About Swartberg Pass

The 27km Swartberg Pass is considered one of the finest mountain passes in the world: an untarred road that winds to the summit 1583 metres above sea level in steep zigzags and sudden switchbacks with breathtaking views at every turn.

Did you know? The Swartberg Pass was declared a National Monument in its Centenary year, 1988.

The road is supported in places by hand-packed stone walls, a trademark of brilliant road engineer Thomas Charles Bain.

Along the way there are relics of an old prison, toll hut and other interesting historical sites. Often covered with snow in winter, the mountain’s unique micro-climate supports fynbos and a rich bird life in contrast with the arid zone flora and fauna outside its cool shady kloofs.

The Swartberg Mountains are a magnificent backdrop to the village of Prince Albert. Once considered almost impenetrable, there are now three major gateways – the Swartberg Pass, Meiringspoort and Seweweekspoort - linking the Great Karoo with the Little Karoo and the coast.

Meiringspoort and the Swartberg Pass are almost on Prince Albert’s doorstep, and with their awesome beauty and many opportunities for recreation, should be on every visitor’s itinerary.

Need to Know

WhereSwartberg Pass, Prince Albert, Klein Karoo, Western Cape, South Africa

WhenBest during daylight hours.

OvernightStay in Prince Albert Accommodation, Western Cape

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Also See These Attractions

Nature Reserves

Swartberg Nature Reserve

The Swartberg Nature Reserve lies in the Oudtshoorn district between the Great Karoo and Little Karoo, bordered by the Gamka River in the west and the Uniondale / Willowmore road in the east. The Swartberg Reserve encompasses 121,000 heactares of mostly ...

Natural Wonders

Meiringspoort

The towering sandstone cliff walls and breathtaking rock formations of Meiringspoort lie on the N12 between Beaufort West and Oudtshoorn. The poort follows the natural gorge hewn by the Groot Rivier (big river) through the Swartberg range connecting, on ...

Landmarks / Mountain Passes

Seweweekspoort Pass

Seweweekspoort, or Seven Weeks Poort, is a rugged mountain ravine that lies just at the start of the Klein Swartberge near Towerkop Nature Reserve. The ravine or poort is a combination of some of the most beautiful vertical rock folds in the country that ...

In the vicinity

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Prince Albert as a destination

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