Half-Day Swartberg Pass PRIVATE Tour (including lunch & transfer - Oudtshoorn)

Meeting Point

Swartberg Pass

From your Hotel we travel North to the Southern foothills of the Swartberg Mountains. From here we commence our 900-meter scenic eco-tour up the world renowned Swartberg Pass. At the summit of the Swartberg Pass (1 580 meter above sea level) you will enjoy a scenic walk on this National monument. The Pass has a gravel surface and was constructed by renowned road engineer, Thomas Bain over a 4-year period and opened on 10 January 1888. From the “top” of the Swartberg Pass you will enjoy picture perfect panoramic views over the Klein- and Great Karoo. The dry-stone technique used to construct the pass required extreme manual labour and is as solid as it was when constructed 127 years ago. You can enjoy an optional scenic walk on a hiking trail exploring the spectacular Sandstone formations dating back more than 300 million years. Feasting your eyes on the full splendor of diverse “fynbos” species ranging from various protea species as well as “cone bush” and “pin cushions” will accentuate he need for conservation of our natural resources and habitats. You may even spot a soaring Verreaux Eagle, Jackal Buzzard or any of the many species of Sunbirds feasting on the nectar of the proteas. The agility of the “Klipspringer” (small antelope) over the rugged sandstone formations will astound you. The tranquility and serenity of this unique experience reflects the essence of a bygone era where wagons and riders on horseback was a familiar sight. At the summit (“Die Top”) of the Swartberg Pass we learn about the Social and conservation initiatives pioneered by the members of the H.O.P.E. Foundation. At 1 350m above mean sea level we enjoy a leisure walk on the Pass before we return towards Oudtshoorn for lunch.