Swartberg Pass
R328Oudtshoorn to Prince Albert · Western Cape
Distance17.8mi · 29 km
Drive time44 minon the road
DifficultyDemanding
MountainGorgeValley
Iconic gravel pass over the Swartberg between two karoos.
This 27km unpaved pass climbs to about 1,585m between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert, a national monument built by Thomas Bain and opened in 1888. Its dry-stone retaining walls and tight switchbacks make it one of South Africa's most celebrated drives, normally driveable in a regular car in dry weather. Mind the loose gravel surface, blind hairpins and closures after rain or snow.
Where it runs
OudtshoornStart · Western Cape
Prince AlbertEnd · South Africa
Character
Corners120bends
Tightness9of 10
Max gradient12%≈ 1-in-8
Hairpins2tight bends
Climb1010 mtotal ascent
Summit1570 mhighest point · 5151 ft
AutumnWinterSpring
Elevation
967 m rangeKnow before you go
- Loose gravel surface
- Blind switchbacks
- Closes after rain or snow
Along the road
- viewpoint Skelmdraai
- viewpoint Die Top
- viewpoint Teeberg
Sources
In these collections
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Swartberg Pass.
