Theronsberg Pass in Ceres, Western Cape

About Theronsberg Pass

The Theronsberg Pass is one of four ways in which to reach the Ceres valley. Others include Michell's Pass from Cape Town (N1, R43, R46), Gydo Pass (the R303 from Citrusdal), and Theronsberg Pass (from Touws River, R46).

Did you know? The Theronsberg Mountains take one into the Tanqua Karoo, a gorgeous semi-arid area that is quite simply beautiful – clear, starlit skies, incredible scenery and enviable sunsets.

Theronsberg Pass links Ceres with Karoopoort and is a fairly gentle pass, as far as passes go, its landscape essentially grassy slopes given over to small farms, their dams occasionally close enough to the roadside to glimpse water birds. It is also tarred making it accessible for all vehicles, even a Tazz, which might not conquer some of the more rugged passes of the Western Cape.

Because of its proximity to Ceres and a colder climate, there is a good chance that the Theronsberg will see snow fall during the winter months, and it is always an excellent choice for a drive from Cape Town in search of snow.

Interestingly the Theronsberg, Karoopoort and the Hottentotskloof passes were all part of an old wagon route from the Boland into the interior, before the advent of the Du Toitskloof Pass and the N1. In 1969 when the totally unanticipated earthquake, measuring 6.3 on the Richter Scale, hit the area, devastating towns like Tulbagh and Wolseley, Theronsberg Pass was the only road out of Ceres as parts of Mitchells Pass were buried as a result of the earthquake.

Theronsberg initially follows the contours of the Waboomberg and then it stretches out and heads straight for Ceres, passing through green fields, and fruit orchards in the typical scenery one associates with the fruit-growing valley.

Need to Know

WhereTheronsberg Pass, Links Ceres with the R355 to Calvinia, Western Cape, South Africa

WhenBest during daylight hours.

OvernightStay in Ceres 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If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email.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

Also See These Attractions

Landmarks / Mountain Passes

Michells Pass

Without Michells Pass the existence of Ceres would be questionable. It was only after the pass was completed in 1849 that the town of Ceres came into being at all. It is no surprise, as, faced with the incredible banks of mountain east of Cape Town our ...

Find out more

Landmarks / Mountain Passes

Swaarmoed Pass

The Swaarmoed Pass lies in the Matroosberg just outside of the town of Ceres. Like the town, it is well known for snow in winter – if not on the pass itself, then views from the pass generally will include snow, icy weather depending – and fruit (the ...

Find out more