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Drakensberg Passes in Royal Natal

Passes in the Royal Natal area.

Barricade Pass

Barricade Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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

Beacon Buttress Gully

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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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Chain Ladder Pass

Chain Ladder Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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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Gudu Falls Pass

Gudu Falls Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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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Inner Tower Gully

Inner Tower Gully

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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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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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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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The Crack Pass

The Crack Pass

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The steep ascent through The Crack Pass is aided by a chain ladder. It is potentially dangerous.
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