About Rooiberg Pass
The beautiful Rooiberg Pass lies within the Rooiberg Conservancy, a 60 000 hectare mountainous area in the Klein Karoo. The Rooiberg Conservancy in turn forms part of the Gouritz Biodiversity Meander, which aims to conserve this incredible meeting place of three biomes, one of only 35 biodiversity hot spots in the world.
Did you know? The views of the Rooiberg as you approach it from Van Wyksdorp are incredible. But take a moment to look behind you...
The Rooiberg Pass meanders through beautiful ravines and over rocky slopes that form part of a large catchment area, through which several rivers pass. In the time it takes you to drive from its southern slopes to the northern side, you will have passed from a form of vegetation that provides you with proteas, to one where Karoo scrub is the dominant plant type.
Those after 4X4 excitement enjoy tackling the Rooiberg Pass as part of a greater trek across the country. If you want to see the Overberg from your front cab, then take a route from Cape Town along the south coast over the plains of Agulhas, and then head to the back roads through the Little Karoo and Boland.
In the higher areas of the Rooiberg Pass are incredible indigenous forests that contain stinkwood trees, and if you can take the time to stop and sit awhile, a new endemic butterfly was recently discovered here, known as the Thestor rooibergensis.
It is best to head up the pass with Van Wyksdorp behind one, via Dwars-in-die-Weg. At the summit is a cairn of precariously stacked prayer stones, said to be where travellers stopped to pray every time they made the trip over the mountains, and before they set off on the rather steep descent.
Need to Know
WhereRooiberg Pass, Calitzdorp via Vanwyksdorp to Ladismith, Klein Karoo, Western Cape, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Karoo Accommodation, Western 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If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email.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 inAttractions near Calitzdorp
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Karoo
Groenfontein Guest Farm
18 km north-west of Calitzdorp (Route 62) in the foothills of the majestic Swartberge, lies the evergreen Groenfontein valley. On the banks of th...
Matjiesvlei Retreat 1945
Matjiesvlei Retreat 1945 offers self catering accommodation on a farm in Calitzdorp. The house sleeps six guests in three bedrooms. There is a ba...
Karoo Nest
Karoo Nest offers charming self-catering accommodation in Calitzdorp, a small town in the Karoo. The guest house is close to award-winning wineri...
Almond Valley Manor House
Nestled in the heart of South Africa's Klein Karoo, Almond Valley presents a captivating retreat in the form of a meticulously restored Victorian...
Calitzdorp Country House
Overlooking the little town of Calitzdorp on Route 62, Calitzdorp Country House offers spectacular views across vineyards and orchards to the maj...
Sweetheart Cottage
The Sweetheart Cottage offers a delightful retreat set in tranquil surroundings. Nestled amidst grand mountain vistas, it serves as a gateway to ...
Karoo Life Bed & Breakfast
Karoo Life Bed & Breakfast is found in the quaint town of Calitzdorp on the popular Route 62. While here you can take a dip in the swimming pool,...
The Queen of Calitzdorp
This over a century old establishment is situated in the centre of Calitzdorp town, within walking distance of Boplaas, De Krans and Calitzdorp C...
Things to do in the area
The Donkey Trail
Take part in a great walking tour with donkeys for companions! The trail takes four days and three nights, and you can be guaranteed of a great ...
Boplaas Family Vineyards
Boplaas is situated in Calitzdorp, a small picturesque village in the Southern Cape province in the majestic Little Karoo. The Nel family is part...
Calitzdorp Wine Cellar
The Calitzdorp Wine Cellar is found on the ever popular Route 62 in the small town of Calitzdorp. Here you'll taste award winning wine from a cel...
De Krans Wine Cellar
The De Krans Wine Cellar is one of the favourites in the area not only because of their fabulous wine but also it is a popular destination from l...
Withoek Wine Farm
The Withoek Wine Farm consists of 50 hectares of land and just over half of that (27 hectares) is vineyards. The vines are mainly Hanepoort and S...
Gamkaberg Zebra Crossing
Gamkaberg Zebra Crossing consists of various 4x4 trails ranging from 16 km to 36 km, stretching over the Gamkaberg Mountain Range, leading over s...
Peter Bayly Wines
Situated in the picturesque Groenfontein Valley of the Klein Karoo's famed wine-making town, Calitzdorp lays “an undiscovered vinous gem.” Peter ...
TTT Cellar
A scenic four hours from Cape Town and the gateway to the garden route is a town, Calitzdorp, which lays in the splendour of the Swartberg Mounta...
Accommodation convenient to Rooiberg Pass
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / Karoo Accommodation