Swartberg Pass

One of the best-known drives in South Africa is the Swartberg Pass, known for its dramatic scenery. The pass was cut into the Swartberg Mountains in the 1880s. It's part of the R328 road, and it isn't paved, it has some tight hairpins, and is quite steep through the mountains – it climbs nearly 3,300 feet in just under 7.5 miles.
This scenic route is particularly known for the geologic formations of the mountains into which the road was cut. There's a cliff known as the “Wall of Fire” along the route, and quite a bit of colorful quartzite is visible at the northern end of the pass.

Practical Info

The Swartberg Pass is a little less than 17 miles long, connecting the towns of Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn. A 4x4 isn't required for the gravel and sand road, but it can be relatively dangerous to drive in inclement weather.