Content tagged:
villiersdorp

This fabulous out and back pass starts just north of Villiersdorp and connects the fertile Elandskloof farming valley with the town. The pass is short and very steep in places (at 1:4) and small engined cars might struggle up some of the inclines. Fortunately the pass is tarred, so there is no slipping and sliding. It is perhaps best remembered by older Capetonians as an excellent day trip for the whole family to "High Noon", which offered an array of activities as well as tame and wild animals.

Floorshoogte is a 16 km long tarred pass on the R43 between Villiersdorp and Caledon. It climbs/descends 257 meters to summit at 525m ASL producing a comfortable average gradient of 1:62, which is mainly due to an undulating middle section. The initial climb up from the Theewaterskloof Dam to the summit is a long, continuous climb with a gradient of 1:8 

Rooihoogte is located on the R43 about midway between Villiersdorp and Worcester. It is not a major pass and other than the hairpin, is a relatively safe pass. The road has an altitude drop/gain of 198m over 9,28km producing an easy average gradient of 1:46, with the steep parts being at 1:8. This pass traverses prime agricultural land with lovely views of mountains, lakes, vineyards and orchards.

IMPORTANT NOTICE 1st June, 2025: Access to this pass is now restricted. Contact Rusty Gate Retreat to gain access.

This 14,5 km long unofficial gravel pass crosses five farms as well as forestry zones and connects the Helderstroom valley in the east with the R43 close to the western side of the Theewaterskloof Dam. The pass is named after a farm near the summit of the same name, but it's also known by a variety of alternative names which include Onbekendepas (Unknown Pass), Elandskloof Pass (there is another Elandskloof Pass just to the north-west of Villersdorp), Theewaters Pass and Helderstroom Pass.

The pass contains 79 bends, corners and curves of which four exceed 90 degrees, but there are no hairpins. In addition there are some very steep gradients of 1:5. The road is generally wide enough for two big vehicles to pass, but the surface can be rough and stony, depending on recent weather. There are also some sections where it degenerates into nothing more than a basic two spoor track, so there's lots of variety on this route.

We recommend driving this route from east to west for a number of reasons, which include your general safety, convenience, prevention of getting lost and maximising on the scenery. Although this pass could be driven in a high clearance 'bakkie' in fair weather, we recommend a 4WD vehicle. It is not suitable for normal cars.