Nuwekloof Pass Baviaanskloof

About Nuwekloof Pass Baviaanskloof

The Nuwekloof Pass of the Baviaanskloof should not be confused with the pass of the same name on the R46 between Gouda and Tulbagh in the Western Cape.

The Nuwekloof Pass functions as an entrance to the Baviaanskloof, its red rock faces linking the western section of the kloof with the Karoo towns of Willowmore and Uniondale.

Did you know? The scenery is spectacular - rugged crags, waterfalls, gravel roads - with only the odd donkey cart or farmer in a bakkie to disturb your experience of the kloof’s beauty, biodiversity, peace and tranquility.

For those who drive the other way, from east to west, the myriad curves, bends and corners of the Nuwekloof act as the exit to Willowmore. The corners of the Nuwekloof Pass are sharp, and best driven slowly.

It is not the only pass in the Bavianskloof, but it is the only one to the west. The other three - Grasnek, Holgat and Combrinks - lie in quick succession in the eastern section of the Baviaanskloof. All of them are on the one route through the kloof.

It is not a long pass, roughly 5 km in length, but its summit is high in altitude and, during winter, may well experience snow - enough to close the pass to incoming traffic. The route follows the river through the poort and there are numerous river crossings as a result. Normally the river crossings are dry, or the river is a shallow, wide crossing that presents little trouble.

However, come the rain - March, August, October and November (the Baviaanskloof has non-seasonal rain at its highest during spring and autumn) - the river crossings can become swollen and sometimes even dangerous. The steep gradients of the Nuwekloof, however, do mean that much of the surplus water soon runs off and the rivers do not remain dangerous for long.

Note: It is a good idea to phone ahead before journeying into the Baviaanskloof during the rainy season.