Opposite Lock
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Mike's Pass (Cathedral Peak)

Central Drakensberg — Cathedral Peak / Didima (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife)

KwaZulu-NatalMountain pass
Difficulty2/5

Rougher going — high clearance needed, 4x4 recommended. · OL assessment

Cost2/4
Popularity30/100
How we rank →
Photo: Chris Bloom · CC BY-SA 2.0
Check conditions. Access has been on-and-off for years after slope damage. Phone Didima ahead to confirm the pass is open and what the permit costs.

About this route

Mike's Pass climbs from the Didima/Cathedral Peak valley onto the Little Berg plateau, giving vehicle access to viewpoints over the Cathedral Peak range. It is an Ezemvelo-controlled route requiring a permit from Didima, restricted to 4x4s (or 4x2 with diff-lock), and is frequently closed after heavy rain, snow or slope damage.

Grade 2Check conditions

The facts

Distance
10 km
Duration
1-2 hours return
Best season
April-October (dry); closed or dangerous when wet or snowed
Nearest town
Winterton
Accommodation
Chalets
Booking
Required
Guided
No
Operator
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (permit from Didima)
Route & booking info ↗

On the ground

Rock obstaclesNo cell signalStock-4x4 friendly

Getting there

±255 km from Durban · ±390 km from Johannesburg · ±1 445 km from Cape Town

Didima camp (permit point). The pin marks the start point or booking gate — not the route itself.

Directions to the start ↗

Photos

Photo: Chris Bloom · CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo: Paul IJpelaar · CC BY 3.0

What your rig needs

Sensible starting kit for this route.

  • Rated recovery points & underbody protection
    OL Premium Bars / Piak
  • 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