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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

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Knuckles Traverse Pass is located in the Bushman's Nek just left of Lammergeier pass and goats cave.
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Lammergeier Pass

Lammergeier Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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Langalibalele Pass

Langalibalele Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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 ...
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Leslie's Pass

Leslie's Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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Lotheni Pass (North Fork)

Lotheni Pass (North Fork)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Lotheni Pass North Fork is a rock pass situated in the Lotheni region.
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Lotheni Pass (South Fork - gully access)

Lotheni Pass (South Fork - gully access)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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Lotheni Pass (South Fork)

Lotheni Pass (South Fork)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Lotheni South Fork is a smuggling route with a trail. Lotheni South Fork is an easier hike than the North Fork.
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Madonna Pass

Madonna Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

From the gully at Madonna & Her Worshippers is Madonna Pass. 
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Mangaun Pass

Mangaun Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Mangaun Pass is located in the Vergelegen area.
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Manxome Pass

Manxome Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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Mashai Pass

Mashai Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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Masubasuba Pass

Masubasuba Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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Mbundini Pass

Mbundini Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Mbundini Pass is difficult to navigate due to the lack of a path. It is a challenging climb.
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Mike's Pass

Mike's Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Mike's Pass is a demanding gravel 4X4 pass high in the mountains near Bergville.
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Minaret Pass

Minaret Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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Mkhomazi Pass

Mkhomazi Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Mkhomazi Pass is situated in the Vergelegen area. It is a pass with a trail that the locals frequently use.
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Mlahlangubo Pass

Mlahlangubo Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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Mlambonja Pass (Bell Traverse)

Mlambonja Pass (Bell Traverse)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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Mnweni Pass

Mnweni Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The Mnweni Pass is steep but is one of the most rewarding ascents. The view just gets better!
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Mohlesi Pass

Mohlesi Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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Mqatesheni Pass

Mqatesheni Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Mqatesheni Pass is situated in the Vergelegen area.
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Mudslide Pass

Mudslide Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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Mzimkhulu Pass (Middle)

Mzimkhulu Pass (Middle)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The Mzimkhulu Middle Pass is located in the Garden Castle area. There is a waterfall on route which may be tricky to navigate.
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Mzimkhulu Pass (North)

Mzimkhulu Pass (North)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

There are three possible heads to the Mzimkhulu pass. The North pass is easy with a distinct path and offers beautiful scenery.
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Mzimkhulu Pass (South)

Mzimkhulu Pass (South)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

 The South Mzimkhulu Pass has no path but it is an easy pass.
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Mzimude Pass (North)

Mzimude Pass (North)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Mzimude Pass (North) is located in the Garden Castle area. The pass has no trail and it is not used often.
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Mzimude Pass (South)

Mzimude Pass (South)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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Namahadi Pass

Namahadi Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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Ngaqamadola Pass (North)

Ngaqamadola Pass (North)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The Ngaqamadola North Pass is moderatly difficult. It does not have a path to follow.
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Ngaqamadola Pass (South)

Ngaqamadola Pass (South)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The Ngaqamadola South Pass is in good condition. It is not a difficult pass to do.
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Nguza Pass

Nguza Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Nguza Pass is a rock pass without a trail. It is an amazing pass that is definitely worth doing.
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Ngwangwane Pass (Bushman's Pass)

Ngwangwane Pass (Bushman's Pass)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Ngwangwane Pass is also known as Bushman's Pass has no trail but is a relatively easy and flat pass.
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Nhlangeni Pass

Nhlangeni Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Nhlangeni Pass is located in the Vergelegen area in the Berg. It is a moderately easy hike that lacks a trail.
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Ntonjelana Pass (iNtonyelana)

Ntonjelana Pass (iNtonyelana)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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Ntshintshini Pass

Ntshintshini Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Ntshintshini Pass is without a trail and located in the Vergelegen area.
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Ntubeni Pass

Ntubeni Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Ntubeni Pass is steeper than Lotheni Pass and is grass the whole way up. It is located in the Lotheni area.
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Organ Pipes Pass (Camel Route)

Organ Pipes Pass (Camel Route)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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Organ Pipes Pass (Thuthumi Ridge Route)

Organ Pipes Pass (Thuthumi Ridge Route)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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 ...
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Phinong Pass

Phinong Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Phinong Pass has a trail. It is fairly easy to hike in the Vergelegen Reserve.
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Pins Pass

Pins Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Pins Pass is not a rock pass. If you choose the correct route, it is a relatively easy and straightforward pass.
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Pitsaneng Pass (North)

Pitsaneng Pass (North)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The Pitsaneng North Pass is a gully followed by a traverse and a ridge (from the top down).
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Pitsaneng Pass (South)

Pitsaneng Pass (South)

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The Pitsaneng South Pass is without a trail.
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Redi Pass

Redi Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Redi Pass is the sixth highest peak in South Africa. The direct route up it demands rock climbing.
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Rhino Pass

Rhino Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The approach to Rhino Pass is difficult but the actual pass is fairly easy. It has spectacular scenery.
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Rockeries Pass

Rockeries Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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Rwanqa Pass

Rwanqa Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Rwanqa Pass is fairly difficult. It's route is not clearly shown on official maps as the pass is very overgrown.
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Saddle Nek Pass

Saddle Nek Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The Saddle Nek Pass is located in the Bushman's Nek region of the Drakensberg.
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Sandleni Pass

Sandleni Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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.
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