Matebeng Pass | Warning

April 20th, 2024 by sculhane

Big rock is still there and was a tight squeeze in a Hilux. Did it from Thaba side, 2-3 washouts after the last houses were really rough. Took 2.5 hours from Bob Philipps to the top. Amazingly, crossed 7 other vehicles going in the other direction!!!

February 19th, 2024 by SteefGees

We drove this pass today, and it is a real challenge, but the views are spectacular! Coming from Sehlabathebe, the track is rough, but not so steep. Right after the pass, you'll run into a big rock that recently fell on the track, impassable for trucks. So, unless somebody is going to remove the rock, only the smaller 4x4 can drive it. After the rock, you run into some serious washouts and rocky parts (as previously mentioned), where we had to build our own track. It took us 5 hours from the campsite at Sehlabathebe to Matabeng campsite...

March 28th, 2023 by instagram-SimplyOverland

More technical on the Thabe Tseke side than the Sehlabethebe side but doable with 4x4 experience. We took our 6x6 motor home over in good clear weather. Beautiful views.

March 24th, 2023 by thurmability

Cycled it on a loaded touring bike, or rather I didn't because it was about 2/3 hike a bike. I went from NW to SE.
The road is in terrible condition and nobody is using it any more so it is just getting worse and worse. It's steep and rocky with loads of streams to cross, huge washouts, tight hairpins. But the views and the feeling of being alone in these high mountains...very special.
The descent was no easier for me because of all the rocks. Maybe you could shred it on an unloaded mountain bike but not on my heavy steel tourer :)
Took me almost a full day for the 40km from Matebeng to Sehlabathebe.
Cars and motorbikes - I have no idea if it's still driveable, but probably it is because I saw some stickers/graffiti at the top from February. But you're gonna need a lot of skill and patience. I suspect you can move rocks around to create your route across the more challenging bits.

If you feel like an adventure...do it :D

January 25th, 2022 by Kar

magnificent view. very challenging terrain riding with a motorbike especially when loaded but worth it. The weather changes so fast. I got rained, many rivers and creejs to cross.. The road become more difficult when wet. but there are villages and Sheppard just in case you need help.

September 5th, 2019 by zwigel

Can be done with any stock Hilux.. i did not found the challenging part

May 2nd, 2019 by grupawschodu.pl

Oh yes it is challenging! We agree with everything: stones, washed out curves, steap climbing. But definietely worth views that you get!

February 11th, 2019 by Break-A-Way

Very challenging road pass. Rough, big stones and deep washouts on the track, some parts are narrow, some are steep but the view up there is breathtaking. Coming from Matebeng village, there are 3 serious washed out curves, may be impassable with big rigs. The side to Sehlabathebe is a piece of cake, a few good wildcamps and nice waterfalls.