Content tagged:
rustenburg

This is an easy tarred pass running on the east-west axis on the northern side of the Magaliesberg, and in relatively close proximity to South Africa's "Platinum Belt" - one of the richest platinum reserves in the world and better known in recent times for the Marikana Massacre where protesting miners were shot by police. The pass also associates itself with happier events like the ATKV resort near the start with its indoor pools and some excellent fresh-water angling in the Buffelspoort Dam. The pass is of average length; has no dangerous corners and offers moderate gradients. It is suitable for all vehicles.

When approaching Olifantsnek from the south, it is said that part of the mountain overlooking the dam looks like the head and trunk of an elephant, hence the name. Alternatively, it is quite possible that herds of wild elephant would have roamed this area long ago. It is the most westerly point of the “3 Dams” route, which is very popular with the motorcycle set as a breakfast run (the 3 dams being Hartbeespoort, Buffelspoort and Olifantsnek). This little pass is just 1.8 km long and gains only 39 metres in height, but what is lacks in statistics it makes up for in scenic beauty.

A pass is usually defined as “a break in a mountain range or other high obstruction, used for transportation from one side to the other”. Perskedraai does not even come close to this definition, as it consists of one long curve on what is essentially a flat section of land, yet multiple sources list it as an official pass. The name, which translates as “Peach Corner”, is most likely derived from the many peach orchards in the area. The pass is situated on the tarred R509 road between the two small villages of Derby and Koster and is 3.6 kms long, gaining just 16 metres in height. It is suitable for any type of vehicle (including bicycles!).