Swartberg Pass, Oudtshoorn: Hours, Address, Swartberg Pass Reviews: 4.5/5
Swartberg Pass
Swartberg Pass
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tours & experiences
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Top ways to experience Swartberg Pass and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
36 within 5 kms
Camp Roadhouse
6
0.3 kmCafe
Nostalgie
1 335
1 kmRR - RRR • African • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Anny's Bistro
101
1 kmRR - RRR • Italian • Chinese • African
Jemima's Restaurant
1 259
1 kmRR - RRR • African • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Bello Cibo Restaurant
638
1 kmRR - RRR • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean
Black Swan Restaurant & Tavern - South African Cuisine
932
1 kmRR - RRR • African • International • European
Enchanted Coffee Shop
10
0.7 kmCafe
La Dolce Vita
165
1.1 kmRR - RRR • International • Vegetarian Friendly
Rou Karoo
37
1.2 kmRR - RRR • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Brian's Grill and Family Restaurant
329
1.1 kmRR - RRR • Bar • International • Pub
Attractions
12 within 10 kms
Arbeidsgenot
19
0.4 kmHistoric Sites
C.P Nel Museum
179
1.3 kmHistory Museums
Cango Wildlife Ranch
2 322
2.7 kmNature & Wildlife Areas
St Jude's Anglican Church
5
1 kmHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
Meerkat Magic
155
2.1 kmNature & Wildlife Areas
ArtKaroo Art Gallery
16
1.1 kmArt Galleries
Oudtshoorn Tourism Bureau
15
1.2 kmVisitor Centres
Le Roux Townhouse
4
1.2 kmSpeciality Museums • History Museums
Safari Ostrich Farm
1 581
Farms
Klein Karoo Ostrich Emporium
13
3.4 kmFactory Outlets
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
1 648 reviews
Excellent
1 284
Very good
299
Average
45
Poor
15
Terrible
5
local287
Somerset West, South Africa51 contributions
May 2022
It was 12 years since we were last up the pass. It is still beautiful and well worth the drive. Unique beauty.
Written 19 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
David B
Johannesburg, South Africa33 contributions
Apr 2022
Amazing route between Outdshoorn and Prince Albert, definately worth the trip. Road not easy, but manageable.
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Christine and Paul
14 contributions
Apr 2022
The views are fantastic, but the road needs regrading. It was an experience that should not be missed.
Written 18 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Craig G
Johannesburg, South Africa37 contributions
Jan 2022
The drive was very scenic. Not the most difficult drive, but I guess it depends on the car. The quality of the road was very good, with loose gravel but no rocks. Not much protection on the sides if you move too close to the edge.
Written 31 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lizl G
South Africa32 contributions
Dec 2021
I always enjoy taking a detour to drive this beautiful pass with its magnificent views. The dirt road is well maintained but not for the faint hearted. Go slow and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Written 10 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Waddy
Cape Town Central, South Africa6 contributions
Oct 2021
Drive carefully, 4x4, stop and enjoy the breathtaking views; you can see as far as 50 km; don't drive there in rain, safety first. it is not for the fainthearted.
Written 8 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Peter
200 contributions
Sep 2021
Like many great experiences, this one's a bit off the beaten track. But it is one of the most magnificent drives you could ever wish to take, as you wind your way up and through the Swartberg mountains. Go slow, and breathe it in.
Written 1 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Joanel
2 contributions
Oct 2021
The pass leading g to prince Albert were magical. MTJIESRIVER with all the lush green farms and mountains in background were one of a kind picturesque view
Written 30 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
UvE in jozi
Riebeek Kasteel, South Africa13 contributions
Aug 2021
one can only wonder what these anciently formed mountains have witnessed over millennia. Spectacular !!
Written 30 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
247LiveLife
South Africa1 017 contributions
Aug 2021
I never cease to get tired of driving down the Swartberg Pass, and is has become obligatory to pop open a bottle of bubbly at the bottom by the river!
The views are spectacular, and regular stops are required to take it all in
The views are spectacular, and regular stops are required to take it all in
Written 25 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gbforx
Pretoria, South Africa
Not sure how it works. where can I get accommodation when doing the Swartberg Pass. Does one go in and out the same day or is there accommodation at the one end?
Angela O
Caerphilly, UK23 contributions
I agree with the answers you've had so far about Prince Albert or Oudtshoorn being good places to stay nearby. I stopped in Prince Albert for lunch (having driven down from Sutherland in the morning) and drove over the Pass to Oudtshoorn where I stayed overnight in Buffelsdrift Game Reserve (highly recommend, but it's pricey). If you like driving, you can incorporate the Swartberg Pass into a much bigger drive, but would recommend a break for (at least) coffee at both sides (in Prince Albert and in Oudtshoorn) as you need to be alert to drive over the Pass! Oudtshoorn seemed a better place to stay as there is more to do (Cango Caves, ostrich farms, Buffelsdrift game drives or meerkat safari!).
Roadtripper
Amanzimtoti, South Africa24 contributions
Best camping spot preferably in natural spot?
Culture51129241887
Brackenfell, South Africa6 contributions
Hi. Sorry for only getting back to you now. I an not that familiar with the camping sites. They have nice houses available to stay in.
Kaefer59
Saarland, Germany41 contributions
Der Pass sieht doch sehr einsam aus. Ist es ungefährlich ihn zu fahren... In Bezug auf Kriminalität ?
Überhaupt man liest immer, dass alles sehr unkompliziert ist , die Garden Route und noch ein bisschen drumrum selber zu fahren. Ist es auch so? Hat jemand schlechte Erfahrungen gemacht?
Klar ist dass man sich an die üblich empfohlenen Richtlinien hält, keine Townships, keine großen Fahrten im dunkeln.. Usw.
Für eine ehrliche. Antwort ein dickes Dankeschön .
Reinhard B
Wetter, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany162 contributions
Ich habe mich bei meinen Besuchen in Südafrika nie unsicher gefühlt
Shammi W
Auckland Central, New Zealand25 contributions
Hi guys - I'm planning to drive from Mossel bay to Swartberg Pass in December. How much time does it take to do the scenic drive? I noticed its a 2 hour drive to Swartberg pass from Mossel bay. Keen to understand how much time i should keep for the scenic drive, as we have got some other activities planned on the same day. Thank you
Gwyn L
Halkyn, UK16 contributions
I’d plan a 3 to 4 hrs for the drive from Outshorn to Prince Albert over the Swartberg Pass depending on how many stops for photos and to admire the rock formations you make. This is one way! Enjoy!
Is April a good time to drive through this pass? - Weatherwise
MarkFairhurst
Secunda, South Africa186 contributions
Anytime is a good time but just check that it is not too misty.
Diego B
Buenos Aires, Argentina11 contributions
Hi! I´ll be in Oudtshoorn by the end of next March, and planning to do Cango Caves on my way to Swartberg Pass. How much time do I need from the Caves to go up to the Pass, and back to Oudtshoorn? 1 1/2 would be ok?
Konstantin K
Berlin, Germany327 contributions
Hi,
just to give you a clue: We took the Swartberg Pass from Prince Albert to Outdshoorn. It is so impressive - we had several stopps just for enjoying the nature and take some pictures. We needed 3,5 h. Take more time for this great pass.
Saludos
I would like to drive down with my short wheel base vehicle with bike trailer 2.5 x 2 m , will that be posible.
Bennett B
Port Elizabeth, South Africa392 contributions
That will not be a problem at all. Just take it easy if you are going down the mountain to The Hell.
Apfeltalker
3 contributions
Hello together, can anyone tell me to which point from oudtshoorn it`s possible to drive on the swartberg pass? Worth the ride even if it`s still under construction? Thx in advance. Greetings from Montagu
Frequently Asked Questions about Swartberg Pass
- Swartberg Pass is open:
- Sun - Sat 00:00 - 23:59
- We recommend booking Swartberg Pass tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 Swartberg Pass tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Swartberg Pass:
- Half-Day Swartberg Pass PRIVATE Tour (including lunch & transfer - Oudtshoorn) (From R 1 872,97)
- Full-Day Swartberg Mountain PRIVATE Tour (including lunch and transfers) (From R 2 669,94)
- Swartberg Mountain Circular ALL Inclusive Day Tour (From R 2 061,62)
- Swartberg Sunset Tour and Dinner (From R 1 443,18)
- Mountain Bike the Swartberg Pass (From R 876,28)
- Hotels near Swartberg Pass:
- (0.19 km) El Dorado Hotel & Self Catering
- (0.33 km) Karoo Retreat
- (0.43 km) La Pension Guest House
- (0.44 km) Miles B&B Guest House
- (0.52 km) Le Roux's Guest House
- Restaurants near Swartberg Pass:
- (0.25 km) Camp Roadhouse
- (0.99 km) Nostalgie
- (1.00 km) Anny's Bistro
- (0.96 km) Jemima's Restaurant
- (1.01 km) Bello Cibo Restaurant