15 Jun Road Trip – Matatiele over Naude’s Nek – Rhodes – Mosheshe’s Ford
The Crest of Naude’s Nek at 2587m
A road trip from KZN kicking off in Matatiels to Barkley East/Elliot takes you through some bucket list places.
Head out along the Ongeluksnek valley, through Mount Fletcher takes you past a mission station and then up the Pitseng Pass and then up Naude’s Nek. The gravel road is normally passable in good weather but a 4*4 will ensure your arrival at your destination. Naude’s Nek is the highest pass in South Africa and the views along the way are staggering. On the western lower end is a monument to the Naude family who established themselves here in 1896. Then its on to the quaint village of Rhodes after passing the turn-off to the Ski Resort of Tiffendale. Rhodes needs to be walked to get a feel for this village in a time capsule. Walkerbouts is a long established guesthouse owned by Dave Walker.
Next day head out in the direction of Moshesh’s Ford and then follow the road that traces the Sterkspruit River and emerges at the Mountain Shadow Inn on Barkley Pass. We found a farm B&B near Elliot and stayed in the comfortable Conifer Cottage, on CrossMaloof Farm.