Swartberg Pass — Oudtshoorn to Prince Albert via KarooHeights.
Distance
77 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
1,300 m
Swartberg Pass — Oudtshoorn to Prince Albert via Karoo Heights.
Thomas Bain 1888 engineering masterpiece. The R328 climbs 27 km of unsealed road from Cango Caves to the 1583m Swartberg summit, then descends the dramatic northern face into Prince Albert at the foot of the Great Karoo. Over 100 hairpins, raw drystone retaining walls, and one of the truly great mountain-pass rides on Earth. Best ridden in dry weather — the gravel is loose and the drop-offs are vertical. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Quick facts
SurfaceMixed
Distance77 km
Days1
Total climb1,300 m
DifficultyChallenging
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The route.
OudtshoornStart · Start in Oudtshoorn, the Klein Karoo ostrich-farming capital. Fuel up and check tyre pressure — the gravel pass starts 28 km north. Adventure or dual-sport bike recommended; not for full sports machines.
Cango CavesScenic Point · Spectacular limestone show caves at the foot of the Swartberg. A guided cave tour takes about an hour. From here the R328 leaves the tar and the gravel climb begins immediately.
Swartberg Pass Summit (1583m)Mountain Pass · Summit at 1583m on a 27 km gravel masterpiece engineered by Thomas Bain in 1888. Over 100 bends, raw drystone retaining walls, and Karoo plateau views in every direction. The descent toward Prince Albert is the more dramatic side with steep switchbacks.
Prince AlbertEnd · End in Prince Albert, a perfectly preserved Karoo village at the foot of the northern Swartberg. Olive farms, art galleries, and the famous Lazy Lizard cafe. The return south via Meiringspoort R407 makes an excellent next-day loop.
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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