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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Additional Reading
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Nature Reserves
Swartberg Nature Reserve
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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 ...
Attractions near Prince Albert
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Prince Albert

Die Letterhuis
Die Letterhuis is located on a farm 36km from Prince Albert and offers comfortable accommodation In two holiday homes. On the koppie next to the ...

Elfen Cottage
Elfen Cottage offers accommodation in Prince Albert. The cottage are within walking distance to shops, restaurants and the nearby Koppie Trail wi...

Mirtehof Guest Farm Estate
Situated in Prince Albert, Mirtehof Guest Farm Estate provides luxury accommodation and is perfect for a Karoo honeymoon, a rejuvenating break fr...

Koppie Cottage
Koppie Cottage is a tastefully furnished cottage offering self catering in Prince Albert. The accommodation is set in a private garden and is per...

Karoo Masterclass House
Karoo Masterclass House offers accommodation in Prince Albert for eight guests, in a spacious home on the southern end of town. The house is with...

Striata Cottage
Striata Cottage offers accommodation in Prince Albert that overlooks a natural indigenous garden. If you are dreaming of wide open vistas, specta...

Karoo Rust
Situated in Prince Albert, Karoo Rust has four units that accommodate a total of 10 guests. Here you are able to visit many attractions such as f...

At 85 on Church
Central to restaurants, shops, art galleries and other attractions, At 85 on Church is a spacious, charming house set in a large garden with a sw...

81 on Church Guest House
81 on Church Guest House is a comfortable 19th century home offers accommodation in the tranquil village of Prince Albert, an ideal place to sit ...

Lemon Tree Cottage
Situated in the beautiful town of Prince Albert in the Karoo, Lemon Tree Cottage is situated within a few metres from a variety of shops and rest...

Roam Safari Lodge
Roam Safari Lodge offers its visitors accommodation with a touch of country luxury in the heart of the arid Karoo region. The lodge has panoramic...

59 Mark Street
This pretty Victorian two-bedroom (accommodates 4) holiday cottage with its central but private location and picturesque views over the village i...

Market Street
Situated in the beautiful town of Prince Albert in the Karoo, Market Street is situated within a few metres from a variety of shops and restauran...

Elfen House and Cottage
Elfen House and Cottage is a luxury restored Karoo-style house and separate cottage situated in the town of Prince Albert. The House and Cottage ...

Olive Thrush Cottage
Olive Thrush Cottage has one bedroom furnished with an extra-length King-size bed and two extra length single beds. The bathroom has a large show...

Ta Mala's Cottage
Ta Mala's Cottage provides luxurious accommodation in Prince Albert. Ta Mala’s Cottage offers superb self catering accommodation in three separat...

Kanon Cottage
Kanon Cottage offers accommodation in Prince Albert in a Karoo Styled cottage overlooking our natural indigenous gardens. If you are dreaming of ...

Lemon Tree Guesthouse
Situated in the beautiful town of Prince Albert in the Karoo, Lemon Tree Guesthouse is situated within a few metres from a variety of shops and r...

Bushman Valley
Offering accommodation in cottages nestled just south of Prince Albert and stretching all the way up to Eerstewater in the Swartberg Mountains, i...

Elfen House
Elfen House offers accommodation in Prince Albert that is within walking distance of shops restaurants and the nearby Koppie Trail with wonderful...

Meilland Haus
Meilland Haus is a self catering cottage offering accommodation in Prince Albert, one of the most picturesque villages in South Africa. Prince Al...

Doringbos Cottage
Doringbos Cottage is a just a 5-minute drive away from the centre of town. Guests can choose to eat at the African Relish Chef’s Café or buy prov...

Honey Cottage
Honey Cottage is located at Yellow House in the town of Prince Albert. This is a working almond and citrus farm, this gem is one of the rare "dor...

Karoo Khaya
Set on a small holding within town of Prince Albert, Karoo Khaya is a relaxing home away from home offering accommodation on either a self cateri...

Mirtehof Guest Farm Estate
Situated in Prince Albert, Mirtehof Guest Farm Estate provides luxury accommodation and is perfect for a Karoo honeymoon, a rejuvenating break fr...

Mont d'Or Swartberg Hotel
Mont d'Or Swartberg Hotel offers stunning accommodation in the heart of this tranquil Karoo village. This is a great place for a relaxing getaway...

Casa Milorca
Casa Milorca is a 19th-century, owner-run guest house offering accommodation in the historic heart of Prince Albert. The guest house features thr...

Mustard Cottage
Mustard Cottage offers Karoo self catering at Yellow House on a working almond and citrus farm in Prince Albert. This gem is one of the rare "dor...

Stoep Suite
Stoep Suite at Karoo View Cottages offers Prince Albert Accommodation in a Karoo Styled cottage which is beautifully furnished with your home fro...

Saxe-Coburg Lodge
True Karoo hospitality and personal service awaits guests at Saxe-Coburg Lodge. A spacious Karoo Victorian home offering a self-catering cottage ...

Deurdrift Cottages
Deurdrift Cottages are set in the Karoo town of Prince Albert, South Africa. Guests enjoy luxury accommodation and discover the culinary pulse of...

Travellers Rest
Travellers Rest offers accommodation in Prince Albert. We offer one twin room and three double rooms. All four of our en-suite garden rooms have ...

Lavender Cottage
Lavender Cottage is located on a working almond and citrus farm in Prince Albert. This gem is one of the rare "dorpsplase" – a farm with a street...

Akkedis Cottage
Akkedis Cottage is a self-catering cottage located in the Karoo town of Prince Albert. Guests enjoy luxury accommodation and discover the culinar...

Karoo View Cottages
Experience magnificent 360º views of the majestic Swartberg to the south and the Karoo plains to the north. Wake up to the sun rising through the...

Noem-Noem & Granaat Cottage
Noem-Noem & Granaat Cottage is a Karoo self catering cottage situated in the heart of Prince Albert where guests can experience the vast open exp...

Karoo Masterclass Cottage
Karoo Masterclass Cottage offers accommodation in Prince Albert in the quiet southern end of town. The cottage is within easy reach of shops, res...

Swartberg Cottages
Swartberg Cottages offers affordable overnight accommodation in the quaint town of Prince Albert. We invite you to visit and experience the peace...

The Olive House
The Olive House offers self catering accommodation in Prince Albert. Here time is not historical. The sky is a song of stars. The wind is solitar...

57 Mark Street
57 Mark Street offers accommodation in a semi detached home in Prince Albert, for six people in three bedrooms. Two of the bedrooms have double b...

Bid Huisie Cottage
Bid Huisie’s modified cottage interior offers homely accommodation for people seeking quiet, yet still wanting to be within walking distance to e...


Krans Cottage
Krans Cottage offers accommodation in Prince Albert with all your "home from home" comforts overlooking the village of Prince Albert 350m away. I...

Ferox Cottage
Ferox Cottage in Prince Albert is a Karoo-styled cottage which is beautifully furnished with home from home comforts. The cottage has large windo...

Casa Milorca
Casa Milorca is a 19th-century, owner-run guest house offering accommodation in the historic heart of Prince Albert. The guest house features thr...

Die Letterhuis
Die Letterhuis is located on a farm 36km from Prince Albert and offers comfortable accommodation In two holiday homes. On the koppie next to the ...

Vanilla Cottage
Vanilla Cottage is on a working almond and citrus farm near the town of Prince Albert. This gem is one of the rare "dorpsplase" – a farm with a s...

Wolvekraal Guest House
Wolvekraal Guest House and farm invites you to experience the calmness, and silence of the wonderful Great Karoo, where time seems to stand still...

Dennehof Guest House
The 3 guest cottages which form the historic Dennehof complex have been restored with style, yet retain their authenticity and simplicity. Each c...

Borrie Cottage
Borrie Cottage offers Karoo self catering at Yellow House in Prince Albert. A working almond and citrus farm, this gem is one of the rare "dorpsp...

Brakdakkie Guest Cottages
Brakdakkie Guest Cottages offers four private cottages for accommodation in Prince Albert. Brakdakkie pioneered the unique decor style of old wor...


Onse Rus Guest House
Nestled at the foot of the majestic Swartberg Mountains is the quiet and serene village of Prince Albert, here, time is suspended in the dry cris...

Karoo Lodge
Karoo Lodge offers accommodation in beautifully furnished suites each with a private entrance - 3 double en-suite rooms and 1 family unit - in th...
Things to do in the area

Self Drive Oudtshoorn to Meiringspoort
Route: Oudtshoorn, Swartberg Pass, Prince Albert, Meiringspoort, De RustDescription: Follow the road that winds along the banks of the Groot Rive...

Cheese Tour at Gay's Dairy
Visit Gay's Guernsey Dairy in the little town of Prince Albert in the Karoo for an interesting look at dairy farming. Gay's Guernsey Dairy team ...

Astro Tour in Prince Albert
If you are spending time in Prince Albert, why not try something different and book a star gazing tour with Astro Tours. Hans and Tilanie Daehne ...

Breakfast at Café Albert
Come and sit on our verandah, listen to the water gurgling past in the water furrow, watch the passers-by and tune into Prince Albert 's friendly...

Lah-Di-Dah Coffee Shop & Farmstall
Come and experience hearty comfort food, freshly ground coffee, delicious pickles and jams, home baked fare, fresh produce and a huge selection o...

Prince Albert Farmers Market
The Prince Albert Market was resurrected in 1998 and has been a Saturday morning favourite since then. The market takes place on the square next ...

Prince Albert Ghost Walk
If you are visiting Prince Albert and want to do something a bit different, why not join Ailsa Tudhope for a 60 minute pre-dinner walk around the...

SoetKaroo Wine Estate
The SoetKaroo Wine Estate consists of just one hectare of land, a 'village farm' in the heart of Prince Albert. And this is where husband and wif...

Fransie Pienaar Museum
Fransie Pienaar was born in 1897 in Prince Albert and left after school to study music at Sullivan College in Cape Town. After marrying and retu...
Accommodation convenient to Swartberg Pass
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