Katbakkies Pass

Katbakkies Pass

Katbakkies Pass has what is commonly known as a descriptive name. Others in the area include Houdenbek and Skitterykloof - although Skitterykloof (also known as Peerboomskloof) was incorrectly known as Katbakkies for a time, until the true Katbakkies Pass, some 15 to 20 kilometres west of it, revealed itself as the rightful owner of its name.

The Katbakkies pass is supposed to have acquired the name from the mountain over which it passes said to resemble the face of a cat. The other theory (for the former is stretching the imagination somewhat) is that you had to reverse up the pass – kattebak being the boot of a car – as it was so steep. Neither explanation quite fits and there is still confusion as to just which pass answers to the name 'Katbakkies'.

The little mountain pass lies in the beautiful Koue Bokkeveld, a series of incredible mountains set on a plateau some 1050m above sea level, which is probably why it is described as 'cold', despite the extremes in temperature people who live here experience – summers are really hot but short whilst winters usually include snow.

It is the road that links the Koue Bokkeveld with the Ceres Karoo that will take you along the Katbakkies Pass and Skitterykloof (Peerboomskloof). The views from the pass are unsurpassed and a photographer's dream, particularly the first lookout point. This area is also regarded as the southerly reaches of the Tanqua Karoo and bird life along here and further afield is a huge draw card.

Stop at the top of the mountain on Katbakkies Pass for tea, and time to drink in the landscape.