10 Majestic mountain passes to drive in South Africa

Posted by Jordyn Johnson on 8 December 2022

South Africa has full permission to boast over its breathtaking mountain passes. With an estimate of over 890 passes to choose from, our readers had the difficult task of choosing their favourite one. If I was able to recommend every one of them, I would, however, I had the difficult task of choosing just ten.

Hop in your car, drive slowly along the zigzag roads, take in the majestic towering mountains and endless scenery, and definitely pack snacks to eat with a view.

If none of my suggestions are up your alley, have a look at the rest of our readers’ suggestions on our Facebook page.

1. Gannaga Pass, Northern Cape

Picture: Getaway gallery

The Gannaga Pass takes you through the Roggeveld Mountains with a 548 m elevation. It is situated between Middelpos and the Tankwa Karoo and has 45 bends, curves, and corners. This pass has one of the best scopes of vision and is even more beautiful during the flower season in August and September.

The quality of the roads varies depending on rainfall in the area. Mountain Passes South Africa advises that you drive in a high-clearance vehicle as the roads before and after the pass can be a bit rough. If you’re in need of a stopover, you can always visit the village of Middelpos on the eastern side of the pass.

2. Magoebaskloof Pass, Limpopo

Picture: John Karwoski – Flickr

Mountains, forests, valleys, and dams frame the Magoebaskloof Pass. That is of course if the mist hasn’t overwhelmed the green scenery. This pass lies between Haenertsberg and Tzaneen. You don’t need a high clearance vehicle, but pay attention to potholes as there are many. There are also several hairpin bends and curves that make up the road.

READ: Driving the Magoebaskloof Pass

The Magoebaskloof area is absolutely ethereal with misty forests and hidden waterfalls. You can visit Debengeni Falls or see the cherry blossoms in Cheerio Gardens. For everyone not driving, the new Zwakala Brewery offers craft beers and the most mouthwatering burgers.

3. Long Tom Pass, Mpumulanga

mountain passes south africa

Picture: Jean & Natalie – Flickr

Potentially the most famous pass in Mpumulanga, Long Tom Pass was named after the Long Tom cannon that dates back to the South African War. The road is 26,2 km long and reaches an incline of 671 m high. The pass will take you up the Drakensberg escarpment and is situated between Lydenburg and Sabie.

Long Tom Pass is part of the beloved Panorama Route and, like Magoebaskloof, can often be shrouded in mist. Views of forests and mountains make the drive worth it. You can stop in the towns on either side of the pass for something delicious to eat, or indulge in the exciting Long Tom Toboggan.

READ: All aboard the Long Tom Toboggan

4. Oliviershoek Pass, KwaZulu Natal

Picture: Micheal Roger Denne – Flickr

This mountain pass is an alternative if the Van Rheenen’s Pass is closed off, or if you just feel like taking the scenic route. Mountain Passes South Africa explains that Oliviershoek Pass beings in Harrismith, and then traverses across Bergville and Winterton. It is 13.5 km long and takes you up to 417 m above the Drakensberg mountains.

The pass used to be in disrepair until 2016 when the road was fixed up. It has since developed potholes and some parts of the road have collapsed down the hill, so proceed with caution. If you do risk the bad road, Oliviershoek Pass has been described as one of the ‘best and scenic tar passes’ in the country.

5. Du Toitskloof Pass, Western Cape

Picture: Wikimedia Commons – Vdiest

Thought to be one of the most impressive mountain passes along the N1, Du Toitskloof Pass is definitely worth the drive. The new road was constructed between 1984 and 1988 and cost almost R125 000 000 to build. The 4 km long Hugosrivier Viaduct shaved 11 km off of the old Du Toitskloof Pass and is the first viaduct in South Africa.

Enjoy scenes of the Hugosrivier Valley, winter waterfalls, and the Molenaars River on the 37 km drive between Paarl and Worcester. During the cold months, snow can be seen on the mountains along the pass, and you must definitely look out for the highest mountain, Du Toits Peak, which reaches 1 995 m high.

6. Naude’s Nek Pass, Eastern Cape

Picture: SA-Venues – Flickr

This extraordinary mountain pass was constructed by the Naude brothers in the 1890s, two farmers who needed a road to get to the cattle markets. It is 32.7 km long and is known as the highest dirt road in the country. It’s also the fourth-highest altitude pass in South Africa.

The pass runs between Rhodes and Maclear, and it’s advisable that you start your drive from Rhodes side for the best views. Naude’s Nek is also famous for its public telephone in the middle of nowhere. It doesn’t make calls, but it makes for the perfect photo opportunity.

7. Schoemanskloof Pass, Mpumulanga

Picture: Jordyn Johnson

Schoemanskloof Pass is the alternative route you can take if you are coming from or heading to Gauteng. It’s about 62 km long with an incline that reaches 254 m high and connects Gauteng to the Lowveld of Mpumulanga. The road has a series of curves and hairpin turns but is relatively easy to drive along and well-maintained.

Take in the waterfalls, deep gorges, vast forests, and orange and avocado plantations that stretch out in front and beside you. Many drivers also love to stop at Joubert & Seuns Padstal for fresh fruit and vegetables.

READ: 6 Perky Padstals between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park

8. Vanrhyns Pass, Northern Cape

Picture: Alexey Yakovlev – Flickr

This pass links Vanrhynsdorp and Nieuwoudtville and stretches more than 9 km. The road is praised for being well-designed and is known for its good safety record. There is a lot of variety in terms of curves and hairpin bends that allow you to take in the scenery of the valley below from many different angles.

Vanrhyns pass takes you over the Bokkeveld mountains and has been dubbed one of the top 10 passes in the Northern Cape. The best time to drive this pass is after the rainfalls, during the wildflower season when the valley turns into a flower wonderland.

9. Van Rheenens Pass, KwaZulu Natal

south africa mountain passes

Picture: Peter Black – Flickr

Van Rheenens Pass connects Ladysmith and Harrismith and is named after the little town that stands at the top of the pass. Although it is known as the most dangerous pass in South Africa due to reckless driving, it is the most beautiful part of the N3 and shows off the delightful Drakensberg.

The pass is 36 km long and reaches 663 m high. The aptly named Windy Corner is the perfect place to stop and snap some photos of the views. The Llandaff Oratory is a perfect stopover to grab something delicious to eat, as well as have a peek at the smallest Roman Catholic Church in the southern hemisphere.

10. Abel Erasmus Pass, Limpopo

Picture: Jordyn Johnson

‘Named after a prominent citizen in the area,’ the Abel Erasmus Pass was officially opened on 8 May 1959, according to the Mountain Passes South Africa. The route was carved by gold rush pioneers in the 19th century and has 62 corners, curves, and bends. It is 24 km long, reaches 737 m high, and includes a tunnel of 133 m.

The Abel Erasmus Pass showcases the Manoutsa Section of the Limpopo Drakensburg with overhanging cliffs on one side and the Oliphants River on the other. The road is well-maintained, but be aware of slow-moving transport trucks.

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ALSO READ: 10 activities to do on a roadtrip through the Eastern Cape






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