19/11/2025
The Outeniqua Pass🦉
The Outeniqua Pass is a mountain pass in the Western Cape, connecting the town of George with Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo. Construction began in 1943 and was completed in 1951, providing a modern alternative to the Montagu Pass, which had been in use since 1847 and was narrow and steep. The pass has been widened and modernized several times since its completion to accommodate increasing traffic.
The pass forms part of the Cape Fold Belt, a mountain range that extends roughly 1300 km along South Africa’s southern and western coastlines. The Langkloof Valley lies between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains and stretches for about 160 km. It is a fertile agricultural area, particularly suited to apple and pear production. Several small towns are located along Route 62 within the valley. Joubertina, originally established on the Langkloof Farm in the late 19th century, is a key commercial center in the area. The town historically maintained restrictive liquor regulations, which have largely been relaxed.
The Outeniqua Pass is engineered with numerous bends and curves, some of which are sharp, and its higher sections are prone to heavy rainfall and dense mist, which can reduce visibility. The pass has several designated viewpoints, including one known locally as “The 4 Passes,” from which multiple surrounding passes can be seen, including Montagu Pass.
