South Africa
places you will never forget

The Naude’s Family Memorial is situated near Rhodes in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The Memorial can be found on the Naude’s Nek Pass, a long, slow scenic drive on twisting, gravel and dirt roads. The road links the two towns of Maclear and Rhodes. It is recommended that visitors travel in a 4 x 4 vehicle as the pass is very challenging.

The route was pioneered by two brothers, Stephanus David Naude and Gabriel Naude in 1896. The Naude brothers took this route in their stride, trusting only their own ability and that of their horses. The two brothers’ trail blazed the route on horseback and marked out and constructed the route with picks, shovels and scotch carts, completing the route in 1911.

The efforts of these pioneers is commemorated in a family graveyard and monument set beside a river at the western base of the route (Rhodes side). The Naude family tree is elaborately set out in five stone units, with each letter of the name NAUDE marking a separate unit. The monument was erected by the two brothers descendants in 1967. Stephanus Naude’s descendants still live nearby on Dunley Farm.

The area is a relaxing spot for visitors where a picnic can be had or just for a short stop to gather the nerves for what is about to be faced travelling up the pass.

Things to do and see

Admission

No admission fee

Open Daily

Climate

Rhodes has rainfall in the summer months and can experience snowfall in the mountains during winter.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 10˚C and 23˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between -1˚C and 16˚C.

Transport

There are Domestic flights into Bloemfontein Airport and East London Airport on a daily basis. Car rental companies are available at both airports.

The road trip from Bloemfontein to Rhodes Village is approximately 361.2 km along the N6.

The road trip from East London to Rhodes Village is approximately 339.6 km along the N2.

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