Ongeluksnek was named in about 1860 after one of the trekkers in the Griqua trek to ‘Nomansland’ died from a gun-shot wound. This pass is strictly for off-road vehicles only. Off-roaders must have low range and adequate ground clearance as this track is usually rutted, muddy and quite difficult to negotiate.
With an AVERAGE gradient of 1:9 it slots in at position number 7 in the steepest passes listing. For offroad bikers, mostly this pass is a tough nut to crack and it has humbled many egos.
The pass falls within the Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve. GPS co-ordinates of key navigation intersections getting to the start are given further in the text.
Home to some of South Africa’s most significant natural heritage and biodiversity, the Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve falls within the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park (MDTP) just a stone’s throw away from the Lesotho Border. An area of staggering natural beauty for as far as the eye can see the area is host to prolific indigenous plant and wildlife and an ideal setting for an outdoor enthusiasts next adventure excursion.
This reserve is a hiker’s paradise – with trails to suit all levels of competence. There are a number of marked trails, ranging from 1km to 12km in distance, as well as longer trails that require a good contour map and experienced mountaineers. Enthusiastic birders are in for a treat with some 241 different bird species found in the area.
The rugged Ongeluksnek pass (which traverses the length of the reserve) is strictly for off road vehicles and has humbled many fearless travellers! The track is usually rutted, muddy and quite difficult to negotiate, but the challenge offers great rewards.
The R56 leading west from Matatiele towards ONR is 12km tar (R56) plus 38km of challenging gravel (DR08646, with signboard to reserve), with fantastic views of the southern berg. Approx 1 hr (Matatiele is the closest town).
Road from the Eastern Cape (western) side is via Maclear and Mt Fletcher along the R56, with no signboard for reserve at the gravel road turn-off marked “Farview/Xaxazana”. Approx 1hr along gravel to reserve through scenic villages.
The reserve is bisected by the DR08646, a public gravel road, which leads up the impressive Ongeluksnek Pass between SA and Lesotho. An SA border post is located at the base of the pass (08h00 to 16h00).
Map & Directions
The pass has a 1000m rise (equivalent to Table Mountain), and was first driven in an old Land Rover by Matatiele resident Lionel Whittle, via the stock trails in the early 1950s. A simple hand built road was developed as a trading route between Matatiele and Mt Moorosi in the late 1960s by a local trader. The old trading store ruins can still be seen alongside the road half way up the pass on the western side. The road was properly shaped and built in 1991 by the then Transkei Roads Department, and was under renovation in February 2009. The route leads through to Mphaki in southern Lesotho, via the spectacular Lake Letsie wetland area, which is a declared RAMSAR site.
We at SA 4X4 are curious to know who of our readers have conquered Ongeluksnek Pass? And with which vehicle did you conquer the tough, challenging 4×4 obstacle course with? Let us know in the comments section below.
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