Hairpin bends
Dry-stone walls.
South African Tourism from South Africa — CC BY 2.0 · Vberger — Public domain · Winfried Bruenken (Amrum) — CC BY-SA 2.5 · Winfried Bruenken (Amrum) — CC BY-SA 2.5 · Winfried Bruenken (Amrum) — CC BY 3.0
The Swartberg Pass carries the R328 over the Swartberg, the Black Mountains, in South Africa's Western Cape, about 119 km northwest of Knysna in a straight line. The pass links Oudtshoorn in the south with Prince Albert in the north. Most of the pass was built between 1883 and 1888 by the engineer Thomas Bain, and it opened on 10 January 1888. The dry-stone retaining walls that hold up some of its hairpin bends are still in place after more than 130 years. Much of the Swartberg lies within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the range is among the best-exposed fold mountain chains in the world. The road is unpaved and twists through tight bends between red and brown rock folded in contorted layers, with views over the Little Karoo to the south and the Great Karoo to the north, both semi-arid regions. Hundreds of plant species grow along the way. Visitors drive the pass and stop at the summit and viewpoints for photos. The road can be treacherous after rain, so check conditions before setting out, and the drive pairs well with the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn.
Dry-stone walls.
Contorted layers.
Over the Karoo.
R328 road, between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert, Western Cape, South Africa
No, and it can be treacherous after rain.
The Cango Caves.