Bastervoetpad Pass from Barkly East to Ugie
If you’re looking for some wild adventure in a remote area, this little-used 4×4 route between the top of Barkly Pass and Ugie is for you. It’s frequently closed to traffic after rock falls, so ask local farmers about conditions before venturing onto it. For these same reasons, it’s also a favourite with those on two wheels, particularly extreme mountain bikers. But even if the route as a whole is not passable, the top view site on the edge of the escarpment is usually still accessible.
This spectacularly scenic road links the top of Barkly Pass to Ugie and combines technical driving with stunning views. The road is rough in places, so high clearance vehicles are recommended and 4×4 in wet weather.
The views at the top of the pass are breath-taking and there is a picnic spot to enjoy them. At the bottom of the pass is another picnic spot next to a clear stream.
From the R58 south of Barkly East, turn onto the gravel R393 opposite Mountain Shadows Hotel towards Rhodes and Moshesh’s Ford. Turn right at the sign to Bastervoedpad DR02884/DR02868 and follow the road up a valley. The road gradually deteriorates as it climbs.
The road joins the R56 just west of the town of Ugie. Allow about three hours to drive the entire route. The trip from Mountain Shadows Hotel to the panoramic view site takes just half an hour and if the road is in bad condition, then turn around at the summit.
| More info on the town of Barkly East | More info on the N. Ukhahlamba area |
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