Swartberg Pass

The tour starts with a scenic drive through George and over the Outeniqua Mountains past Oudtshoorn to the Cango Caves, one of the world's great natural wonders sculptured by nature through the ages - a series of dripstone caverns that open into vast halls of towering stalagmite formations. This is followed by a fascinating visit to an ostrich farm, where you can stand on an egg! After a delicious lunch at award-winning Jemima's Restaurant in Oudtshoorn, it's on to Cango Wildlife Ranch, a breeding facility for endangered species - here you can touch a cheetah, enjoy the closeness of a tiger cub or wrap yourself in a python! (This is a standard tour plus a close encounter)

From your Hotel / Guest house we travel North to the Southern foothills of the Swartberg Mountains. From here we commence our 900-meter scenic eco-tour up the world renowned Swartberg Pass. At the summit of the Swartberg Pass (1 580 meter above sea level) you will enjoy a scenic walk on this National monument. The Pass has a gravel surface and was constructed by renowned road engineer, Thomas Bain over a 4-year period and opened on 10 January 1888. From the “top” of the Swartberg Pass you will enjoy picture perfect panoramic views over the Klein- and Great Karoo. The dry-stone technique used to construct the pass required extreme manual labour and is as solid as it was when constructed 135 years ago. A qualified eco guide will accompany you on the optional scenic walk on the pass and introduce you to the spectacular Sandstone formations dating back more than 300 million years. Feasting your eyes on the full splendor of diverse “fynbos” species ranging from various protea species as well as “cone bush” and “pin cushions” will accentuate he need for conservation of our natural resources and habitats. You may even spot a soaring Verreaux's Eagle, Jackal Buzzard or any of the many species of Sunbirds feasting on the nectar of the proteas. The agility of the “Klipspringer” (small antelope) over the rugged sandstone formations will astound you.The tranquility and serenity of this unique experience reflects the essence of a bygone era where wagons and riders on horseback was a familiar sight. At the summit (“Die Top”) of the Swartberg Pass, 1 350m above sea level, you will be treated to panoramic vistas over the southern and northern slopes of the Swartberg Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). From here we decent down the Swartberg Pass towards the renowned “Tee Berg” lookout point. En-route we will enjoy scenic walks on the Swartberg Pass exploring the diverse fynbos and bird species endemic to this protected vegetational biome. After your Swartberg Pass excursion we enjoy a light lunch before returning to your Hotel / Guest House in Oudtshoorn.

Experience the beauty of the Swartberg Mountain range with 360-degree views over the Little and Great Karoo. This is the ideal activity for nature lovers of all ages. You will enjoy a guided tour to the summit 1585 m above sea level. There are several stops along the way with many beautiful photo opportunities. This national monument dates back to 1881, and its fascinating history will leave you in awe. Your guide will inform you about the unique fauna, flora, geology, and the building process of the pass, which is also a World Heritage site. From the summit, we continue down the pass towards the Great Karoo. You will be given approximately 30 minutes to hike in the reserve or along the pass to explore the diverse fauna and flora. Enjoy downhill mountain biking back to Kobus se Gat restaurant. *Additional Costs apply. After the tour you will be treated to our "Best of the Karoo" meal, which will give you a taste of the best the Karoo has to offer. Rest assured, you won’t leave hungry! THIS IS A TRUE KAROO EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER!

On this private hike of the Swartberg Mountains, you'll get to know South Africa's natural landscape with a local guide to lead you. Walk the Swartberg Pass, spot the fynbos vegetation only found in South Africa, stop by Prince Albert for lunch, and admire the 60-meter Meiringspoort waterfall. Enjoy transportation from your accommodation in Oudtshoorn towards the majestic Swartberg Mountains. You'll start your 900m ascent from the southern foothills via the Swartberg Pass, a South African National Monument. Get a close look at the landscape's flora and fauna, and explore the spectacular sandstone formations dating back more than 300 million years. You may even spot a soaring Verreaux Eagle or Jackal Buzzard, and glimpse an agile Klipspringer (small antelope) on the rugged sandstone formations. At the summit of Swartberg Pass (Die Top), take in the 170-km panoramic view of the Great Karoo before continuing your route. Learn from your guide about the local leopard conservation initiative pioneered by the members of the H.O.P.E. Foundation. Descend the Swartberg Pass to reach Prince Albert where you'll be treated to a light lunch. Then, explore the arid Great Karoo landscape and its diverse succulents and karroid bush, en route to seeing the Meiringspoort waterfall. Finally, you'll wind through the rest of the pass to reach the peaceful dorpie (small village) De Rust. From there, enjoy transportation back to your accommodation.