

Day Trip 2
Oudtshoorn – Schoemanshoek – Prince Albert – De Rust
Your journey start in Oudtshoorn – Get on the road and take the R328 through Schoemanshoek. Karusa Vineyards are situated 15 km from town along this route. Things to do: Taste superb wines and handcrafted beer; eat at the deli or relax on the stoep…
From here onto the historic and scenic Swartberg Pass. The pass is 27 km long and considered one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the world – an gravel road winds to the summit 1 583 meters above sea level in steep zigzags and sudden switchbacks with breathtaking views at every turn. The turn-off to the remote Gamkaskloof is near the summit of the pass. Things to do: hike or cycle down the mountain; bring your own picnic; breakfast at the old Toll House; visit Gamkaskloof.
Picturesque Prince Albert lies at the foot of the Swartberg Pass. Things to do: wine tasting; Gay’s Guernsey cheese; ghost walks; olives; mohair products; indigenous seeds.
Take the R407 towards Beaufort West and at the N12 T- junction turn rigt towards Klaarstroom and through Meiringspoort with its incredible passageway of various towering sandstone cliffs that pierce the heart of the Swartberg Mountain Range. The plant life on the mountains is exceptional, including species such as mountain Fynbos, Renosterveldt, Karoo veldt, Spekboom, Aloes, Proteas and the well-known Pelargonium zonale, the ancestor of all Geraniums, which was first collected during 1689 in Meiringspoort.
Visit De Rust for Klein Karoo hospitality and Excelsior-Vlakteplaas Muscadel. Things to do: glass products, antiques, art gallery; donkey car rides; waterskiing; fishing; hiking; red hills; history. Stop at Doornkraal for their Tickled Pink sparkling or some fortified wines Things to do: Browse through the country shop with lots of local goodies. Find wines from all the cellars in the Klein Karoo at cellar prices. A Klein Karoo wine shop!
Spend an unforgettable day in the Klein Karoo
Distances: Oudtshoorn through Schoemanshoek to Prince Albert (66 km) – Prince Albert to Klaarstroom (52 km) – Klaarstroom to De Rust (22 km) – De Rust to Doornkraal (13 km) – Doornkraal to Oudtshoorn (23 km). Round trip is 176 km.
Reasons to visit Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn is surounded by adventure activities. Things to do include hugging, riding or feeding an ostrich; stroking a cheetah; diving with crocodiles; feeding an elephant; riding a camel; Cango Caves; ostrich products; hot air balloon; game viewing; mountain biking; absailing; Klein Karoo food and wine; Swartberg Circle Route.
Local tourism information
To find out more about Oudtshoorn, places to stay, where to eat or to get the contact details of the activities mentioned, please visit the Oudtshoorn Tourism Bureau website www.oudtshoorn.com or www.swartbergcircleroute.co.za
Reasons to visit Prince Albert
Prince Albert is a delightful South African village in the Karoo known for its sun-ripened fresh and dried fruit, especially figs and apricots. The town enjoys a superb climate, a high sunshine index and spectacular night skies. Karoo lamb, olives, olive oil and cheese are local delicacies.
Local tourism information
To find out more about Prince Albert and its surround, places to stay, where to eat or to get the contact details of the activities mentioned, please visit the Prince Albert Tourism Bureau website www.princealbert.org.za
Reasons to visit De Rust
At the foot of the Swartberg lies the natural beauty of De Rust, a little farm village with a peaceful environment. Everything about De Rust is true – true hospitality, true Karoo environment and true peace and quiet.
Local tourism information
To find out more about De Rust and its surround, places to stay, where to eat or to get the contact details of the activities mentioned, please visit the De Rust Tourism Bureau website www.derust.org.za