About Groot Doringhoek Pass
The Groot Doringhoek (great thorn corner) Pass is considered one of the highest mountain passes in the country, and thus one of its more dangerous roads,. It also makes its way onto a list of roads less travelled (although that might soon change as more and more bikers and 4x4 enthusiasts explore the nether reaches of the country's mountains).
Did you know? The pass ends roughly 12 km before intersecting with the R56, where there are a number of journey options that include Steynsburgh, Molteno and Burgersdorp.
Groot Doringhoek (also spelled Grootdoornhoek) heads over the Bamboes Mountains that start back in Molteno and form part of the greater Drakensberg escarpment. It lies on the gravel R391 between the pretty, little Karoo town of Hofmeyr (once known as Maraisburg), and Burgersdorp (a really pleasant little town and a good place to overnight).
Less intrepid travellers take the tarred R56 through Steynsburg, hooking up with the R391 north of the pass - a safer option during winter months when it snows, as Groot Doringhoek lies above the snow line and is often closed because of snowfall. The scenery and the views, however, are well worth the few steep inclines of the pass. And, if you're in a good SUV or off-road bike, then the Karoo gravel roads are usually in good nick and navigable.
Groot Doringhoek Pass is not difficult to find. It lies just over 40 km north-east of Hofmeyr, after the road heads through an unmistakable poort. As the poort begins to noticeably narrow, the road begins to climb just as another gravel road joins the R391 from the left. The pass begins to climb in earnest summiting at a nek through the mountains.
Need to Know
WhereGroot Doringhoek Pass, On the R391 between Hofmeyr and Molteno, Karoo Heartland, Eastern Cape, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Hofmeyr 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If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email.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 inAttractions near Hofmeyr
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Karoo Heartland

Klipplaatsdrift Safari Lodge
Klipplaatsdrift Safari Lodge offers charming, furnished solar-powered, pet-friendly chalets and is situated along the Vlekpoort River 32km outsid...

Rietjiesbos
Rietjiesbos will surprise and delight you. All the rooms are en-suite, air conditioned, offer free WiFi and have private verandas from where they...

Blanco Guest Farm and Holiday Resort
Blanco Guest Farm and Holiday Resort has been providing accommodation for over 100 years. Tucked away at the foot of the Winterberg Mountains, ju...

Lilibet Lodge
Lilibet Lodge provides welcoming, family-oriented accommodation in the historic town of Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape. Perfect for a convenient and...

Die Dorpshuis
Die Dorpshuis offers comfortable self-catering accommodation in Graaff-Reinet which has an old-world charm with a beautiful landscape and archite...

Aan die Oewer Guesthouse
Aan-die-Oewer offers both B&B (full English breakfast available) and self-catering options with all the essentials. The two family units and five...

Ganora Guest Farm
Ganora Guest Farm is a working sheep farm situated just outside Nieu-Bethesda in the Karoo Heartland. Accommodating up to 26 persons, Ganora Gues...

Blanco Manor House
Tucked away at the foot of the Winterberg Mountains, offering accommodation near Tarkastad, Blanco Manor House is one of the Eastern Cape's best-...
Accommodation convenient to Groot Doringhoek Pass
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Eastern Cape Accommodation / Karoo Heartland Accommodation / Hofmeyr Accommodation