Naude's Nek Pass (Rhodes - Mount Fletcher) EC, dirt

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JonW

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The Naude's Nek Pass lies between the scenic little town of Rhodes in the Eastern Cape, and Mount fletcher in the former Transkei.

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In 1896 the Naude brothers built a rough track across the mountains outside Rhodes. Using picks, shovels and a horse cart, they followed the route that their horses instinctively took when they were driven up the mountain.

A monument in honour of the Naude brothers stands at the foot of the path.

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Following much of the original route, george Mandy constructed a military road linking Maclear with Lundin's Nek in 1911. From the foot of the pass the road climbs steeply out of the Bell river valley in a series of switchbacks to the 2500m - high summit of the pass.

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Naude's Nek Pass is the highest road lying completely in South Africa. The gravel road that snakes over the pass is also one of the loneliest in South Africa.

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The pass is by no means a difficult ride, however it is not recommended that you attempt the pass in adverse weather conditions, as deep snow is frequent. It is however a stunning ride and is well worth the effort.
 
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