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YYou may have heard of Mpumalanga’s historic little town of Barberton, once the bustling hub of the 1880s gold rush, but few visitors are aware of the spectacular Bulembu Pass that is accessed from Barberton.
The Bulembu Pass is a scenic route that takes you over and through some of the oldest mountains on Earth. This mountain pass twists and turns along winding roads and hairpin bends, bypasses mountain streams and crosses rivers before finally taking you to Bulembu, the former asbestos mining town just over the Swaziland border.
But be warned, while a sedan car can handle the journey, it is recommended you use a 4x4 as the road is extremely steep in places and full of potholes. The pass contains 124 bends corners and curves within its 26.5 km distance, which equates to a corner every 213m!
Set out from Barberton on the Sheba road and go south on the R40 to the Bulembu Pass. For the first 9km you’ll be on a steep tarred road that takes you over the Saddle Back Mountains. Be sure to stop at one of several lay-bys to admire the spectacular views.
Then take a left onto the Shiaylongubo Dam road, down 6km to Peglar’s Bush. This stand of magnificent natural forest in the midst of pine plantations is a highlight of the Bulembu Pass.
Once back on the mountain pass look out for the old Havelock-Barberton aerial cableway – used to ferry asbestos in the old days – that crosses the road in front of you and enjoy great views of the Songimvelo Game Reserve to the west.
One other must-do on the route is just 2km before the eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) border post. Turn right and descend into the Msauli Valley – a gorgeous spot full of waterfalls and rivers.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Mpumalanga Tourism Authority
Tel: +27 (0) 13 759 5300/1
Email: info@mtpa.co.za
How to get here
Barberton is easily accessed from Mbombela (Nelspruit) on both the N4 and R28. The closest airport is Kruger Mpumalanga International, 70km outside Mbombela.
Best time to visit
The road is in better condition during winter as summer rain makes the surface very slippery.
What to pack
Carry your passport with you so you can pop over the Swaziland border if the mood takes you.
Where to stay
Barberton Manor Guest House is a good bet as a base from which to explore the area.
Related links
- Bulembu Pass
- Barberton Tourism
- Barberton Manor Guest House
- Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain Lands World Heritage Site
- eSwatini Tourism
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