Explore/South Africa/ZA WC/Montagu Pass — George Outeniqua Historic Crossing
ZAGeorge, South AfricaModerateMixed

Montagu Pass — George Outeniqua HistoricCrossing.

Distance
60 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
750 m
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Curated by Rider · Updated Aug 2026
Overview

Montagu Pass — George Outeniqua Historic Crossing.

A short, characterful loop over the Outeniqua Mountains behind George. Climb the hand-built 1847 Montagu Pass — a national monument of dry-stone engineering and the oldest unaltered pass still in use in South Africa — to the Karoo-edge hamlet of Herold, then sweep back down the modern Outeniqua Pass. Gravel up, tar down.

Quick facts

SurfaceMixed
Distance60 km
Days1
Total climb750 m
DifficultyModerate
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Day-by-day

The route.

ROUTE
5 stops
Start
GeorgeStart · Start at the foot of the Outeniquas in George. Fuel up and find the Montagu Pass turnoff from the N9.
Scenic
Montagu Pass Toll HouseScenic Point · The old stone toll house marks the start of the 1847 pass. From here the road is original hand-laid gravel.
Pass
Montagu Pass SummitMountain Pass · Crest of the dry-stone pass, a national monument. Dramatic views back down the forested kloof toward the coast.
Food
HeroldRestaurant · Tiny hamlet on the dry Karoo side of the mountains. Herold's Wines and a quiet country stop before turning back.
End
GeorgeEnd · Return to George down the fast, sweeping tar of the modern Outeniqua Pass (N9).

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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