Lesser known passes on KZN/Freestate escarpment

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Dunnes

Race Dog
Joined
Apr 4, 2016
Messages
838
Reaction score
22
Location
Gauteng, Pretoria
Bike
BMW F650GS / Dakar
Dagse

Myself and [member=24660]Gerrie109[/member] are planning a trip for December. Our idea is to ride all the escarpment passes between the Drakensberg and Memel. Most of these are quite known, but there are some unknown ones that I would appreciate some info for.
It will be [member=25506]Advocado[/member] 's first real ride, so any info on how tough the tracks are would be great. But she's got a XR250, so she'll probably wait for us at the top.

Steps Pass (Retiefs):
As far as I know this pass is on private land. [member=408]JonW[/member] I read a RR (https://wilddog.net.za/forum/index.php?topic=70875.msg1448775#msg1448775) where you organised access to this pass. Would you be willing to pass on his details so I can chat to him?

Braamhoek Pass:
This one is at the Ingula storage scheme. It looks to me like it starts about 2.5km west of the Ingula hydro. The Mountain Passes SA website (www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za)) says a permit is required. Does anyone know who to contact?

Brandon's Pass:
The turn-off for this pass looks to be on the P263 (Sondagsrivier Pass). MPSA says it crosses two private landowners and their consent is needed. There is some substantial ground to cover after the summit to get to the P263. Anyone with any info?
https://www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za/find-a-pass/kwazulu-natal/item/86-brandons-pass,-kzn.html

Rogers Pass and Keays Pass:
These two passes are in the vicinity of Brandon's pass, according to MPSA.co.za. I have included two tracks that I think could be the two passes. Permission must also be obtained.
Has anyone ridden these passes before?
There is a farm closeby called Norfolk Farm on Google Maps, but I cannot find any more info on it.
https://www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za/find-a-pass/kwazulu-natal/item/772-keays-pass-4x4.html and https://www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za/find-a-pass/kwazulu-natal/item/770-rogers-pass.html

Donkies Pass:
This pass is close to Newcastle. It starts at Vulintaba estate. I suppose I will try organise access through them. MPSA says its the second steepest pass in SA. Sounds great!
https://www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za/find-a-pass/kwazulu-natal/item/780-donkies-pass.html

Sak se Pad Pass:
I don't know where this pass is. Only that it crosses the KZN/Free State boundary. Does anyone know where this pass is?
https://www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za/find-a-pass/kwazulu-natal/item/779-sak-se-pad-pass-4x4.html
 

Attachments

  • KZN Escarp passes (lesser known).gpx
    99.7 KB · Views: 26
  • KZN Escarp passes (lesser known).gdb
    18.6 KB · Views: 21
Top