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The Swartberg Pass
The 27 km Swartberg Pass is considered one of the finest mountain passes in the world: an untarred road that winds to the summit 1583 metres above sea level in the steep zigzags and sudden switchbacks with breathtaking views at every turn. The road is supported in places by hand-packed stone walls, a trademark of brilliant road engineer Thomas Charles Bain. Along the way there are relics of an old prison, toll hut and other interesting historical sites. Often covered with snow in winter, the mountain's unique micro-climate supports fynbos and a rich bird life in contrast with the arid zone flora and fauna outside its cool shady kloofs. The Swartberg Pass was declared a National Monument in its Centenary year, 1988.
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Many visitors return to stay for the silence, solitude and stars. |
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Gamkaskloof
Gamkaskloof, (also known as "The Hell") is a fascinating valley near Prince Albert where a small, proud community lived in isolation for more than 100 years. Access was only on foot or horseback and harvests of dried fruit and wild honey were eaten by passing animals. When a road was carved into the valley in 1962, a gradual exodus began, with the last farmer, Piet Swanepoel, leaving in 1991. Their modest homes and relics of fruit orchards can still be seen. Access to Gamkaskloof is 15 kms from Prince Albert near the northern summit of the Swartberg Pass. Visitors should allow almost a full day in a sturdy vehicle to travel the 57kms to end of the valley and back.
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A Paradise |
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De Rust - Meiringspoort
Soaring cliff walls with spectacular rock formations line the 25 km tarred road which winds along the floor of the gorge, crossing the Groot River 25 times. Entry to the poort is via Klaarstroom, 55 kms east of Price Albert en route to Oudtshoorn and the coast. Hardy plants, including indigenous pelargoniums, cling to the precarious rockfaces while birds, baboons and smaller fauna abound in the projected kloofs and crevices. Among the most scenic spots is the waterfall tumbling into the dark pool which, legend has it, is bottomless. Meiringspoort has been flooded several times in its 140-year history - 1885, 1968 and 1996 were devastating - and so the idea for building a high road over the mountains was born. The Swartberg pass was opened in 1888. A drive through this famous poort, the inspiration for generations of South African painters and poets, a traveller is enchanted by scenery with a kaleidoscope of ever-changing colours, depending on the light and time of day. It attracts the plant lover, bird watcher, geologist, photographer, hiker or biker and even the lazy driver who goes there to be part of its beauty.
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Tourist attractions: |
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Cango Caves - www.cangocaves.co.za
Cango Wildlfe Ranch - www.cango.co.za
Cango Ostrich farm - www.cangoostrich.co.za
Meerkat Magic: Walk with Wildlife - www.meerkatmagic.com
Waterfalls:
Meiringspoort
Rust and Vrede waterfall
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Scenic drives: |
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Calitzdorp- Groenfontein-Kruisrivier—Matjiesrivier- Cango Caves-Schoemanspoort-Oudtshoorn
Day 2:
Oudtshoorn-De rust-Meiringspoort- Klaarstroom- Prince Albert-Sawrtberg Pass- Oudtshoorn
Day 3: Mountain passes: Robertson Pass, Huisrivier Pass, Rooiberg Pass, Outeniqua Pass and Gamkaskloof (Die HEL)
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A Paradise For:
Horticulturists, Geologists, Artists, Photographers, Bird watchers, 4X4 Trips, Enthusiasts, Sun worshippers, Hikers, Bikers, Mountaineers |
