Half-Day Swartberg Pass PRIVATE Tour (including lunch & transfer - Oudtshoorn)

4.7 (9 reviews) 4–5 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

9 reviews

4.7

Panoramic view over the Swartberg Pass from the summit of the Pass — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

The popular "groot klip" viewpoint — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Guided half-day Swartberg Pass eco-tour. The Swartberg Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Swartberg Pass is a National Monument (gravel road) and ascents 900m until you reach the summit. The tour includes a leisure walk on a Swartberg Mountain Trail with panoramic vistas over the Klein-and Great Karoo. You will also learn more about the conservation initiatives pioneered by the members of the H.O.P.E. Foundation. A light lunch is included after the tour.

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At a glance

Duration: 4–5 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English, Dutch
Operated by: True South Travel

Ages: Children (6–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Professional guide
Included: Lunch
Included: Driver/guide
Included: National Park Fees

Not included

Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Swartberg Pass

3 hours

From your Hotel 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 127 years ago.

You can enjoy an optional scenic walk on a hiking trail exploring 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 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 we learn about the Social and conservation initiatives pioneered by the members of the H.O.P.E. Foundation. At 1 350m above mean sea level we enjoy a leisure walk on the Pass before we return towards Oudtshoorn for lunch.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Oudtshoorn Hotel
Protea Hotel Oudtshoorn Riempie Estate
Karoo Retreat Gastehuis
Queen's Hotel By BON Hotels
Hlangana Lodge
86 on Langenhoven Bed & Breakfast
El Dorado Hotel & Self Catering
Turnberry Boutique Hotel
Van Riebeeck Hotel Conference

Pick-up from any Oudtshoorn based Hotel / Guesthouse

Using your ticket

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
IMPORTANT: You must call +27 82 461 8253 or +27 44 272 0700 at least 48 hours in advance to to confirm your pick-up location and time.