Where is Naude's Neck Pass?
South Africa, africa
103 km
2,592 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in South Africa's Eastern Cape, itching for an adventure. Forget the usual tourist traps and head straight for Naude's Neck Pass! This isn't just a drive; it's a proper off-the-beaten-path experience.
Nestled in the southern Drakensberg mountains, this unpaved beauty stretches for 103km between Rhodes and Maclear. We're talking about the R396, a twisting, turning gravel road that climbs to a whopping 2,592m (8,503ft)! Built way back in 1896 by the Naudé brothers, then revamped in 1911 as a military road, it's got history etched into every stone.
Now, don't think you can just breeze through in your average city car. This route is steep, with gradients hitting 1:7 in places. Even a 4x4 will need to take it slow, especially in winter when snow turns the road into an ice rink. Expect a good 3-4 hours of driving, minimum, maybe 4.5 with photo stops – and trust me, you'll want to stop!
The scenery is rugged and raw, with icy air whipping around you. But honestly, that's part of the charm. Just be sure to check local weather and road conditions before you go. This might not be a Sunday drive, but if you're up for a challenge, Naude's Neck Pass will give you memories (and photos!) to last a lifetime.
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 103 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,592 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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