Franschhoek Pass
R45Franschhoek to Villiersdorp · Western Cape
Distance5.1mi · 8.2 km
Drive time11 minon the road
DifficultyModerate
MountainValley
South Africa's first properly engineered mountain road.
The R45 climbs out of the Franschhoek winelands over Hell's Nek toward Villiersdorp, reaching a summit around 736m. Built between 1822 and 1825 under Major Holloway, it was South Africa's first properly engineered pass and turns through several hairpins on its ascent. Mind the tight hairpins, baboons and sudden mountain mist.
Where it runs
FranschhoekStart · Western Cape
VilliersdorpEnd · South Africa
Character
Corners44bends
Tightness6of 10
Max gradient10%≈ 1-in-10
Hairpins1tight bends
Climb431 mtotal ascent
Summit741 mhighest point · 2431 ft
SpringSummerAutumn
Elevation
404 m rangeKnow before you go
- Hairpin bends
- Baboons on the road
- Mist and ice in winter
Sources
In these collections
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Franschhoek Pass.
