Swartberg Pass North to South | Prince Albert to Oudtshoorn

The Swartberg Pass, between Prince Albert in the north and Oudtshoorn in the south is one of the most iconic mountain passes in South Africa. It was the final project of famous South African road builder extraordinaire, Thomas Bain. Completed in 1888 over a period of 7 years, it's quite long as passes go, at 23.8 km.
The Swartberg Pass is unsurfaced and at times very narrow, hardly enough space for 2 cars to pass and requires a steady hand on the wheel, because some of the drops are sheer, and a long way down. During winter the pass is often snow covered, and heavy rain can also make it impassable. But it's just so worth it, with the most awesome views revealing themselves around every corner, each one vying with the last to be the most spectacular.
Thomas Bain walked the length and breadth of the pass many times, he must have been a very fit man. Over 200 convicts were used as labour (no prisoner rights back then), they came from all walks of life, and included lawyers, stock thieves, smugglers and more. Over 40 police officers with dogs were on hand to guard the prisoners.
More about the pass here:
www.mountainpassessouthafrica...
www.oudtshoorn.com/project/ex...
princealbert.org.za/swartberg...
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Subscribe: / @kangela
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I’m Chris Corbet, an overlanding, adventure & road trip fanatic and video creator with a passion for nature & wildlife conservation. My motto is "live your adventure". After many years in the digital marketing space, I opted out of corporate life and embraced an overland road tripping and adventure lifestyle instead.
Kangela: to search / to look for / to seek
Available for collaborations: [e-mail]
"Live each day as if it’s your last, because someday it will be!" ~ Muhammad Ali
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On Instagram: / chriskangela
On Facebook: / chriskangela
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[@Kangela]

Swartberg Pass is one of the most iconic mountain passes in South Africa, I'm so very fortunate that this beauty is less than 100km from my home.

[@pauldarbishire7226]

Thanks for that as it brought back many happy memories.
The 1st time I drove the Swartberg was on the 23/12/92.
I was heading down from Lesotho to CT and turned off the N1 heading to Barrydale where I had booked a hotel for 4 nights.
The Swartberg was an unexpected and glorious bonus and it blew my mind.
I spent 10 nights in Constantia in a rental and had a blast driving around the area exploring CT, Table Mountain, Sandy Bay, Stellenbosch Gardens, Hout Bay and of course the Cape of Good Hope.
What a fantastic Christmas and New Years holidays.
Thanks for the wonderful vlog!

[@Kangela]

Thanks for the kind words Paul, it's wonderful hearing about your own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing them.

[@gerarddeclerck3939]

Like your music 👌 the video footage is just an added bonus

[@Kangela]

Thanks (I think ;-) Gerard.

[@moniquem4200]

Did that route with the family some years back.. loved it.. but did not know history behind it... thanks for explaining and sharing

[@Kangela]

It's a pleasure Anne, thank YOU for taking the time to comment, it's always very satisfying to hear when my content is well received.

[@user-cz8dg5mx4w]

Beeindruckendes Video! 2x4 möglich oder nur 4x4 zulässig? Welche Richtung am besten? Nord-süd oder umgekehrt?

[@thebuddymoon]

Nice Chris, your channel is helping us out a lot👍

[@Kangela]

Thanks guys, looking forward to catching your own experience.

[@louisfourie7756]

Bain s grand grand children is family i am proud of them they lived in Grahamstown

[@Kangela]

That's awesome.

[@fritzbrink628]

Was great to accompany you on that trip Chris. Fantastic day.

[@Kangela]

Yes it certainly was, quality time in awesome nature!

[@MrLochinvar732010]

Great Video Chris ... look forward to seeing it for myself later this year...

[@Kangela]

Thanks for the comment, Iope you enjoy your visit, it's definitely worthwhile.

[@take2tourssafaris722]

Amazing video Chris!

[@Kangela]

Thanks Wayne 🙏👍

[@ElecAndAll]

Thanks Chris. Is there cell phone reception through the pass?

[@Kangela]

For part of the way, but once you get into the depths of the pass the reception disappears.

[@MrGoogelaar]

2:55 "...only for four wheel drive vehicles..." that is not correct, two wheel drive is more than adequate for the drive down to The Hell, I won't go there with a car but all SUVs and bakkies cope quite good there.

[@Kangela]

Thanks for that information Philip, we haven't done the trip yet, planning to soon. Accurate info from viewers who have done it is most welcome.

[@MrGoogelaar]

@@Kangela Do the trip, you won't be disappointed.

[@Kangela]

It’s on the bucket list, and sooner rather than later I hope 🤞