|
|
Head out into the Majestic Swartberg to discover its magic ... Once
considered impenetrable, there are now three routes through
the Swartberg Mountains – The
Swartberg Pass, Meiringspoort and Seweweekspoort linking the
Great Karoo with the Little Karoo and the coast. The Swartberg Loop, a scenic drive from Onse Rus reveals the wonders of the
Swartberg
Pass and Meiringspoort:
|
|
|
The 27 km Swartberg
Pass is considered one of the most impressive mountain passes in the
world:
an untarred road that winds to the summit 1583 meters above sea
level in steep zigzags and sudden switchbacks with breathtaking views at
every turn. The road is supported in places by hand-packed stone walls, a
trademark of Thomas Charles Bain, the brilliant road engineer of the 19th
Century. Along the way there are relics of old prisons, tollhouses, and
Way stations that bear historic testimony to past adventures. Often
covered with snow in winter, the mountain's microclimate supports fynbos
and a rich bird life, in contrast with the arid-zone flora and fauna
outside its cool shady kloofs. The Swartberg Pass was declared a National
Monument in its Centenary year, 1988. Those who have crossed the pass will
never forget it.
|
Near the summit of the Pass lies the Otto du Plessis road which leads into Gamkaskloof, also known as "The Hell". Please chat to us about trips into Gamkaskloof. |
|
Meiringspoort is a deep cleft through the seemingly impenetrable Swartberg Mountain range. This natural passage forms a convenient link between the Great and Little Karoo. Soaring cliff walls with spectacular rock formations line the 25 km tarred road, which winds along the floor of the gorge, crossing the Groot River 25 times. Entry to the Poort is via Klaarstroom, 55 kms east of Prince Albert, en route to Oudtshoorn and the coast. Hardy plants, including indigenous pelargoniums, cling to the precarious rock faces while birds, baboons and smaller fauna abound in the protected kloofs & crevices.
|
|
|
Among the most scenic spots is the waterfall tumbling into a dark pool that, according to legend, is bottomless. In Meiringspoort one feels insignificant against the overwhelming grandeur of the surroundings. Driving through this Poort with its winding road, the traveller is enchanted by the scenery with a kaleidoscope of every changing colour. The richness of the vegetation along the river will intrigue plant lovers and birdwatchers will be amazed at the bird life. Meiringspoort was originally opened to traffic on the 3rd March 1858.
|
|
|
The
Swartberg Loop can take you on a day trip through both the Swartberg
Pass and Another fascinating attraction is Meerkat Magic where you can see meerkats living in the wild. Click on the picture for more details. As you head back to Onse Rus, through Meiringspoort, visit Mons Ruber, a wine farm with Royal Family connections, explore the hamlet of De Rust and stop to clamber up to the waterfall in Meiringspoort, with its 'bottomless' pool, said to be the home of a mermaid. Drive on and turn off the main road to drive through the Victorian hamlet of Klaarstroom, rejoining the road back towards Prince Albert.
|
|
|
Home Onse Rus Meals Relax at Onse Rus Tours & Activities History of the house Prince Albert The Swartberg Pass Gamkaskloof Rates & Bookings Contact us Directions to Onse Rus VIEW OUR ON-LINE VIDEO BY CLICKING HERE!
|
|
