Robbers Pass

Connecting the dots of Robbers Pass, the birthplace of SA's Gold Rush

From green and pleasant lands, to geographically diverse topography with spectacular scenic beauty and an abundance of wildlife - Mother Nature has contributed to some stunning mountainous drives across the Mpumalanga region, and leading car rental brand, Avis brings the very best to you.

There is surely no better way to explore "the place where the sun rises" than driving its winding, curvy mountain roads such as the R533 leading to Robbers Pass. Whatever your driving preference, you are guaranteed an adventure while winding through gorgeous mountain scenery whilst uncovering plenty of history along the way. No trip on this long tarred wonder is the same, which is why this road has been voted one of South Africa’s Best Roads by Avis.

An area steeped in history, a landscape boasting wild horses and the odd monument. In addition of course, stories of robbers of those who found gold in the area, the R533 brings diversity to life. Whether you simply want to relax and take in the scenery, or be inspired by the stunning natural beauty, this is where it's at.

Connecting the quaint towns of Pilgrims Rest in the east with Orighstad in the West, covering a stretch of 7 kilometers, the road is the original road that settlers traveled on with their ox wagons but today it is a modern tarred highway that winds through Kranskloof, Phelindaba and the Morgenzon Forestry station. Undoubtedly, this road is the most stunning example of human engineering within the vast South African landscape.

Presenting a series of sharp bends and hairpins, the road should be tackled slowly. However, Avis advises that you keep an eye out for a herd of wild horses on the right-hand side of the road on the Morgenzon plantation. If you do spot them consider yourself very fortunate, as they are seldom seen.

South Africa has many roads to travel on, but the R533 towards Robbers Pass rank among the most amazing Best Roads to Drive — in terms of beauty, navigation and sheer driving pleasure.

Explore South Africa’s Best Driving Roads on www.avisbestroads.co.za.

Robbers Pass

Robber’s Pass is situated in the Mpumalanga province, on the R533 between Ohrigstad and Pilgrim’s Rest. The road is the original road that the settlers travelled on with their ox wagons but today it is a modern tarred highway that winds through Kranskloof, Phelindaba and the Morgenzon Forestry station.

This long tarred pass offers diverse scenery through an area steeped in history and of course, stories of robbers of those who found gold in the area. The pass begins on the northern edge of Pilgrim’s Rest and leads in a north-westerly direction into the foothills of the mountains. The initial 5 km follows a series of hairpin bends, best driven slowly. The highest point of the pass is at about 13 km, after which you descend in slow curves onto the grassy plains of the Ohrigstad River. There is the famous Robbers Grave which can be visited near the pass at Pilgrim’s Rest – a village inextricably linked to the pioneering days of the discovery of gold.