Passes

Passes

Mnweni Pass

Details
Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes
Hits: 7992

In the heart of the Mnweni Cutback lies this awesome pass which has one of the most rewarding ascents of any Drakensberg pass. It has a very steep gradient but is relatively short compared to some of the other huge passes in the area. This pass has got the best view of the impressive Mnweni Pinnacles and the overall view of the rest of the Mnweni Cutback gets better and better as you climb higher.

Manxome Pass

Details
Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes
Hits: 4280

When you ascend Mnweni Pass, a striking grass gully can be seen on the opposite slopes, just West (left) of Pins Pass (Rock). This gully is not marked as a pass on the official maps but we decided to go check it out in December 2004. What we found was one of the most spectacular passes in the entire Berg and it's a route that should not be missed if you're an avid berg explorer! As we were probably the first people to do this pass (correct me if I'm wrong), there is obviously no path at all but the route-finding is fairly simple and the views are mind-blowing. You get a completely new perspective of the Mnweni Cutback and it's quite interesting to look at Mnweni Pass from the other side. There's a little grassy shoudler at about 2700m which offers the most impressive views - don't miss it!

Rwanqa Pass

Details
Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes
Hits: 3401

On the official Drakensberg maps, Rwanqua Pass does not have a marked route at all. There is a very good reason for this as Rwanqua Pass is probably one of the most overgrown passes with no obvious route past all the rock bands, waterfalls and scree-filled gullies. That said, the pass does have some very beautiful scenery with great views of the Black and Tan Wall and the Mnweni Needles.

Sani Pass Debate continues

Details
Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes
Hits: 2041

The debate over tarring one of South Africa’s most renowned strips of dirt is proving to create quite a stir as various stakeholders continue to share their feelings and opinions on the matter.

Fangs Pass

Details
Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes
Hits: 7548

In most hikers’ opinions, this is the most spectacular and enjoyable pass in the Mnweni area and even the entire Drakensberg. Navigation in the pass itself is relatively easy despite the lack of a path and this lets you rather admire the awesome pinnacles, towering buttresses and the never-ending view of the Mnweni little berg stretching beneath you. This pass is a definite must for any hiker who ever gets a chance to explore the area.

Mbundini Pass

Details
Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes
Hits: 4655

This is a pass which suits the Mnweni area perfectly. Great views of the spires that jut out below the Mbundini Buttress, tricky route finding due to the absence of a path and a tough climb overall. It summits near the top of Stimela Peak with one of the best views of the Mnweni Cutback below you.

Icidi Pass

Details
Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes
Hits: 5511
This is most probably the most difficult non-rock pass in the Drakensberg range. A very long river section, which involves boulder-hopping and bush-whacking, is followed by some incredibly steep and sustained grassy slopes in the upper reaches of the pass. It is not frequently used and the spectacular views are not much of a compensation for the frustrating river section.

Ifidi Pass

Details
Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes
Hits: 5894

Ifidi and Icidi passes are infamous for being two of the most difficult passes that the Berg has to offer. Don't let this put you off though. With enough experience and fitness, Ifidi is one of the most satisfying Berg passes to tackle with 400 vertical metres of a narrow rock gully to negotiate before topping out on the slopes of Thaba Ndanyazana.

Hikers airlifted near Tseketseke Pass

Details
Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes
Hits: 4683

Two hikers got stuck on a descent of what they thought was Tseketseke Pass and were safely airlifted from a snow-covered Drakensberg on August 10th.

Sani Pass Crash Settlement

Details
Parent Category: Drakensberg
Category: Passes
Hits: 4051

KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department to pay damages for injuries sustained in Sani Pass accident.