Opposite Lock
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Volunteershoek Pass

Wartrail valley to Tiffindell, near Rhodes

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: Hendrik van den Berg · CC BY 3.0

About this route

A 9.6 km 4x4-only pass climbing from the Wartrail farming valley to 2,567 m near Tiffindell Ski Resort — one of the highest drivable roads in South Africa. The average gradient is 1:14 but the first section reaches 1:3, with concrete strips on the steepest zigzags and severe drop-offs. Weather changes fast at altitude.

Grade 3Open

The facts

Distance
9.6 km
Duration
Half-day
Best season
November-April; winter snow/ice with temperatures to -22°C
Nearest town
Rhodes (via Wartrail); summit links to Tiffindell
Accommodation
None/day
Booking
Not required
Guided
No
Operator
—
Route & booking info ↗

On the ground

Rock obstaclesNo cell signalLow range neededStock-4x4 friendly

Getting there

±520 km from Durban · ±705 km from Johannesburg · ±1 125 km from Cape Town

Bottom of the pass (Wartrail valley). The pin marks the start point or booking gate — not the route itself.

Directions to the start ↗

Photos

Photo: Hendrik van den Berg · 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