Prince Alfred Pass
Prince Alfred Pass
4.5
About
Built by Thomas Bain in the 1860s, the Prince Alfred Pass (R339) is a dirt/gravel mountain pass between Knysna/Plettenberg Bay and Avontuur/Uniondale. It is a scenic route with spectacular views and interesting flora. Please note that this is not a shortcut from the Langkloof to Knysna/Plettenberg Bay. Having been built about 150 years ago, parts of this historic pass is very winding and narrow. In some areas, the surface of the road is eroded and there are potholes along the way.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
217 reviews
Excellent
118
Very good
65
Average
18
Poor
11
Terrible
5
Maurice
Cape Town, South Africa8 contributions
Nov 2021
This is by far my most favorite mountain pass road.
Stunning views around every corner.
It took us about 2.5 hours with a Jimny. I would recommend a high clearance vehicle but a 4x4 is not required when its dry.
Stunning views around every corner.
It took us about 2.5 hours with a Jimny. I would recommend a high clearance vehicle but a 4x4 is not required when its dry.
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roddy P
Johannesburg, South Africa944 contributions
Dec 2021
Don't do this under any time pressure, as you will get frustrated as the pass goes on and on and on and on...Its amazing from a driving and viewing point of view, but should NOT be seen as a short cut between Uniondale and Knysna.
You need to have time to stop and admire the views so allow 3 hours.
You can do this pass in a high clearance car and you don't need a 4 x 4. Allow for potholes on the Knysna side of the pass.
You need to have time to stop and admire the views so allow 3 hours.
You can do this pass in a high clearance car and you don't need a 4 x 4. Allow for potholes on the Knysna side of the pass.
Written 20 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PeteJhb
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa6 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
The Prince Alfred pass is a great alternative to joining the masses on the N2 and turning your trip between Plettenberg bay/Knysna area and Uniondale into a memorable experience. Beautiful scenery with mountain streams and endless views. This is a dirt road with beautiful hand packed stone retaining walls and is an engineering feat from another era. There are quite a few ruts from rain water but generally the surface is in reasonable condition and there is evidence of recent maintenance work. Don't expect to do the pass in under 2 hours but you could still shorten your travel time instead of travelling via George. It can be done in a medium sized car but is best done in a 4x4. Cell phone reception is limited for much of the pass.
Written 21 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William Louw
Benoni, South Africa51 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Today after doing some online research for a while was the day. We drove the prince Alfred pass from Uniondale side to Knysna, in my little faithfull 1500 Toyota Etios.
Let me tell you it was all good. The road is gravel, narrow in some spots with steep drops but boy what a ride.
Stopped for cake, coffee and pies at the plaas kind padstal. After our quick stop it was onto Knysna.
Guys, it takes time to drive, took us a good 3 hours to drive the 57odd kilometres. Max speed at times were between 30 and 40kms. If you in a hurry, stay on the highways, but if you wanna take some time and want to see some breath taking views, the Prince Alfred pass is a must do.
Let me tell you it was all good. The road is gravel, narrow in some spots with steep drops but boy what a ride.
Stopped for cake, coffee and pies at the plaas kind padstal. After our quick stop it was onto Knysna.
Guys, it takes time to drive, took us a good 3 hours to drive the 57odd kilometres. Max speed at times were between 30 and 40kms. If you in a hurry, stay on the highways, but if you wanna take some time and want to see some breath taking views, the Prince Alfred pass is a must do.
Written 18 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Issyall
Upper Beeding, UK49 contributions
Feb 2020
Tackled this in a Nissan Almeira and while it might be easier in a 4x4 it may be less fun! Simply incredible feat of engineering from the 1880s, gravel track through ever-changing landscapes and flora, don’t believe Google maps about the time it takes to drive the pass! It took us 3-4 hours but this in pouring rain and two trees down in front of us (quickly removed by fellow drivers who happened to have a chainsaw!) but it was so worth it. Sensible driving a must but it was as safe as can be when there are 100m drops and no barriers, so if you’re of a nervous disposition it may not be for you. We found it exhilarating and when we wound our way towards Knysna through verdant jungle we didn’t want it to end.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J Cain
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Couples
Did this route in February 2023. No 4x4 necessary. Road is corrugated with pot holes. Max speed is 40km/h, but usually about 25km/h. Narrow roads with extreme drops. Very hair raising. But also very beautiful and extreme nature. I it was worth it, but not again.
Written 12 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy F
9 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Road was pretty good after the rains..but best in a 4x4 simply due to some bumpy areas. However we passed 3 regular sedans going the opposite way, so they did manage. It was misty at the start (coming from Uniondale to Knysna) but that added to the beauty of the incredible rock formations and forests that make up the initial part of the pass. Some narrow areas to just be aware of.
incredible to think Thomas Bain built this in the 1800's!;
A lovely pass. So glad we did it.
Don't be fooled however..its not the fast route to Knysna. Its is the way worth going though
incredible to think Thomas Bain built this in the 1800's!;
A lovely pass. So glad we did it.
Don't be fooled however..its not the fast route to Knysna. Its is the way worth going though
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Poppy M
3 contributions
Mar 2023
What an experience!!! The drive on that pass is definitely not for the fainthearted. It is breathtaking. The road is narrow and very scary. It is a one way traffic, gravel road. At some point there were two cars coming from the opposite direction. We had to stop, reverse and bend side mirrors for these cars to pass. We were all freaking out because of the gorges below. It took patience and cooperation of the drivers to be able to pass through. Sharp curves were even scarier. We had to drive at 20km or less to navigate the bends. The scenery was breathtaking. Never use the pass when you are in a hurry. It took us 4 hours to complete the stretch of 68.5km
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
floridaherbie
Marco Island, FL220 contributions
The road from Knysna to Avontuur was marked on our map as paved but it turned out after a few kilometers that was not true. We pressed forward anyway - driving an SUV. The pass itself offered some nice views over the mountain ranges but nothing spectacular. But when we arrived Die Vlug the amazing experience started - beautiful rock formations in deep canyons made the long and stressful drive just a memory. If you want to see that part only you would have to drive from Knysna to George and the highways N12, N9 and finally R62 to Avontuur. From there the dirt road to Prince Alfred Pass is the best part of that mountain crossing. Don't drive up to the Pass it's not worth it.
Written 19 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip_Bolster
Groningen, The Netherlands936 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
This drive was suggested by Google maps, but this is definitely not a normal road. It took us much longer since the road was very bad, it was a very narrow gravel path with huge gorges at the side. Fortunately we did hardly encounter any ongoing cars. The views were stunning.
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is Prince Alfred pass open during the lockdown ?
Written 10 May 2020
Yes it would be but all travel is restricted
Written 30 August 2020
I'm towing a tourer sw with a hilux legend 2.8 double cab. The tow vehicle has the power, but can the hair pin bends etc take the van???
Written 19 October 2019
Hi. It is more about the road condition. A standard caravan can sustains damage. A trainer should be okay. There are 3 spots that might be challenging only should you need to reverse but I really think this is not a problem. You would be able to see these challenges well ahead and just take the turn with caution. Really not a problem.
Written 17 November 2019
buks2016
Pretoria, South Africa
Can I safely tackle the pass with a Hilux 4x4, towing an off road caravan (Echo Kavango)?
Written 19 January 2016
Hi Buks, You will definitely be able to do it with an off-road trailer. I did it 20 years ago the firsrt time in a Toyota Cressida with a flimsy trailer. The trailer did not handle it well, but it was not built for hammering. You should have absolutely no problem. You will enjoy it.
Written 4 December 2017
buks2016
Pretoria, South Africa
Can I safely tackle the pass with a Toyota 4x4 Hilux, towing an Echo Kavango off road caravan?
Written 19 January 2016
Hello there,
Travelling down to Plett next week and would like to take the Prince Alfreds Pass,does anyone have an updated report or knowledge of the condition of the Pass?
Thanks
Written 10 December 2015
I am planning to do the Pass this mid July 2015 and staying over at the Outeniqua Trout Lodge. I plan to rent a vehicle for this purpose and is considering the Nissan QuashQai which is a normal SUV but the rental companies recommend a Nissan X-Trail which is a 4 X 2 (and substantially more expensive).
Should a normal SUV such as the QuashQai or the Hyundai ix35 be sufficient to do the Pass ?
Written 26 June 2015
A normal SUV such as the QuashQai or the Hyundai ix35 will be more than sufficient to do the Pass. There is no need for the more expense vehicle.
Written 26 June 2015
Hi, we are thinking of doing the Price Alfred Pass in July 2015, from Oudtshoorn to The Big Tree at Diepwalle.
Can anyone suggest whether it will be to wet or dangerous during the winter months? What is the road like?
Written 11 June 2015
Hello,
The Pass does receive a fair amount of rain during the winter and there is always the possibility of some damage to the road. It is also not a good idea to drive the Pass when it is raining, you miss so much of the beautiful scenery that it is not worth it. I would suggest you contact Cloud Cottage at +27 44 752 3423 before you drive the Pass. Cloud Cottage is situated on the Pass and the owners drive the Pass almost every day. You will get the best advice and update on driving conditions from them.
Written 11 June 2015
Hi guys - asking you the question because you just did it...
I wanted to do this drive next December from Knysna > Angie's G Spot > Uniondale > De Rust > Oudtshoorn. I only want to do it during good weather - but with a onyl front wheel car; so no 4x4. Do you think it's normally doable or not? best regards, Nombulele from Switzerland
Written 7 April 2015
Hello Nombulelo,
The pass is definitely doable in a "normal car". You do not need a 4x4 vehicle.
Written 8 April 2015
I am thinking of going over this pass in May 2015.
What is the weather like at this time?
I have a Toyota Camry with ground clearance of 150mm, will this be able to travel on the road?
Any suggestions of nice self catering accommodation along the pass?
I will be coming from P.E.. Should I start from Plettenberg Bay or Knysna?
Thanks for any suggestions.
Richard.
Written 28 December 2014
Hello Richard,
The weather in May is normally quite pleasant, but it can be quite chilly at night.
Your car should handle the pass without problems and major repairs were done during the second half of 2014. I would not be concerned at all. Just keep in mind that the pass is narrow with many sharp bends and one can not drive fast at all.
I would suggest that you drive the pass from the top to the bottom (north to south), from Avontuur to Knysna. Downhill is easier to drive and one have better views down the mountains towards the coast that way.
Towards the top of the pass there is Cloud Cottage, and near De Vlugt about half way down, you could try Outeniqua Trout Lodge or Angie's G-Spot for accommodation.
Written 28 December 2014
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