About Naudé's Nek Pass

Naudé's Nek lies in the southern end of the Drakensberg in the Eastern Cape, and connects the towns of Maclear and Rhodes. It is probably most well known as the highest dirt road in South Africa, with a summit of 2.920 metres.

Did you know? With a summit of over 2,920m above sea level, Naudés Nek Pass is the highest dirt road in South Africa.

Naudé's Nek pass is also famous for its public telephone in the middle of nowhere. Even if it doesn't make a call, it serves as a great photo moment. The views from Naudes Nek pass, at no matter what time of year, are superb and worth the effort.

However, be warned. This is off-the-beaten-track kind of driving. Even in a 4X4 the road presents something of a challenge, particularly in winter when, because of its height, snowfalls are common and make the roads slippery. And the roads are not in good shape, although there are those who advocate that in an ordinary car with high clearance, you can manage the summit.

If you consider that the road's existence is thanks to the brothers Naudé, who in the late 1890s made it their task to find a way out of the isolated valley to reach cattle markets, with only a pick and shovel for help, its significance is rather awe-inspiring. Today there is a brass plaque at a picnic site just below the climb to the summit of the pass, that tells their story.

For all of the above reasons, Naudé's Nek Pass is regarded as the king of passes. It is full of hairpin bends, with a very good chance of mist. The Maclear side of the pass is particularly beaten and there are sharp stones that in an ordinary vehicle could prove rather daunting.

The approach from Rhodes is a lot more exiting, so try to do the pass from Rhodes to Maclear, and not the other way around.

Need to Know

WhereNaudé's Nek Pass, Connects the towns of Maclear and Rhodes, Northern Ukhahlamba, Eastern Cape, South Africa

WhenBest during daylight hours.

OvernightStay in Rhodes Accommodation, Eastern Cape

Disclaimer

Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.

Feedback?

If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options in Rhodes

Things to do in the area

Accommodation convenient to Naudé's Nek Pass

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Eastern Cape Accommodation / Eastern Cape Highlands Accommodation / Rhodes Accommodation

Rhodes as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Rhodes property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.