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 metre 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 splendour 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.
