Swartberg Pass

Beyond the Cango Caves the road climbs to the Swartberg Pass. The Swartberg range, which forms the boundary between the Little and the Great Karoo, extends for a length of 200km/125mi, with heights of up to 2,326m/7,628ft. Of the three passes through the range the Swartberg is the most spectacular. The road (not completely asphalted, but in dry weather negotiable by ordinary cars without difficulty) was built in 1881-88. After almost every bend there is a magnificent view, and the vegetation is equally fascinating, with a profusion of proteas. Beyond the pass (1,568m/5,145ft) the landscape changes, and the road eventually enters a narrow gorge with a lush growth of vegetation.