South Africa
beauty, you'll never forget

Olifantsnek Pass lies along the R24 just outside Rustenburg. The Pass can obviously be travelled in both directions however, when approaching from the south, the mountain is said to look like the head and trunk of an elephant and so, hence the name. It is also quite possible that herds of elephants roamed the area many years ago.

Distance 1.8 km
Gradient average 1:46
Gradient maximum 1:11
Summit 1238 m
Surface Tar

This Pass is an easy drive on a popular, well maintained road – it is the most westerly point on the Three Dams Route, a well-known route with motorcyclists doing their Sunday Breakfast Run! The three Dams are Hatbeespoort, Buffelspoort and Olifantsnek.

Olifantsnek Pass might not be a long Pass, but it does offer some beautiful scenery and a wonderful view of the Olifantsnek Dam at the crest of the summit. There is a layby here to stop and take a photo or two! There are also a few great stop-off spots along the R24, the famous Hunters Rest Hotel is situated very close to the northern end of the pass, and the Brauhaus Am Damm restaurant, with its exclusive micro-brewery, is located just off the R24 on the southern side.

 Olifantsnek Pass is also very close to the well-known Aasvoëlkrans Holiday Resort.

Things to do and see

  • Olifantsnek Dam
  • Scenic Landscapes
  • Three Dams Route
  • Brauhaus Am Damm
  • Aasvoëlkrans Resort

Admission

Free to Drive, best during daylight hours only

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