One stop shop
One stop shop - Photo: Daan Prinsloo

Rankins Pass lies in the heart of the Waterberg Conservancy and is rich in game reserves. It lies approximately 180 km North of Pretoria. The road links Thabazimbi in the West with Modimolle (previously Nylstroom) in the south east. The small settlement of Alma lies near the start of the pass. Rankins Pass is not actually a true mountain pass but more of an outpost or toll point as there is no sign of any proper climbing or bends. It is nothing more than a small police station close to the Rhenosterfontein farm. This "pass" will make our unusual and bizarre stats page in that it is the only official pass in South Africa, that is not actually a pass. We have decided to include it on our website for sake of clarification.

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: