When you've filmed 700 plus passes, not much surprises us anymore, but suddenly our little gravel road opened up to reveal an enticing road climbing steadily up a long ridge towards the west. We got the cameras rolling and soon crested the summit of the Pietersfontein Pass. From there we were presented with an astonishingly beautful view over the farm, nestled in a green triangle of orchards and fields, with the road zig-zagging its way up the next neck and disappearing tantalisingly from view.
The Pietersfontein farm dates back to the mid 1700's and our source has provided us with a manuscript typed up on an old typewriter replete with with misaligned keys by one of the farm's older citizens (with a very clear mind). Don't go looking for this pass on the website as we still have to produce it. It promises to be a good one.
Wildflowers aplenty on the Komsberg Pass / Photo: Charon Roberts
Beyond Pietersfontein, the urge to explore the next pass was overwhelming and that one was even more impressive than the first one. It ends in a cul de sac at the gated entrance to the Doornkloof farm. Our research shows that it is possible to return to Pietersfontein via a different road that follows a river a little further to the south, but access would need to be obtained from the farm owner.
We then doubled back to Pietersfontein and headed north for a few kilometres to locate the starting point of the Patatsfontein Pass. This one cannot be driven unless in a 4x4 and the going is slow with much of the pass being driven in low range, but having said that, it's a grade 2 at worst. This road runs along a ravine hidden in the folds of the Waboomsberge and ends at the Patatsfontein farm in the east. When we produce this pass it will be in the form of a complete route which will include the entry and exit routes as well, as these add greatly to the enjoyment and scenic value on offer.
Whilst we were in the area we decided to refilm the Burgers Pass (Koo Pass) to upgraded 2018 standards. We last filmed this pass in 2014 and at the time wrote to Montagu Tourism about the large amount of litter below the main view-site. Fast forward 4 years and the litter is still there greatly detracting from the beautiful views over the Keisie Valley. It would take 6 labourers, one bakkie and a bundle of black bags and the view site could be properly cleaned up in a single day. All that is required for someone to take action. We had a similar situation in the Uniondale Poort about 3 years ago and contacted their tourism office who promised to contact the authorities. Two years later on a refilm, it was still the same. We can only do so much.
Riding the Dragon Tour
By the time this news release is published the lucky people going on this tour will be packing their vehicles in anticipation of what promises to a thoroughly enjoyable and adventurous tour, with multiple traverses over different passes, up and down the Drakensberg. With heavy snow in the area just a few days ago, this tour promises to be filled with excitement. Mike Leicester, our tour leader in Gauteng, has promised news and photos as the tour progresses. We'll post on Face Book for expediency.
Aristata Tour (4 days left to book your place)
There are still a few places open on this tour which is scheduled for next weekend (20/21 Oct). If you're a Capie, why not make a weekend of it and join this fantastic tour through some of the most beautiful gravel passes in the Western Cape, which will include Gysmanshoek, Seweweekspoort and Bosluiskloof with an overnight stay in the 4 star Boschluyskloof Lodge. Bookings close on Sunday 11th October. Book online at our Shop.
Send us an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll send you a brochure with all the details.
Listen on the radio
Each week we post the latest podcast of our radio chat which this week featured the Mpindweni Pass. The steepest pass (tar, concrete or gravel) currently on our website. You can listen by clicking this link:
Berg en Daal - Wild Coast FM - Mpindweni Pass in the Eastern Cape
Pass of the Week
Each week as we decide which pass to feature here, we realise that it's not only the big, famous passes that need to be publicised. Sometimes there are real gems on the back roads, where the traffic flow might be less than one car a day and one doesn't get caught up in "average traffic speed". Today's pass is one of those.
The Komsberg mountain is an extension of the Roggeveld Mountains as it reaches into the south and east in a long curving arc. For those who are willing to leave the luxury of the tarred R354 between Matjiesfontein on the N1 and Sutherland, there's a gravel road that curves to the west via a wide left hand loop that rejoins the R354 near the summit of the Verlatenkloof Pass about 20 km south of Sutherland. There are three passes along this road and if you're into wild flowers, try this road during September. It must be the best kept flower spotting secret in the Northern Cape. (See photo above)
The third of the trio of passes (Bakenshoogte, Smoushoogte and Komsberg) is our featured pass and although it's not a major pass it does have a summit altitude of 1656m (despite the board at the summit claiming an altitude of 1721m, which is incorrect by a whopping 65m). The pass gets quite steep in places and has one very dangerous, unprotected corner with steep drop-offs, where a number of vehicles have come to grief over the years. Add in a high probability of snow in winter, some spectacular cuttings and those vertigo inducing drop-offs and we have a great pass that's well off the beaten track. It's well worth adding to your list and to add to it's attraction, it's quite doable in a normal car in fair weather.
* * * * * K O M S B E R G P A S S * * * * *
New passes added this week:
Road to Hell - An extreme 4x4 route in the N/Cape not suitable for inexperienced drivers. It is located about 35 km south-east of Vioolsdrift close to the Orange River and is a cul de sac. This is a provisional video only. (N/Cape)
Ngwele Road Pass - A steep suburban pass featuring a double chicane corner set that connects Hillcrest with the villages around the southern side of the Inanda Dam in KZN. This is a provisional video only.
Bikamma Poort - A small poort that slices through the foothills of the Grootrivierberge to the north-west of Steytlerville in the E/Cape. This is a provisional video only.
Pella Pass - A rugged little pass between Pella and the Orange River, but you'll need a 4x4 due to the soft sand. This is a provisional video only. (N/Cape)
Plettenberg Bay Pass - A short tarred pass with lovely views over the Keurbooms River estuary.This is a provisional video only (W/Cape)
Upgraded videos added this week:
Verlatenkloof Pass - A major tarred pass on the R354 near Sutherland with impressive statistics. (3 new videos)
Smoushoogte - A small gravel pass in the Northern Cape between Matjiesfontein and Sutherland (N/Cape)
Bakenshoogte - A small gravel pass bedecked in wild flowers in springtime (N/Cape)
Oupoort - A moderate gravel pass on the R354 between Middelpos and Sutherland.
Trygve Roberts
Editor
Thought for the day : A poem by Helen Lockhart
The Karoo…
where the dust settles on my skin
where the wind calls my name,
where my heart beats to every footfall
where the open road spills into the sky above
where the grassy plains wave
where the mountain looms at the end of the road
where my soul aches to live
and yearns to lie down and die
where the windmills crank their weary song
where the stars flash morse code from life far away in the universe
where camels blink in the moonlight
and horses fly on dreams
where roads lead everywhere and nowhere
where people’s faces are etched with the winds of change
where magic and mystery walk hand in hand
down valley roads, glancing over their shoulders, beckoning me with secretive glances
where sacred ibises are hurled against the majesty of the blue sky
where hadedas call the night
where dusty dogs run free in streets of gold
where owls know me by name
where I learned to fly for the first time
where wise men seek the light
where each step is a dance of karoo magic
where the spaces in between are filled by heaven
where the earth is mine
where my soul finds its rest
where peace is in every breath
where I inhale and
know I’ve come home
