{
  "name": "Swartberg Pass",
  "slug": "swartberg-pass",
  "url": "https://www.bestdrivingroads.com/roads/swartberg-pass/",
  "summary": "Thomas Bain's 1888 masterpiece, 27 km of gravel switchbacks held up by dry-stone retaining walls, climbing to about 1,585 m between two karoos. It's a national monument you're allowed to drive, and in dry weather an ordinary car will manage it.",
  "roadNumbers": [
    "R328"
  ],
  "location": {
    "country": "South Africa",
    "region": "Western Cape",
    "start": {
      "name": "Oudtshoorn",
      "lat": -33.40068,
      "lon": 22.212081
    },
    "end": {
      "name": "Prince Albert",
      "lat": -33.321012,
      "lon": 22.036507
    }
  },
  "measurements": {
    "lengthMiles": 17.8,
    "lengthKm": 28.6,
    "driveMinutes": 44,
    "corners": 120,
    "hairpins": 2,
    "maxGradientPercent": 12,
    "summitMetres": 1570.5,
    "elevationConfidence": "measured",
    "difficulty": "demanding",
    "tightnessOutOf10": 9
  },
  "timing": {
    "bestSeasons": [
      "autumn",
      "winter",
      "spring"
    ]
  },
  "conditions": {
    "hasUnpavedSection": true
  },
  "hazards": [
    "Loose gravel surface",
    "Blind switchbacks",
    "Closes after rain or snow"
  ],
  "scenery": [
    "mountain",
    "gorge",
    "valley"
  ],
  "pointsOfInterest": [
    "Skelmdraai",
    "Die Top",
    "Teeberg"
  ],
  "geometry": {
    "pointCount": 238
  },
  "attribution": {
    "source": "Routes - bestdrivingroads.com",
    "citation": "Cite with a link to the road page. Stats are measured from the mapped line, not copied from other lists; where elevationConfidence is \"approximate\" the 30 m DEM cannot resolve that line and the elevation figures are indicative.",
    "roadGeometry": "(c) OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL",
    "terms": "Facts are free to cite with attribution; bulk reproduction of the catalogue requires permission (simon@keane.studio)."
  },
  "updated": "2026-07-25"
}