Sentinel Block House, Burgersdorp
Sentinel Block House, Burgersdorp - Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Janspoort is a very minor tar pass located on the R58 between Burgersdorp and Venterstad near the northern border of the Eastern Cape. It is virtually the only structure to break the monotony of this otherwise featureless road. The surface is in a good condition, probably because there is very little traffic, and can be driven in any vehicle without problems. We have been unable to establish the identity of the “Jan” that this pass was named after, or why he was important enough for this pass to bear his name, but we can be fairly certain that he was a farmer in the area, or an important personage from one of the Anglo-Boer wars.

 

The rest of this article is for members.

Join for R575 per year and unlock 936+ pass pages, including:

  • Full mountain pass history and photos
  • Drive-through video filmed by Trygve Roberts (so you can virtually drive the route and know what to expect)
  • Fact file (GPS start/summit/end, gradients, elevation, surface, distance, time, date filmed, nearest town)
  • Google Maps directions link + downloadable KMZ route file (Google Earth and most GPS software)

You will also receive our bi-weekly newsletter, packed with the latest interesting passes and tour news.

Note: Conditions can change over time. These guides are designed for planning and familiarisation, so there are fewer surprises on the day.

Subscribe Now (1 year)  Subscribe Now (Lifetime)

Already a member? Log in to view the full article.

Log in

 

Not sure yet?

See 5 open pass pages as examples: