About Bruintjieshoogte Pass
Bruintjieshoogte Pass, in English Brown's Height Pass, lies between the Karoo towns of Pearston and Somerset East on the R63. It offers wonderful views over the Karoo Heartland.
Did you know? Bruintjieshoogte Pass is the site both of the Bruitjieshoogte Marathon (a 50 km, 25 km, 15 km run and 5 km fun run/walk) and the Bruintjieshoogte Cycle Fest, which is usually spread over a weekend with a selection of road races, mountain bike races and a fun run on Bosberg.
Whilst not an overly eventful pass, and not dangerous to drive, it is the first noticeable rise in altitude between here and Graaff-Reinet, most of the area suffering the flatness for which the Karoo is renowned.
But this same flatness is the very reason for the star-studded nights, numbingly hot summers and crisp winters. These vast plains that stretch on forever, interspersed by craggy mountains, are what makes it so very attractive. Welcome to the Karoo.
Between the two towns of Pearston and Somerset East is farm country - kilometres of game fences and the odd road sign warning of possible lone kudus attempting to cross the road (they're able to easily scale fences, so the possibility is not as far fetched as it might seem).
The towns on either end of the pass – both Pearston and Somerset East – are worth a stop in their own right. Pearston for its rapidly fading Victorian Karoo houses, the Gothic church with its significant steeple and Cranemere's Private Museum, and Somerset East for its charm, tourist-geared activities and two museums, one of them dedicated to Walter Battiss (you can now buy his lesser-known works on a range of homeware items at @Home). Whilst you are there, walk the Somerset East Heritage Trail.
There is a viewing site on Bruitjieshoogte Pass, perfect for those driving in a westward direction. If you happen to use the pass in an easterly direction then a stop is virtually out of the question as it is an awkward place to cross the road and could easily cause an accident.
Wait until you crest the pass where there are wonderful views out over the Karoo.
Need to Know
WhereBruintjieshoogte Pass, About 10km from Somerset East, Karoo Heartland, Eastern Cape, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Somerset East Accommodation, Eastern Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inIn the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Somerset East
Koedoeskop Private Mountain Reserve
Accommodation is offered in the tastefully renovated, historic Karoo-style farmhouse which has six spacious double bedrooms, all of which are en-...
Somerset Guest Lodge
Somerset Guest Lodge offers accommodation in Somerset East, a charming and historic little town. The lodge makes either a convenient overnight st...
Ufumene Game Lodge
Ufumene Game Lodge offers Game Lodge accommodation on a private game ranch in the Eastern Cape, straddling both sides of a valley behind the Olif...
Angler & Antelope
The Angler and Antelope is situated in the town of Somerset East in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The complex is securely fenced and includes t...
Witmos Oxwagon Camp
Witmos Oxwagon Camp offers an African outdoor experience, back in time. Guests are accommodated in restored oxwagons. The camp is situated on a w...
Kuduland Shack
Experience the opportunity to get away from everything and everyone while staying at the rustic but charming Kuduland Shack. The comfortable Gre...
Herberg Manor
Situated in Somerset East, Herberg Manor is an elegant 1920s manor house that offers guests a choice of rooms within easy reach of numerous shops...
Things to do in the area
Fishing at Angler & Antelope
The popular Angler and Antelope specialize in fly-fishing. They have an in-house REFFIS (Register of fly fishing instructors and guides) accredit...
Somerset East Museum
Somerset East is a small town in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, established in 1825. As such, it is bursting with history, both local...
Boschberg MTB Trails
The Eastern Cape remains the quietest and least developed of all South African provinces. However, it offers visitors plenty in the way of things...
Hoeksfontein 4x4 Trails
In the heart of the Karoo, deep in the South African province of the Eastern Cape, lies the fun and excitement of the Hoeksfontein 4x4 Trail. Thi...
Wilton Guest Farm MTB Trails
Where: outside Middleton, 24 km south of Cookhouse (on the way to Bloemhof and De Mistkraal Dam)Level: moderate to advancedType of route: some si...
Walter Battiss Art Museum
Your Somerset East accommodation is right on the doorstep of pretty landscapes and some unusual Eastern Cape attractions. The Walter Battiss Art ...
Accommodation convenient to Bruintjieshoogte Pass
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Eastern Cape Accommodation / Frontier Country Accommodation / Greater Addo Accommodation / Somerset East Accommodation