This full-day guided nature tour of the 27 kilometer Swartberg Pass (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), includes leisure optional scenic walks on the Swartberg Pass offering panoramic views over the Klein and Great Karoo at the "top" of the Pass ( 1568 m above sea level). We also visit the quaint Great Karoo town of Prince Albert and return to Oudtshoorn via the scenic Meiringspoort.
Pickup included
From the Guesthouse we travel north towards the majestic Swartberg Mountains. From the Southern foothills we start our ascend of nearly 900 meters up the Swartberg Mountains via the world renowned Swartberg Pass. The Swartberg Pass, a National monument, has a gravel surface and was constructed by renowned road engineer, Thomas Bain over a 4-year period and opened on 10 January 1888. The dry- stone technique used to construct the pass required extreme manual labour and is as solid as it was when constructed 128 years ago. Get close to nature and explore the spectacular Sandstone formations dating back more than 300 million years. Feast your eyes on the full splendour of diverse “fynbos” species ranging from various Protea species as well as “cone bush” and “pin cushions”. You may even spot a soaring Verreaux Eagle or Jackal Buzzard while the agility of the “Klipspringer” (small antelope) over the rugged sandstone formations will astound you. At the summit (“Die Top”) of the Swartberg Pass, we enjoy a panoramic view over the Great-and-Klein Karoo. You will also be able to enjoy an optional leisure walk before we descend the Swartberg Pass en-route to Prince Albert where we are treated to a light lunch. Departing from Prince Albert, you will be introduced to the arid Great Karoo landscape and its diverse succulents and karroid bush by skirting the northern slopes of the Swartberg Mountains, en- route to Meiringspoort. Time is spent at the 60-meter high waterfall in Meiringspoort, before snaking through the rest of the poort to the peaceful Little Karoo “Dorpie” - De Rust. From here we return to the Hotel / Guesthouse.
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 10 minutes before departure time.
Pick-up from any Oudtshoorn based hotel
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended • IMPORTANT: You must call +27 824618253 at least 48 hours in advance to arrange your pick-up location and time