Oudtshoorn Archives ⋆ The Passenger

April 23, 2024June 29, 2024

Swartberg

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.

April 22, 2024June 29, 2024

Zeekoe

A bit outside of Oudtshoorn you can find the De Zeekoe Guest Farm, a lovely guest house on farm grounds. It is one of these places I enjoy very much with well-designed rooms, balconies to look out on the surrounding landscape and a nice restaurant and bar. What makes them special is on the one hand that they’re trying to hire locals and use local produce wherever possible.