is a relatively easy way to reach the escarpment in the Mnweni area. Navigating your way along this pass is no problem at all because the path is clear.
Read More...
Rwanqa Pass
Rwanqa Pass is fairly difficult. It's route is not clearly shown on official maps as the pass is very overgrown.
Read More...
Saddle Nek Pass
The Saddle Nek Pass is located in the Bushman's Nek region of the Drakensberg.
Read More...
Sandleni Pass
Sandleni Pass is a grassy gully pass and has no trail. It is relatively easy to hike. Although it is technically located in the Garden Castle area, it is very far from both Garden Castle and Cobham and therefore has little traffic.
Read More...