Top Things to do in Garden Route
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8 Scenic Drives in Garden Route That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Garden Route, South Africa including Rooiberg Pass, Robinson Pass, Seweweekspoort, Swartberg Pass, Knysna Timber Route, Montagu Pass, 7 Passes Scenic Drive, Cloetes Pass.
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1. Rooiberg Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By LauraL8697 - Calitzdorp, South Africa
We traversed this pass from Callitzdorp to Van Wyksdorp and is described in Mountain Passes of South Africa as follows"This is not a pass to be trifled with and although it can be driven in a normal car, a high clearance vehicle would be better. It is also a long pass at 14 km and contains some fairly rough sections. There are a total of 69 bends, corners and curves which include 6 hairpins and many other bends with a turning radius in excess of 90 degrees. It's a road for the less hurried traveller and offers wonderful views on both the northern and southern sides with valleys and ridges bedecked in fynbos and in winter you'll be treated to the sight of the bright orange flowers of hundreds of thousands of flowering aloes." The total road is over 50kms with a second lesser known pass before your reach your destination Assegaaibosch Pass This road is bumpy, dusty and quite a challenge ubtil you reach Rooiberg Lodge area
2. Robinson Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By CliveR253 - Mossel Bay, South Africa
This hike starts at the top of Robinson Pass, between Oudtshoorn and Mossel Bay. It’s rated as ‘moderate’ difficulty, which it probably is if you are not 57 years old and moderately unfit, like I am. I would rate it a tough walk. Don’t try it alone, the trail is remote and you are almost always the only people on the trail. Wear good non-slip adventure type shoes, a hat and take a hiking stick. You walk through quite a lot of brush, so I would recommend long pants. I carried a couple of bananas, a roast beef and mustard sandwich and 2 liters of water. It’s about 13km long and is going to take you the best part of a day to complete. Start early, you will want to tarry to take photos. I did 5km in and turned around to go back. Thank god I had my trusty walking stick. In some parts I had to clamber over rocks. I would advise against taking the hike after it rained. The trail can get greasy and slippery. The mountains leach water and it stays wet on the sides where the sun does not reach. If you fall off the trail, it’s a long way down. The sides of the mountains are pretty steep - say 60 or 70 degree slopes. It’s a beautiful trail and is still recovering from fire a huge fire in 2019. The flora is breathtaking, I have ever seen such a variety of plants in such a small area. The mountains are majestic and the rock formations are a sight. Didn’t see them but the trail is used by Klipspringer buck, I saw old and fresh spoor. A curious lack of birds, I only heard them singing 3 or 4 times and didn’t see any on my walk. I highly recommend this trail. It’s a challenging hike and the beauty is breathtaking.
3. Seweweekspoort
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By shauns2111 - South Africa, null
Any nature enthusiast would enjoy the drive through this poort. From scenic rock formations to an adornment of plants. Not the first time I have been through there, and will not be the last. The river crossings are been upgraded but minimal impact to driving through. Numerous places to pull off and study the surroundings. Enjoy
4. Swartberg Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,633 reviews
Reviewed By Curiosity28698317309 - Cape Town Central, South Africa
True! one of South Africa’s most beautiful mountain passes, once entering from Prince Albert side you enter into a majestic red Canyon inspired by amazing layered strata and majestic Mountain View’s. As you travel along this well maintained gravel road you ascend into the clouds and look down over a gorgeous scenic, fertile valley below. Along the way stop for your favorite cup of aromatic coffee to take in the fresh mountain zephyrs and watch the ever changing cloud formations as they dance along the mountain tops and pour through the valley openings. Have a farm breakfast at Kobus se gat or stop to view the local talents of Rogers art and photography gallery, where you can enjoy a latte while you watch the swallows build their mud homes beneath the eves of this historical building. A must for sight seers or the avid adventurer.
5. Knysna Timber Route
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Following the Knysna Timber Route and experience Knysna local suppliers, producers, manufacturers and crafters within the timber industry.
6. Montagu Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By chrisbotes1 - Knysna, South Africa
Best driven in an SUV or a 4x4 we took this route to Oudtshoorn with the Landrover Defender and what an awesome and picturesque drive - highly recommended
7. 7 Passes Scenic Drive
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 122 reviews
This 75 km historic road was completed in 1883. Rivers generally flow in deep gorges on their way from the mountains to the sea, therefore there are seven passes along the way, hence the name of the route. These are the passes crossing the Swart-, Kaaimans- and Silver-, Touw-, Hoogekraal- and Karatara rivers, the Homtini gorge and the Phantom pass. Knysna Phantom Pass to Saasveld George | 75 km | +/- 1 Hour, 30 min driving time
Reviewed By charitycomms - Upper Beeding, United Kingdom
If you’re travelling from George to Knysna (or back) this pass is well worth the extra hour or so driving to see the seven passes (bridges) over the rivers that wind their way down to the sea. Many different construction types, different views, and the feeling you’re off the beaten track in deep bush at times, really stunning. Perfectly fine for non 4x4 cars. We did it in a Nissan Almeira.
