Rhodes Drakensberg Descent

Rhodes is the Eastern Cape’s highest village — a remote highland settlement at 1,869m in the Drakensberg foothills that has become a destination for serious mountain bikers seeking genuine high-altitude terrain. The 25km Drakensberg Descent drops from the heights of Naude’s Nek Pass — one of South Africa’s highest mountain roads — down through spectacular mountain terrain toward the village.

What to Expect

Gravel pass road and rocky singletrack on serious mountain terrain with dramatic elevation loss. The views from the Naude’s Nek plateau are extraordinary — on clear days the Lesotho highlands, KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg and the Eastern Cape interior are all visible simultaneously. The descent is technical and fast on loose rocky gravel, demanding full concentration and confident descending.

Rhodes Village

Rhodes is one of South Africa’s most remote and authentic highland villages — the post-ride recovery in this unique mountain community is part of the experience. Accommodation, a pub and the extraordinary setting make Rhodes worth the journey.

Getting There

Rhodes is on the R396 in the northeastern Eastern Cape. GPS: -30.7934, 27.9456.

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