Swartberg Pass Circle Route
Unrivalled views and scenery
The SWARTBERG PASS CIRCLE ROUTE is a highly recommended and rewarding drive with breathtaking views, amazing scenery, flora and birdlife. The drive takes you from Oudtshoorn or Calitzdorp over the Swartberg Pass, through Meiringspoort to the towns of De Rust and Prince Albert. The route can be travelled in either direction. If you have time, don’t miss going to Gamkaskloof, the most isolated valley in South Africa (known by the locals as Die Hell). This is an absolute must for anyone visiting Prince Albert or Oudtshoorn. 4 x 4 Vehicle is recommended if you plan on visiting Gamkaskloof.
Food
Accommodation
Recreation
Transport
Food
- Calitzdorp offers great places to enjoy a meal, from cafes, coffee shops to restaurants
- There are currently no recommended restaurants open in De Rust. Click on DE RUST above for a selection of restaurants in close proximity to this small town, or pack a picnic breakfast/lunch to take along for the family to enjoy
- Oudtshoorn boasts many fine restaurants and fast food outlets where you can enjoy a great meal
- Prince Albert offers visitors a wide range of mouth watering food experiences. Do try Karoo lamb chops on the braai, and vetkoek with apricot jam and huge chunks of cheese is always a winner
Accommodation
CLICK HERE to view recommended accommodation in:
- CALITZDORP
- DE RUST
- OUDTSHOORN
- PRINCE ALBERT
Recreation
Activities/Attractions
- Calitzdorp Cellar
- Calitzdorp Museum
- Calitzdorp Spa – a natural hot spring
- Cellars and wineries
- Drive the Rooiberg Pass to view nature at its best
- Galleries
- Gamka River Safari Co
- Hiking and walks
- Horseback riding tours
- Wine Farms / Olive Farm
- Bird watching
- Cycling
- Donkey cart ride through the town
- Doornkraal farmstall
- De Rustica Olive Estate
- Hiking trails
- Horse riding
- Meiringspoort Pass
- Meiringspoort Waterfall
- Art Galleries
- Breweries, wine tours and tasting
- Buffelsdrift Bush Safari – day packages
- Cango Caves
- Cango Wildlife Ranch, which includes Cheetahland, Snake Park and Wallaby Walkabout
- CP Nel Museum
- Crocodile Cage Diving
- Curio Shops
- Hikes and walking trails
- Hot air ballooning
- Meerkat Magic
- Mountain bike the Swartberg Pass
- Ostrich Farm Tours
- Wilgewandel Holiday Farm
- Ziplining
- Bird watching
- Drive the Swartberg Pass
- Eco tours
- Fransie Pienaar Museum
- Hiking
- Karoo Looms Weavery
- Mountain biking
- Movie/show at The Showroom Theatre
- Olive oil tasting
- Saturday morning market
- Visit to Gay’s Guernsey Dairy
- Weltevrede game drives
- Wine tasting
Transport
Getting around
- Self-drive