Maanhaarrand Pass

Maanhaarrand / Breedtsnek Pass
Magalies terrain
Interactive map of Maanhaarrand / Breedtsnek Pass

Maanhaarrand Pass, also known as Breedtsnek pass, is a mountain pass situated in the Magaliesberg Reserve in the North West Province in South Africa. The altitude at the summit is 1 716 m and along the route, a range of natural habitats can be seen.[1] These include vlei's, perennial streams, disturbed grasslands densely wooded slopes, rocky mountainous grasslands and farmlands.[2] The Donkey Dairy which with a speciality in producing pure donkey milk, is located on this road. [3]

Background

Maanhaar is Afrikaans for the long hair that is found on a horses or lions mane and it is possible that the rugged mountain ridge (or rand in afrikaans) resembles a mane. From the south, the same pass bears another descriptive name BreedtsNek (wide neck).

Road Condition

The pass connects Maanhaarrand (south) with Buffelspoort and Mooinooi (north)[4] and the Breedtsnek (or Breedt's Nek) route has a reputation for being one of the worst public roads. [5][6]The gravel surface is labelled the D568 and has dongas and rocky sections. The pass could used between the towns of Magaliesburg and Marikana, but is not recommended[7][8] Good ground clearance or a 4x4 is suggested, since the conditions of the road are poor to terrible[9]

Boer War Fort

The Magaliesberg was also a site of 10 battles between British and Boers[10] and remnants of a British fort can be found at 25°52′00″S 27°26′47″E / 25.866781°S 27.446412°E / -25.866781; 27.446412 This fort was one of the defences between Breedts Nek and Frederikstad. [11]


References

  1. ↑ Writer, Staff (2 March 2023). "A tough one in the North West". 4x4 Afrika. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
  2. ↑ "North West - Breedtsnek Pass". GoBirding. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
  3. ↑ "The Donkey Dairy story: From rare breeds to healthy milk". African Farming. 3 May 2025. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
  4. ↑ "North West Mountain Passes - Mountain Passes South Africa". www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
  5. ↑ 4WheelingSA (9 May 2019). Breedtsnek Pass - Is this actually a public road? Do you need a 4x4?. Retrieved 22 June 2026 – via YouTube.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. ↑ "Breedtsnek Pass". www.vertical-endeavour.com. 2 February 2012. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
  7. ↑ "Maanhaarrand Pass (D568)". MPSA. Retrieved 13 June 2025.
  8. ↑ "Breedtsnek/Maanhaarrand Pass". Tracks4Africa. Retrieved 13 June 2025.
  9. ↑ https://iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/2024-04-19-long-term-update-ford-ranger-wildtrak-x-tames-the-lions-mane/
  10. ↑ "Battles in the Magaliesberg | The Heritage Portal". www.theheritageportal.co.za. 4 March 2025. Retrieved 22 June 2026.
  11. ↑ https://angloboerwar.com/images/pdf/maurice04-11.pdf


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