Viljoen's Pass in Grabouw, Western Cape

About Viljoen's Pass

Named after local apple pioneer, Sir Antonie Viljoen, the pass is a wonderful drive overlooking the valley that is regarded as 'apple country'. The Viljoen's Pass is often incorporated as part of a 'four passes' tour of the Cape Winelands, including Sir Lowry's Pass, Viljoen's, Helshoogte and Franschhoek Passes.

Did you know? Viljoen's Pass cuts through the Groenland Mountains to follow a gorge through which the Palmiet River flows, linking Villiersdorp with Grabouw.

Grabouw is the epicentre of the apple-producing part of the region that also produces plums, pears and nectarines and lies on the banks of the same river that meanders through the Viljoen's Pass. The pass looks down into the pretty valley that lies between the Hottentots Holland mountain range and the Groenland Mountains. It is a tar pass that takes one through some pretty spectacular scenery and is worth driving particularly as it is not very busy.

At the top of the pass lies the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve. Not really aimed at day visitors as there are no obvious picnic facilities, for hikers and the conservation of mountain fynbos the reserve is a gem. The reserve lies high on the pass where the terrain is at its most rugged.

Up here is known as the Dwarsberg plateau and rainfall is more likely due to the altitude. Weather is also unpredictable as a result and hikers doing the Boland Hiking Trail, stopping at overnight huts within the reserve, usually come well prepared.

Viljoen's Pass is on the R321 from the village of Grabouw past the Nuwebergdam and the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve. The route continues past Theewaterskloofdam and Nature Reserve, and on to Villiersdorp, a town that also produces deciduous fruit, unlike the rest of the Villiersdorp Valley that grows wheat and canola.

Need to Know

WhereViljoen's Pass, Links Villiersdorp with Grabouw, Cape Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa

WhenBest during daylight hours.

OvernightStay in Grabouw 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

Helshoogte Pass

Helshoogte Pass, one of the most loved and travelled roads in the Western Cape, links Stellenbosch with the Drakenstein Valley, a scenic pass that transports one over the saddle that separates Simonsberg from the Jonkershoekberge and wends its way past ...

Find out more

Landmarks / Mountain Passes

Houwhoek Pass

To reach Houwhoek Pass, on the tarred N2, you will have to crest Sir Lowry's Pass first. In fact, there is a 25 kilometre stretch of road between the two passes, known as Cole's Pass, to add further confusion to the mix. All in all, this mountainous part ...

Find out more

Mountain Passes

Franschhoek Pass

Completely closed off from the rest of the world on its eastern flank by the Franschhoek Mountains, the town of Franschhoek is accessible via only two routes: Route 45 from either Stellenbosch or Paarl, or south-east of Franschhoek via the Franschhoek ...

Find out more