About Greylings Pass
Greylings Pass is one of two passes on the long and winding R396 to Barkly East, via Rossouw and Clifford, from Dordrecht or Indwe. The first is Killians Pass (the more southern of the two) followed quite quickly by the high altitude Greylings Pass.
Did you know? The views from the northerly end of the pass are incredible, and whichever way you choose to travel Greylings, a stop at this end is mandatory for the scenic views.
If you're driving from the northerly reaches of the R396, then it is Greylings Pass you reach first. The summit is 1956 metres above sea level and, as a result, often covered in snow during winter. When all is well with the world and the sun is shining, this pass is not a difficult one to navigate, but a 4x4 is probably preferable when there is snow on the ground.
Called Greylings Pass after the sons of Jan Christiaan Greyling, who owned a farm called Zwaagershoek in the area and whose sons subsequently farmed near Indwe and Barkly East, it is one of numerous challenging gravel passes in this mountainous region of the Eastern Cape.
Although it is not one of the renowned Eight Passes (Baster Voetslaan, Carlisleshoekspruit, Lundins Nek, otto du Plessis, Volunteershoek, Naudes Nek, Joubert's and Barkly), it is, nonetheless, an enjoyable and scenic drive.
From the south the pass begins at the kink in the road where the Wilgespruit and Wasbankspruit meet, roughly 3 km north east of the little hamlet of Rossouw (Killian's Pass is a shorter pass, roughly 2 km before you reach Rossouw).
From the north the Greylings Pass begins in the neck of the mountains known as Swartnek (the namesake black rocks are obvious from the nek). The views from the northerly end of the pass are incredible, and whichever way you choose to travel Greylings, a stop at this end is mandatory for the scenic views.
The 9.8 km between the two ends of the pass is a fairly easy drive, as far as mountain passes go. And although the gain in altitude is great, the gradient is gentle and one doesn't notice the climb or descent until about the 4 km mark where there is a series of steep drop-offs and cuttings more typical of your average mountain pass.
Need to Know
WhereGreylings Pass, On the R396 to Barkly East, Eastern Cape, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Barkly East 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.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inIn the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Barkly East
Wild Oak Guest House
Wild Oak Guesthouse offers two guest rooms with views of the lovely lush green garden. The rooms have en-suite bathrooms, electric blankets, heat...
Pitlochrie The White House
Pitlochrie The White House is located on Pitlochrie Farm and is perfectly situated in the Drakensberg of the Eastern Cape, close to Barkly East, ...
Pitlochrie The Farm House
Pitlochrie The Farm House is located on Pitlochrie Farm, perfectly situated in the Drakensberg of the Eastern Cape, close to Barkly East, Wartrai...
Branksome Country House
Branksome Country House is situated on Branksome Farm, a working farm in the Southern Drakensberg. This is the perfect place to visit if you are ...
Millerd Mountain Cottage
Nestled below the majestic Avoca Peak lies a tranquil cottage situated next to a fresh water stream flowing in from the of the Avoca valley. Mill...
Reedsdell Country Guest Farm
Set in the picturesque Witteberg mountain range, the southwestern spur of the Drakensberg, 1100 ha of pristine mountain terrain and crystal clear...
Stone House Farm Stay
Stone House Farm Stay is an old stone building with two bedrooms. The kitchen is equipped with a gas stove, oven, fridge, microwave and a dining ...
Pitlochrie The Cottage
Pitlochrie The Cottage is located on Pitlochrie farm, perfectly situated in the Drakensberg of the Eastern Cape, close to Barkly East, Wartrail, ...
Millerd Mountain Lodge
Millerd Mountain Lodge is an original farmhouse that has been renovated into a lovely self catering home just 36km outside of the town of Barkly ...
Things to do in the area
4x4 and Quad Trails
The Barkly East and Rhodes area is ideal for the 4x4 and bike enthusiast. Steep mountain tracks (up to 2750m) and challenging river crossings tes...
4x4 Trails in Eastern Cape Highlands
A spectacular drive from Telle Bridge through to Lundeans Nek on good gravel road brings you to Reedsdell. Trails are guided by Chris, ranging fr...
Birding in Wild Mountain Country
The Barkly East and Rhodes area of the Southern Drakensberg has prolific birdlife with over 230 species recorded. Wild Mountain Adventures can he...
MTB Trails in Wild Mountain Country
Mountain bike tracks abound in the Barkly East and Rhodes farming districts and we are developing trails for all abilities and levels of fitness....
Fly-Fishing for Wild Trout
The Barkly East and Rhodes area of the Southern Drakensberg is world famous for its fly-fishing with over 200kms of Mountain Rivers filled all ye...
Quad-bike and Scrambler trails
Bring your own bikes for rides of a lifetime - The spectacular mountainous terrain of the Southern Drakensberg is the perfect setting for awesome...
Barkly East Museum
Barkly East Museum offers fascinating displays telling a story about the history of Barkly East, how it originated and artifacts and items found ...
Witteberg Skywalk
Start: Lady GreyFinish: RhodesDuration: anything from 7 to 10 daysFitness: it's tough, you'll need to be fitOur tip: going during winter means co...
Rhodes MTB Trail
Where: Rhodes, north east of Barkly East, near Tiffendell Ski ResortLevel: difficult (the climbs are gruelling); the route is longType of route: ...
Accommodation convenient to Greylings Pass
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Eastern Cape Accommodation / Eastern Cape Highlands Accommodation / Barkly East Accommodation