Tags: Pass

Barricade Pass was nicknamed Fallen Boot Pass by Neil Margetts. One of his companion hikers dislodged his boot and it fell down a steeper part of the pass. If you begin your route from Fika dam, on the true right of the river is a well-used path as far as the base of Namahadi Pass. If you begin on true left, you will ...
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Beacon Buttress Gully used to be the only path accessing the escarpment. This short and steep gully is a fun alternative to the Chain Ladder Route. After the steep climb beautiful view rewards you near the summit.
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The Chain Ladder is one of the easiest hikes as far as Berg passes go. This trail is also the most popular. The final 30m of the cliff face is ascended by means of a two-section chain ladder. The route is accessed via Sentinel Car Park which can be found on the road from Witzieshoek Mountain Resort. There are two sect ...
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Cockade Pass is one of the most direct routes to the escarpment in the Cathedral Peak area. It is split into two gullies, a main and a side gully. It is far less hiked than the other more well known passes but it has amazing scenery. Cockade Pass is ranked as moderate in terms of difficulty.
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Easter Pass also known as Christmas Pass is located in the Northern Drakensberg, Cathedral Peak area near Easter Cave.
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Elephant Gully, although beautifully scenic and dramatic, is not climbed often. It is a narrow gully that varies in steepness and therefore may be a fairly difficult hike. It is also known as the Elephant Shortcut.
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In most hikers' opinions Fangs Pass is definitely one of the most stunning passes in the Mnweni area and perhaps even in the entire Drakensberg. It is a difficult pass to undertake and should not be attempted by the inexperienced. It starts at a small waterfall where the Fangs tributary joins the Mbundini River.
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Gudu Falls Pass is a relatively easy hike worth doing. If you venture towards the falls you will find some lovely rock pools to swim in.
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Icidi Pass is most likely the most difficult non-rock pass in the Drakensberg. It is very long, steep and boulder-choked. It should not be attempted by any inexperienced and unskilled hikers as it could become very dangerous.
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Ifidi Pass is not often attempted due to its rocky summit. Along with Icidi Pass, it is infamous for being one of the most challenging passes in the Drakensberg. However, most would say that the reward is definitely worth the effort.
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Two very distinct gullies lead up towards the Inner Tower. Both gullies are extremely challenging scrambles. The gully has many obstacles but the struggle may be well worth it. The Inner Tower Gully is located in the Royal Natal region.
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From the gully at Madonna & Her Worshippers is Madonna Pass. 
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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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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 is a demanding gravel 4X4 pass high in the mountains near Bergville.
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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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The Mnweni Pass is steep but is one of the most rewarding ascents. The view just gets better!
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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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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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Nguza Pass is a rock pass without a trail. It is an amazing pass that is definitely worth doing.
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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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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 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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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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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 is fairly difficult. It's route is not clearly shown on official maps as the pass is very overgrown.
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Most mountaineers describe Ship's Prow Pass as the most difficult non-rock pass in the Berg - it is the highest in the Berg after all. The view from the top is legendary. Going up the North Fork is not not advised due to falling rock, rather go up the South Fork.
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Smuggler's Pass was pioneered by smugglers - hence it's name. The main path forks into two paths but reconnects further up.
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The steep ascent through The Crack Pass is aided by a chain ladder. It is potentially dangerous.
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The Puddings is in the Cathedral Peak region of the Drakensberg.
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Thuthumi Pass has awesome views of the Ndumeni Dome cliffs and the back of the Organ Pipes. It is easy to accomplish if you are an experienced hiker.
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Tlanyaku Pass is a steep pass located in the Cathedral Peak area. It is situated between Ndedema Dome and the Sphinx.
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The Tsekesteke Pass follows a beautiful trail along the Tsekesteke river and the gully alongside the Pyramid and the Column. This pass is moderately difficult.
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Twins Pass is a steep trail located in Northern Drakensberg in the Cathedral Peak region.
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Witches is in the Royal Natal region of the Drakensberg.
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Xeni Pass is a potentially dangerous pass that should only be attempted by experienced hikers. It is located in the Cathedral Peak area of the Berg. Xeni Pass is in the cutback between Leopard Peak and Mlambonja Buttress. It probably gets more traffic than one might expect due to it being in one of the most popul ...
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