Meiringspoort — De Rust to Klaarstroom KarooCrossing.
Distance
120 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
700 m
Meiringspoort — De Rust to Klaarstroom Karoo Crossing.
Meiringspoort is the easier, lower-altitude alternative to nearby Swartberg Pass — but no less spectacular. The N12 winds 25 km through a sandstone gorge between the Klein Karoo and the Great Karoo, crossing the Groot River 25 times in those 25 km. Cathedral-like cliffs, a 60m perennial waterfall, and the silent stone Karoo hamlets of De Rust and Klaarstroom.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance120 km
Days1
Total climb700 m
DifficultyEasy
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The route.
OudtshoornStart · Start in Oudtshoorn, ostrich capital of the world. Fuel up — long stretches of Karoo road have no stations.
De Rust villageScenic Point · Charming Karoo village at the foot of the Swartberg. The southern gateway to Meiringspoort.
Meiringspoort Southern GateScenic Point · The N12 enters the gorge — sandstone walls rise 700m on both sides. Watch for low concrete river fords after rain.
Meiringspoort WaterfallPhoto Spot · The 60m perennial waterfall halfway through the gorge. Cool picnic spot under the cliffs.
Groot River crossingsScenic Point · The road crosses the Groot River 25 times in 25 km. After thunderstorms the fords can flood — wait it out, never push through.
KlaarstroomRestaurant · Tiny Karoo hamlet at the northern end. Stone cottages, the old colonial hotel, and farm-stall coffee.
Prince AlbertEnd · End in Prince Albert across the open Karoo plain. Historic Cape Dutch main street and the best olive oil and koeksisters in the country.
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