Montagu Pass South Africa
South Africa's oldest unaltered gravel pass, offering stunning mountain views and a journey through history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Montagu Pass South Africa
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
South Africa's oldest unaltered gravel pass, offering stunning mountain views and a journey through history.
"A most enjoyable drive along the mountain slopes, soaked in the beauty of nature."
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
High-clearance vehicle recommended for gravel road. Sedans can manage but drive slowly .
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
It's a scenic drive, not a race. Enjoy the views and historical stops .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old Toll House
Start of the pass
Step back in time at this historic toll house, a charming reminder of the pass's past.
Panoramic Mountain Views
Various viewpoints along the pass
Breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys await at numerous scenic stops.
Pass2Pass Hiking Trail
Highest point of the pass
Enjoy a picnic or a short walk along this trail offering stunning natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gravel Road Adventure
Historical Significance
The 'Tolhuis' (toll house) is a key stop, offering a glimpse into its past. Plan for a leisurely drive to soak in the history and scenery.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
High-clearance vehicle recommended for gravel road. Sedans can manage but drive slowly.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
It's a scenic drive, not a race. Enjoy the views and historical stops.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Several spots are perfect for a picnic lunch amidst nature.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The views are spectacular, especially from the higher points.
We’ll be staying in George for the matric holidays. Any idea what two students could do for fun in the below area? (flee markets, museums, hiking etc.)
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Vehicle Choice Matters
High-clearance vehicle recommended for gravel road. Sedans can manage but drive slowly.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
It's a scenic drive, not a race. Enjoy the views and historical stops.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Several spots are perfect for a picnic lunch amidst nature.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The views are spectacular, especially from the higher points.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Montagu Pass for its stunning natural beauty and historical significance, calling it a must-do scenic drive. The old toll house and panoramic mountain views are frequently highlighted as memorable features. While the gravel road requires careful driving, most find it manageable and well worth the effort for the unique experience.
"The oldest unaltered pass in South Africa. If you enjoy going through passes in SA, you will love the views. Stop at the bridge and take a little walk along the river. It's absolutely beautiful! High clearance vehicle is needed."
Christy Johns
"Another scenic drive in south africa"
Thomas Joseph
"Must do tourist attraction in George. This 11km dust road starts at the Toll House and is spectacular as a tourist outing. It is rugged (but my 74 year old father drove us in his Toyota Yaris). The scenery is truly beautiful. We stopped at the highest point for a picnic at the Pass2Pass hiking trail car park. Highly recommended."
Brent Brading
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Montagu Pass is located near George. You can access it from the R102. The drive starts at the historic Toll House and winds up the mountain.
No, Montagu Pass is a gravel road. While some visitors have driven it in sedans, a high-clearance vehicle is generally recommended for a smoother experience.
The pass covers approximately 17.1 kilometers (11 miles) of scenic gravel road.
While Montagu Pass is a highlight, the region offers other scenic drives. For example, the Outeniqua Pass is another option in the vicinity.
Yes, Montagu Pass is a popular day trip from Oudtshoorn, offering a beautiful drive and historical interest.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance fees or tickets required to drive Montagu Pass. It is a public road accessible to all.
Montagu Pass is an open road and does not have specific operating hours. It is generally accessible during daylight hours.
The historic Toll House is a point of interest along the pass and does not typically have an entrance fee for viewing from the outside. Access to any internal exhibits may vary.
Yes, Montagu Pass is open year-round and can be visited during holidays. However, expect potentially higher visitor numbers during peak holiday seasons.
The main consideration is the road surface. While not strictly restricted, a vehicle with adequate ground clearance is advisable due to the gravel nature of the pass.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the historic Toll House, numerous scenic viewpoints, and the Pass2Pass hiking trail car park, perfect for picnics.
Absolutely! The pass offers stunning panoramic views, the historic Toll House, and beautiful natural landscapes, making it a photographer's paradise.
Yes, the Pass2Pass hiking trail is located at the highest point of the pass, offering opportunities for walks and enjoying nature.
While sightings vary, you might encounter local birdlife and small mammals in the natural fynbos vegetation along the pass.
Reception can be spotty along the pass, especially in the more remote sections. It's advisable to download offline maps if you rely on your phone for navigation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or cafes directly on Montagu Pass. It's best to pack your own food and drinks for a picnic.
You'll find a variety of dining options in the nearby towns of George and Oudtshoorn before or after your drive.
Yes, there are several beautiful spots along the pass that are perfect for picnics.
Herold Wines is a notable wine farm located along the pass, offering a unique stop for wine tasting.
Bring water, snacks, and any meals you'd like to enjoy. Remember to take all your trash with you to keep the pass clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light shots.
The area around the Toll House and the highest points of the pass offer particularly stunning photographic opportunities.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities regarding any restrictions before flying a drone in the area.
Focus on the dramatic mountain scenery, the historic Toll House, the winding gravel road, and the natural fynbos vegetation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Adventure Seekers & Road Trippers
The winding road, stunning mountain scenery, and historical significance offer a rewarding journey. Consider combining it with other scenic drives in the region for a comprehensive road trip adventure. Remember to check your tires and have a spare, and enjoy the thrill of navigating this historic route.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Driving Montagu Pass: What to Expect
While it's a historical route, it's also an adventure. The pass is approximately 17.1 kilometers long and was originally built by 250 convicts over three years, opening in 1848. The road surface is predominantly gravel, which can be uneven in places. While many visitors navigate it successfully in standard vehicles, a high-clearance vehicle is often recommended for a more comfortable and secure journey, especially after rain.Key stops along the pass include the charming old Toll House, a tangible link to its past, and various viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
History and Heritage of Montagu Pass
Its construction, completed in 1848, was a monumental undertaking involving hundreds of convicts who toiled for three years to carve this route through the mountains. The pass was named after Lord Charles Montagu, the Governor of the Cape Colony at the time.The 'Tolhuis' (toll house) stands as a testament to its past, where travelers once paid a fee to traverse the route. Visiting the toll house offers a tangible connection to the era when this pass was a vital artery for trade and travel between George and Oudtshoorn.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit