East of Harrismith a tall sandstone mountain called Platberg, blocks the view to the east, which plays host to the fabled Donkey Pass, one of South Africa’s extreme mountain passes. This pass should not be confused with Donkies Pass not too far away in KZN. In the middle of this mountain is a deep cleft and it is up this gorge that the Donkey Pass climbs very steeply to the summit, making it the 6th highest and second steepest pass in South Africa. The road traverses a nature reserve and permits need to be obtained. Whilst the entire route with sections as steep as 1:3 is concrete stripped to aid traction, it is not suitable for normal cars. Low range is essential. For those that do get to drive this amazing pass, you will be one of a select few to have done so. Trygve Roberts, of Mountain Passes South Africa, reveals more.
Getting there
There is only one way in and out of the Platberg Reserve. From Harrismith head east towards the obvious big flat-topped mountain, following the signs to the Platberg Nature Reserve. Once inside the reserve, there are five forks along the approach road to the Donkey Pass. All of these are sign posted, so keep a sharp look out for them as they are quite small and faded.
There is a farmhouse on the right-hand side of the road to use as a landmark. Keep left at the fork and head northwest for 250m, crossing a small stream to arrive at the fifth fork, which is also the start of the Donkey Pass. Turn right to commence the ascent of the pass.
This pass is for the more serious off-roader and permits need to be obtained from the guard at the entrance to the reserve. Only high clearance 4WD vehicles with low range will manage this route, which has extreme gradients and dangerous drop offs. Despite the entire route being concrete stripped, we don’t recommend this pass for normal sedan vehicles.
With a summit altitude of 2 394m, this is the sixth highest pass in South Africa. The views from the summit are simply beautiful, especially to the east, where the N3 can be seen snaking its way down the escarpment. Donkey Pass also gives access to the Gibson Dam – a high-altitude dam hidden in the folds of the Drakensberg.
The pass is only 3.19km long and gains 356 vertical metres over that distance, producing a very steep average gradient of 1:9, making it onto our extreme passes top 10 rankings on two counts – the sixth highest and the second steepest pass in South Africa. More importantly, the steepest sections, which occur over the first kilometre are as steep as 1:2.6. This one is definitely not for sissies!
The first kilometre has 20 sharp corners and climbs 242 vertical metres in that short distance, producing some eye-popping gradients. Look out for a lovely waterfall on the right (east) at the 900m mark. This first, very steep section has been concrete stripped, which allows for reasonable traction – even in wet weather. Remember to unlock your vehicle’s centre diff to avoid axle wind up, whilst on the concrete sections. At the 1.2km mark and an altitude of 2 280m above sea level, the gradients suddenly ease off to a more respectable 1:15 as the track follows the western bank of the headwaters of the stream that bisects the gorge.
At the 2.2km mark, the road bends sharply away to the east, and although the gradients are reasonably easy, the mountain is often wet, and vehicles can easily get bogged down. So, be sure to remain on the concrete. In inclement weather this section will be dangerous and needless to say, the pass receives regular and deep snowfalls in winter, coupled with sub-zero temperatures. Go well prepared for any emergency and take extra rations and warm clothing in case of a breakdown.
The final kilometre bends steadily into the east and follows the ridge of the mountain towards three radio towers at the summit. This final bit has several sections which are concrete stripped to improve safety and traction. You can now descend the same way you arrived.
Points to consider before driving the pass:
- Do not attempt this pass unless you are in a 4×4, preferably with low range.
Donkey Pass is inside the Platberg Nature Reserve, so there is only one possible entry and exit point, which is the gate to the reserve. - You do not need to prearrange a permit, just arrive at the gate, which is open from 06:00 to 18:00.
- No motorcycles or quads are allowed inside the reserve.
- You have to pay an entrance fee – currently, R25 per vehicle, and R15 per person.
- You must inform the gate guard that you want to drive Donkey Pass, as he will have to give you a key for the gate, which is at the bottom of the pass. If you are the first person, he will give you the key and tell you to leave the gate unlocked. If you pass anyone else on your way back, and you have locked the gate, remember to hand the key over to them.
- The approach road to the pass involves quite a few turns, but luckily each turn is well signposted. There are small signs at each intersection, but you need to read each sign carefully.
- Take a saw and/or axe with you. The road is narrow, and it is possible that you will encounter some fallen trees.
- The entire pass, from the gate to the towers, is paved, so traction is not an issue.
If you encounter another vehicle on the way up or down, it is going to be a big problem, as it is impossible for two vehicles to pass each other. One of the vehicles will have to reverse to one of the passing places, of which there are only three. - From the Platberg Nature Reserve gate to the top of the pass takes at least 45 minutes, so factoring in some time spent at the summit, allow an absolute minimum of two hours for the whole trip. This is in good weather with dry roads.
Fact file
- GPS start: S28.280732 E29.200426
- GPS summit: S28.270202 E29.212965
- GPS end: S28.270202 E29.212965
- Ave gradient: 1:9
- Max gradient: 1:3
- Elevation start: 2 037m
- Elevation summit: 2 391m
- Height gain/loss: 353m
- Distance: 3.2 km
- Surface: Concrete & paving stones
- Nearest town: Harrismith (23km)
