The 25.6 km out and back route starts and ends at the top of the Swartberg pass just past The Top between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert.

You will find yourself cutting southeast, more or less straight across the top of the Swartberg mountain range, with views for hundreds of kilometres in almost every direction. The scenery is rugged. 

In parts the road is painstaking, and vehicles, drivers and passengers will be sorely tested. A maximum of four vehicles is allowed on the route and a minimum of two.

Guests can book the Bothashoek hut (at the 12.8 km mark) as overnight accommodation. Bookings must be made in advance via the online portal.

 Keys must be collected at the CapeNature Oudtshoorn office before 16h00 – Monday to Friday.

The overnight hut at Bothashoek accommodates up to 12 people and provides panoramic views of a landscape dominated by the Cape Fold Mountains.

Overnight Guest

 Please remember to bring:

• Warm clothes
• Sun hat
• Sunblock
• Bedding
• Towels
• Toiletries
• Food
• Utensils
• Water – is available at the hut but none on route
• The shower is only cold water
• No cooking utensils available – clients should bring their own gas/gel stove/burner for cooking purposes (available at all Outdoor shops and Game) – No fires are permitted.
• Matches
• Toilet paper
• Plastic bag for the items you want to throw away – you need to take these items back with you and not leave them in the nature reserve.

 Swartberg NR Emergency contact nr. 082 784 1786/84

 Mountain search and rescue nr. 083 339 1240