Joubert's Pass in Lady Grey, Eastern Cape (original) (raw)

About Joubert's Pass

Joubert's Pass, regarded as the third highest pass in South Africa, links Lady Grey to Barkly East via the Witteberge. The pass traverses farmland before descending into Lady Grey, the peaceful and pretty little village, tucked just inside the Eastern Cape border with the Free State.

Did you know? As far as dirt roads go, Joubert's Pass is in good condition. The views from the summit of the pass are not only incredible, but there are excellent views out over Lady Grey and for miles around.

Once there it is well worth staying awhile. The community is not only relaxed and extremely friendly, but the town, which is tucked right up against the mountain side, is also worth exploring, filled with little restored cottages, the odd coffee shop, a beautiful sandstone church that is a National Monument, Easter time passion plays, and sand roads.

The little road that winds from Lady Grey to the kloof, which finally becomes Joubert's Pass, is a common footpath for hikers as the views are incredible and take in river gorges, majestic mountains and, on a clear day, vistas over Lesotho.

Interestingly the pass was named Joubert after the farmers who built it as a means of reaching their farms over the Witteberge, or 'white mountains', called that for the commonly snowy crest during winter. Five of the farmers were named Joubert.