Otto du Plessis Pass
Clifford district, between Barkly East and the Tsomo valley
Rougher going — high clearance needed, 4x4 recommended. · OL assessment
About this route
An unpaved escarpment pass running from Clifford near Barkly East down toward the Tsomo valley, cresting at about 2,115 m, with a 1959 stone obelisk at the summit. The road descends through gorges and indigenous forest with panoramic views over the Drakensberg escarpment. Part of the Ben 10 Eco Challenge pass list.
The facts
On the ground
Getting there
±570 km from Durban · ±745 km from Johannesburg · ±1 090 km from Cape Town
Summit monument. The pin marks the start point or booking gate — not the route itself.
Directions to the start ↗Photos
Photo: Annelize van der Berg · CC BY-SA 4.0
What your rig needs
Sensible starting kit for this route.
- Rated recovery points & underbody protectionOL Premium Bars / Piak
- Suspension checkTough Dog
- Comms & navigation backup4x4 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