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.
More routes in ZA WC
Gamkaskloof "Die Hel" — Swartberg to the Hidden ValleyZA WC · 74 kmOuteniqua & Robinson Passes — Garden Route to Klein Karoo LoopZA WC · 200 kmTankwa Karoo — Ceres to Calvinia via the R355ZA WC · 257 kmTradouw Pass — Swellendam to BarrydaleZA WC · 60 kmSeweweekspoort — Ladismith Karoo Gravel GorgeZA WC · 90 kmPakhuis Pass & Cederberg — Clanwilliam to WupperthalZA WC · 75 km
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