The Swartberg Mountains, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a mesmerizing journey starting from the southern foothills. Ascending nearly 950 meters via the renowned Swartberg Pass, a national monument constructed over four years and unveiled in January 1888, unveils a remarkable adventure.
Immerse yourself in nature's embrace as you discover the breathtaking sandstone formations, remnants of over 300 million years. Witness the dazzling array of fynbos species, including the iconic proteas such as the conebush and pincushion, showcasing nature's diversity. This experience resonates with a nostalgic charm, reminiscent of a bygone era when wagons and horseback riders were a common sight, evoking a sense of tranquility and serenity.
Reaching "Die Top" of the Swartberg Pass, at an elevation of 1 370 meters, rewards you with a sweeping panoramic vista of the Great and Little Karoo, setting the stage for a leisurely scenic hike along the Pass.
Our half-day Swartberg Pass experience concludes with a return to Oudtshoorn, where a light lunch awaits before heading back to your accommodation. For those opting for the full-day tour, the journey continues to the charming Karoo town of Prince Albert for a delightful lunch, followed by a scenic circular route through Meiringspoort, culminating in a return to Oudtshoorn via the picturesque town of De Rust.
Swartberg PassCredit: Jan BesterOverlooking the Cango Valley
Expansive views over the Great Karoo
In the gorge with the beautiful sandstone strata
Swartberg PassCredit: Jan BesterDie Groot Klip Viewpoint overlooking the Klein Karoo
Swartberg PassCredit: Jan BesterFolding of the Sandstone strata
Swartberg MountainCredit: Jan BesterAloe Ferox
Swartberg PassCredit: Jan BesterKlipspringer
Fun for young and old
Serene walks in the gorge
Swartberrg Pass
09h00 – 09h45: Travel North towards the Swartberg Mountains from where we will commence our scenic eco-tour up the world renowned Swartberg Pass.
09h45 – 12h30: Scenic drive up the Swartberg Pass to the “Top” of the Pass before we enjoy an optional leisure walk on the Swartberg Pass.
13h00 – 14h00: Enjoy a light lunch at a local restaurant. 14h00: Return to Hotel / Guest House.
From your Hotel / Guest house we travel North to the Southern foothills of the Swartberg Mountains. From here we commence our 900-meter scenic eco-tour up the world renowned Swartberg Pass. The Pass has a gravel surface and was constructed by renowned road engineer, Thomas Bain over a 4-year period and opened on 10 January 1888. From the “top” of the Swartberg Pass you will enjoy picture perfect panoramic views over the Klein- and Great Karoo. The dry-stone technique used to construct the pass required extreme manual labour and is as solid as it was when constructed 136 years ago.
Your guide will discuss the spectacular Sandstone formations dating back more than 300 million years. Feasting your eyes on the full splendor of diverse “fynbos” species ranging from various protea species as well as “cone bush” and “pin cushions” will accentuate the need for conservation of our natural resources and habitats. You may even spot a soaring Verreaux Eagle, Jackal Buzzard or any of the many species of Sunbirds feasting on the nectar of the proteas. The agility of the “Klipspringer” (small antelope) over the rugged sandstone formations will astound you.
The tranquility and serenity of this unique experience reflects the essence of a bygone era where wagons and riders on horseback was a familiar sight. At the summit (“Die Top”) of the Swartberg Pass, 1 583 meters above sea level, you will be treated to panoramic vistas over the southern and northern slopes of the Swartberg Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). From here we decent down the Swartberg Pass towards the renowned “Tee Berg” lookout point. En-route we will enjoy scenic walks on the Swartberg Pass exploring the diverse fynbos and bird species endemic to this protected vegetational biome.
After your tour we enjoy a light lunch at a local restaurant, before returning to your Hotel / Guest House in Oudtshoorn.
08h15 – 08h45: Transit from Guesthouse to the Swartberg Mountains. 09h00 – 11h00: Guided Tour up the Swartberg Pass. 11h00 – 12h15: Optional leisure walk. 12h15 – 13h30: Descend the Swartberg Pass en-route to Prince Albert 13h30 – 14h30: Enjoy a light lunch. 14h30 – 15h15: Travel via the Northern foothills of the Swartberg Mountains en-route to Meiringspoort. 15h15 - 16h15: Visit the 60 m Waterfall at Meiringspoort 16h15 – 17h00: Return to Guesthouse via the Klein-Karoo Town – “De Rust”
Starting from the Guesthouse, our journey takes us northward toward the grand Swartberg Mountains. As we begin our ascent from the Southern foothills, we gradually climb nearly 900 meters to reach the renowned Swartberg Pass. This historic pass, designated as a national monument, boasts a gravel surface and was meticulously constructed by the esteemed road engineer Thomas Bain. Completed over a span of four years, it was officially opened on January 10, 1888, showcasing the enduring craftsmanship of the dry-stone technique utilized in its creation.
Venture closer to nature as we explore the breathtaking Sandstone formations, a testament to over 300 million years of geological history. Immerse yourself in the captivating array of indigenous "fynbos" species, from a variety of Protea to enchanting "cone bush" and "pin cushions." Keep an eye out for majestic Verreaux Eagles or Jackal Buzzards soaring above, while the nimble "Klipspringer" traverses the rugged sandstone terrain with astonishing agility. Upon reaching the summit known as "Die Top" of the Swartberg Pass, revel in a panoramic vista spanning the Great and Little Karoo.
Take advantage of an optional leisurely walk before we descend the Swartberg Pass en route to Prince Albert, where a delightful light lunch awaits. Departing from this charming town, we introduce you to the arid landscape of the Great Karoo, showcasing its diverse succulents and karroid bush as we skirt the northern slopes of the Swartberg Mountains on our way to Meiringspoort. Spend time marveling at the 60-meter-high waterfall in Meiringspoort before winding through the rest of the poort to reach the tranquil "dorpie" of De Rust in the Little Karoo. Our journey concludes as we return to the comfort of the Hotel/Guesthouse.
