About Gifberg Pass
The Gifberg pass breasts a flat-topped mountain called Maskam that forms part of the Matzikamma mountain range (Maskam lies at its eastern end, whilst Giberg is on its western flank). Matzikamma means the 'mountains that yield water' and it is not unusual to travel the pass in rain and thick mist, and to find that at the top is also rain and thick mist.
Did you know? The Gifberg Pass connects Vanrhynsdorp to the top of the Matsikamma Mountain, roughly 20 km south of Vanrhynsdorp.
Driving in a 4x4 vehicle, then, is an easier way to do it even though two of the steepest sections are tarred to make it easier for those who drive up in a sedan. Even in a Landy, though, you'll need to keep your wits about you on the tarred bits.
Few people drive the pass, other than farmers. It's considered seriously 'off the beaten track'. But if you're a rock art fundi or wild flower seeker, you may well find yourself at the top.
Follow the Gifberg (derived from the gifboom or poison tree) Road out of Vanrhynsdorp. The road heads only up over the Gifberg Pass, well known for its many San rock art paintings.
The Vanrhynsdorp Caravan Park is right on the road that crosses the Troe Troe River and takes you 16 km up the pass, due south out of town. As you begin driving along the route you will notice the pass looming ahead of you and see the road as it snakes its way up the steep mountain.
Near the top of the pass is a little concrete water trough at which one can fill water bottles, and then a ways further up is what looks like a stone cairn surrounded by a fence, but which, on closer inspection, is an old stone cooker, or oven, built in 1917 to provide road builders with bread every day.
Up at the top is Gifberg Farm, one of the biggest rooibos producers in the area.
To get back down follow the twisting route to the Knersvlakte via the Ouberg Pass (not the Ouberg Pass that descends into Sutherland, however).
Need to Know
WhereThe Gifberg Pass connects Vanrhynsdorp to the top of the Matsikamma Mountain, Cape West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Vanrhynsdorp Accommodation, Western Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested in
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Vanrhynsdorp
Van Rhyn Guest House
Van Ryhn Guest House is ideally located for those wanting to explore the West Coast or as a stopover on longer journeys. We have eight comfortabl...
Aant Dorpseind
Aant Dorpseind offers Cape West Coast self catering in the town of Vanrhynsdorp. The accommodation is within walking distance of the world-renown...
Namaqua Lodge
Namaqua Lodge is located in Vanrhynsdorp, in the heart of Namaqualand, 300km north of Cape Town and 270km south of Springbok. Thanks to our authe...
Kokerboom House
Welcome to Kokerboom House, a serene guest house nestled in the heart of Van Rhynsdorp, on a charming farmhouse property. Just adjacent to the re...
Letsatsi Lodge
Situated just outside Vanrhynsdorp, Letsatsi Lodge is an ideal stop over on the N7 route between Cape Town, Namibia, Springbok and Upington. The ...
Vanrhynsdorp Self-Catering Resort
Convenient self-catering accommodation in the heart of the Nama-West Coast. Our resort is situated in the Western Cape town of Vanrhynsdorp in th...
Things to do in the area
Cape Flower Route
Citrusdal is not only famous for citrus production and natural hot water springs, it also falls onto the Cape Flower Route - a journey through th...
Latsky Radio Museum
Are you a radio head or perhaps looking for a quirky day or to discover some interesting things and peruse museums. If so, you want to make sure ...
Traut's Tie Collection
A man named Cecil Traut was a rather peculiar character who spent his last 60 years behind a bar, pulling pints for the locals and passers throug...
Kokerboom Nursery
The Aloe dichotoma is one of South Africa’s magnificent indigenous plants. It is an important part of the local vegetation, and characterises the...
Accommodation convenient to Gifberg Pass
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / Cape West Coast Accommodation / Vanrhynsdorp Accommodation