Hela Hela Pass, also known as Helehele Pass, is situated in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, on the road between Richmond and Donnybrook.

Hela Hela Pass
A view of the Umkomaas valley from Hela Hela Pass
Elevation1,199 m (3,934 ft)[1]
LocationBetween Richmond and Donnybrook, South Africa
Coordinates29°54′34.6″S 30°4′37.9″E / 29.909611°S 30.077194°E / -29.909611; 30.077194
Hela Hela Pass is located in KwaZulu-Natal
Hela Hela Pass
Location in KwaZulu-Natal

Route

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Access to the pass is by a fairly steep dirt road into the Umkomaas Valley that continues to a bridge that crosses the Umkomaas River at an altitude of 548m. The pass rises by 651m over 7,19 km to reach the summit at an altitude of 1199m.[1] There are gradients of 1:6 on certain sections of the pass which make it treacherous when wet. In dry conditions though, the pass can be driven with an ordinary road vehicle as the hard-packed gravel - although rough - provides good grip.[2]

Origin of the name

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There are several versions of the origins of the name of the pass, the most plausible[to whom?] being that due to thick impenetrable bush in the area, the local herders cut a pathway to the grasslands at the top, but this pathway was so narrow that they had to walk in single file. The Zulu word for single file is "ihela ihela".

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Hela Hela Pass (D114)". Retrieved 2014-05-07.
  2. ^ "Hela Hela Pass". Retrieved 2018-01-07.
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