Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Dutch
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
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.
What's included
Professional guide
Lunch
Driver/guide
National Park Fees
Gratuities
What to expect
Swartberg Pass
3h
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 and pickup
Pickup details
Pick-up from any Oudtshoorn based Hotel / Guesthouse
Additional information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
A moderate amount of optional walking is involved
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
