Opposite Lock
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Ben 10 Eco Challenge (EC Highlands pass collection)

EC Highlands — Rhodes, Barkly East, Elliot, Wartrail

Eastern CapeOverland route
Difficulty3/5

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

Cost1/4
Popularity72/100
How we rank →
Bel Adone · Public domain
Check conditions. The formal Ben 10 challenge has been discontinued, but the passes are public roads and remain drivable. Winter snow closes the high passes — check conditions before you go.

About this route

A collection of ten high-altitude gravel passes in the Eastern Cape Highlands around Rhodes and Barkly East, originally packaged by Mountain Passes South Africa as a self-drive challenge. The 2024 list comprised Jouberts, Heuningneskloof, Otto du Plessis, Bastervoetpad, Lundean's Nek, Dangershoek, Volunteershoek, Carlisleshoekspruit, Naudes Nek and Pot River passes. Several exceed 2,500 m altitude and see regular winter snow.

Grade 3Check conditions

The facts

Distance
—
Duration
5-7 days (10 passes)
Best season
October-April; winter brings snow and ice — experienced parties only
Nearest town
Rhodes / Barkly East / Elliot
Accommodation
Both
Booking
Not required
Guided
Optional
Operator
Mountain Passes South Africa (MPSA)
Route & booking info ↗

On the ground

Water crossingsRock obstaclesCorrugationsNo cell signalLow range neededStock-4x4 friendly

Getting there

±500 km from Durban · ±780 km from Johannesburg · ±1 135 km from Cape Town

Rhodes village (challenge hub). The pin marks the start point or booking gate — not the route itself.

Directions to the start ↗

Photos

Bel Adone · Public domain

Photo: SA-Venues.com · CC BY 2.0

Photo: Hendrik van den Berg · 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