Opposite Lock
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Bastervoetpad Pass

Between Barkly East and Ugie/Elliot

Eastern CapeMountain pass
Difficulty3/5

Low range needed — proper 4x4 with clearance and recovery points. · OL assessment

Cost1/4
Popularity48/100
How we rank →
Photo: John Erasmus · CC BY 3.0
Check conditions. Public, ungated and unmaintained. Condition swings sharply with the weather and it's often snowbound in winter — check recent trip reports before you commit.

About this route

A 35.3 km fully unpaved pass crossing the escarpment between the R393 near Barkly East and Ugie, cresting around 2,240 m. A genuine 4x4-only road: steep 1:4 sections, rough rock, stream fords and vertigo-inducing drop-offs, with no maintenance programme. One of the hardest passes in the Ben 10 line-up.

Grade 3Check conditions

The facts

Distance
35.3 km
Duration
Half-day
Best season
October-April dry weather; often snowbound in winter, dangerous when wet
Nearest town
Ugie / Barkly East
Accommodation
None/day
Booking
Not required
Guided
No
Operator
—
Route & booking info ↗

On the ground

Water crossingsRock obstaclesCorrugationsNo cell signalLow range neededStock-4x4 friendly

Getting there

±555 km from Durban · ±780 km from Johannesburg · ±1 130 km from Cape Town

Western approach (Barkly East side). The pin marks the start point or booking gate — not the route itself.

Directions to the start ↗

Photos

Photo: John Erasmus · CC BY 3.0

What your rig needs

Sensible starting kit for this route.

  • Snorkel & diff breathers
    TJM Snorkels
  • Rated recovery points & underbody protection
    OL Premium Bars / Piak
  • Suspension check
    Tough Dog
  • Comms & navigation backup
    4x4 Equip

Your nearest Opposite Lock fitment centre partner will confirm the right spec for your vehicle before you spend a cent.

Route information is a guide, researched July 2026. Conditions, fees and access change — always confirm with the operator before you travel. You travel at your own risk.

Last researched: 2026-07