Barkly Pass — Elliot to Barkly East(R58).
Distance
55 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
650 m
Barkly Pass — Elliot to Barkly East (R58).
A superb tarred mountain pass in the Eastern Cape Highlands. The R58 sweeps up from Elliot through sandstone cliffs and Drakensberg foothills to a 2,018m summit, then drops to the highland town of Barkly East. Smooth switchbacks, big skies and vulture colonies — the gateway to Rhodes and the roof of the Eastern Cape.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance55 km
Days1
Total climb650 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
Elliot (Khowa)Start · Set out from Elliot beneath the distinctive Gatberg peak. Fuel up and head north on the tarred R58 — the pass begins a few kilometres out of town.
Barkly Pass Summit (2018m)Mountain Pass · Sweeping tarred switchbacks climb 626m through sandstone buttresses. Frequent winter snow closures — best ridden October to April. Watch for Cape vultures riding the ridge lift.
Barkly EastEnd · Highland trout-fishing town famous for the zig-zag railway reverses built to climb the mountains. Gateway to Rhodes and Tiffindell.
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