Ben Macdhui & Tiffindell — Rhodes to the Roof of the EasternCape.
Distance
48 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
1,200 m
Ben Macdhui & Tiffindell — Rhodes to the Roof of the Eastern Cape.
The highest pass in South Africa. From the Victorian hamlet of Rhodes a concreted-and-gravel road grinds up to Tiffindell — Africa's only ski resort — and on toward the 3,001m summit of Ben Macdhui, the highest point in the Eastern Cape. Steep, exposed and unforgettable, with 360° views into Lesotho and the high Drakensberg. A committing out-and-back for experienced adventure riders.
Quick facts
SurfaceOff-road
Distance48 km
Days1
Total climb1,200 m
DifficultyExpert
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The route.
RhodesStart · Restored Victorian village at 1,825m on the Bell River — last fuel and supplies. The steep climb starts immediately; go early and check weather, as snow and ice can shut the road any month.
Tiffindell Ski ResortScenic Point · Africa's only ski resort at ~2,720m on the south face of Ben Macdhui. The steepest sections are strip-concreted; alpine grassland and snow gums above.
Ben Macdhui Summit (3001m)Mountain Pass · The highest point in the Eastern Cape and the highest pass in South Africa. Vast 360° views into the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Drakensberg wall. Bitterly cold and windy — then return to Rhodes the same way.
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