Devils Bellow Pass in Lukanji Platteland, Oos-Kaap

The Devil’s Bellows Pass begins at the same point the Katberg Pass summits/ends. It connects the summit of the Katberg Pass with the towns of Sada, Whittlesea and Queenstown further to the north.

The Pass has been described as “difficult – remote with extreme terrain” and a high clearance 4X4 vehicle is necessary for this Pass. The gravel road is badly rutted with large stones for obstacles and after rain the road becomes very slipper with large muddy pools – when travelling this Pass, especially during the rainy season, we highly recommend travelling with a backup vehicle and recovery equipment.

Another helpful bit of advice, as this is a Pass very much less travelled, make sure you have Tracks4Africa loaded on your GPS otherwise you will more than likely get lost. Devil’s Bellows Pass is well worth the effort though as it is one of the most breathtaking high altitude Passes in the Eastern Cape.

Devils Bellows Pass can be driven in both directions. To approach from the south there are two options, the most popular is via the Katberg Pass and the second option is to approach via the Blinkwater Pass and Browns Vale – this option is rather long but offers an exceptionally scenic route.

Most of the upper part of the Pass is a fairly level meander along the top of the cliffs and the views in any direction are incredible – stop and walk a little toward the downslopes, if you happen to be travelling on a windy day you will find out just why the Pass is called Devils Bellows!

Devils Bellows Pass is not technically not a very difficult Pass to drive, especially when compared to the Katberg Pass is could actually be a bit of an anti-climax, however on the descent alongside the dense forest, a number of trees have fallen across the road and have been there for a number of years, blocking about 1.5 km of the road. If the road is not clear when you are on your journey there is a specific spot where one can exit the track and parallel the forest down a long grassy slope. Near the bottom of the slope, there is a sudden drop off and there are several large rocks which will make your journey interesting.

Here you will need to get out of your car and map a suitable route through the rocks and preferably your passenger could guide you down as well. Visit Mountain Passes South Africa to watch a video showing this alternate option.

Thing to do and see

• Katberg Pass
• View Points
• Scenic Photo Opportunities
• Mountain Biking
• Mpofu Game Reserve

Admission

Free to Drive

Only during daylight hours