Swartberg Circle route Scenery

Renowned for its scenic beauty, the Western Cape is a firm favourite among local and international visitors with tons of exhilarating attractions to explore.

Snow capped Mountains

Scenery when driving on the Swartberg Circle Route.

Spectacular Views

Whether hiking, cycling or driving the Swartberg Circle Route®, you’re guaranteed breathtaking views.

Swartberg Pass

Declared a national monument, the pass is an unpaved gravel road that connects the Great and Little Karoo and is without a doubt one of the highlights of the Swartberg Circle Route®.

Switch to Ostrich

Enjoy healthy & delicious ostrich dishes at local restaurants en route.

Karoo Succulents and Fynbos

The Swartberg Mountain Range forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the richest plant areas in the world and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What does the Swartberg Circle Route entail?

The Swartberg Circle Route is a stunning, scenic drive that takes you from Oudtshoorn or Calitzdorp over the Swartberg Pass and through Meiringspoort to the towns of De Rust, Klaarstroom, and Prince Albert. Any of these four towns can serve as the route’s starting point and it can be travelled in either direction, clockwise or anti-clockwise. Picturesque back routes include Oudemuragie, Vergelegen, Lategansvlei, Groenfontein, Kruisrivier and Langverwaght.

The Route offers a taste of adventure, a wide range of culinary delights, a touch of culture and an overall feeling of well-being.

Things to Do

The Swartberg Circle Route is a treasure trove of delights, with so much to explore. Visit the world’s largest show cave, see the workings of an ostrich show farm, dive with crocs, taste some of the Karoo’s finest wines, bottle feed young giraffes or simply enjoy the scenic wonder along the way. Round it all off with splendid theatre productions, world-class, local wine cellars, museums, magnificent ostrich palaces and historical buildings dating back to the 1900’s.

Accommodation

Accommodation options on the Swartberg Circle Route range from upmarket, luxury hotels, game lodges, guest houses and bed & breakfasts to more relaxed, inexpensive lodgings including self-catering options, home stays, backpackers and farm stays.

Where to eat

The Swartberg Circle Route has established quite the reputation for the fine cuisine offered by a number of excellent restaurants en route. Whether you’re on a budget in search of great value for money or would like to splurge on some extravagant fine dining, this route has something special to offer everyone. And with a host of superb local wineries and craft distilleries, you’ll have no trouble finding an award-winning bottle to complement your meal.

Events in the Klein Karoo

Marketing Packages Available

Queens Hotel Oudtshoorn
Queens Hotel Oudtshoorn
Queens Hotel Oudtshoorn
Kleinplaas Holiday Resort
Chandelier Game Lodge
Oudtshoorn Tourism
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge
Safari Ostrich Show Farm
Hazenjacht Karoo Lifestyle
Hlangana Lodge - Oudtshoorn
Wilgewandel Holiday Farm
Kobus se Gat - Swartberg Experience
The Rude Chef
El Dorado Hotel & Self Catering
El Dorado Hotel & Self Catering