The Swartberg pass near Oudtshoorn is the most absurd road I’ve ever taken. Stunning views, steep ascents, interesting rock formations and a tiny little bit dangerous. The still unpaved road was created from 1884 to 1888 by Thomas Bain or better said by 200 convicts. It connects the small and the large karoo; the peak of the Swartberg is 1585 meters high. Road conditions are poor but you don’t need to have a four-wheel drive – I did it with a manual-shift VW Polo.
A good round course is to take road R328 from Oudtshoorn up to the Swartberg pass (on your way you’ll pass the Cango caves!) and from there the road winds down. You’ll first discover a strange rest area beyond civilization with amazing views, then you go down to Dansbaan where you need to cross a small river; in this location you’ll find a parking area and can observe the special geological structures.
Turn right into R407 and enjoy the much better road quality. At Klaarstrom turn right again into the road leading over the Meiringsspoort pass which is incomparable to the Swartberg pass. Stop at the Meiringsspoort waterfall and continue via De Rust back to Oudtshoorn. Just driving up through the mountains and back sounds a bit silly, but the mountains are really wonderful and I would have regretted not taking this opportunity.
Swartberg pass / Meiringspoort
Prince Albert / Oudtshoorn
South Africa
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