Du Toitskloof Pass
Experience breathtaking mountain vistas and historic charm on the scenic Du Toitskloof Pass, a stunning alternative to the Huguenot Tunnel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Best visibility for distant views
Du Toitskloof Pass
Best Time
Best visibility for distant views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking mountain vistas and historic charm on the scenic Du Toitskloof Pass, a stunning alternative to the Huguenot Tunnel.
"The views of the mountains are just majestic. Lots and lots of pull over spaces to enjoy the views."
Scenic N2 Route
Take the N2 for a beautiful drive, especially if the Huguenot Tunnel is closed. It's scenic and often faster!
Plenty of Viewpoints
Stop at numerous pull-over spots to enjoy and photograph the majestic mountain scenery.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Mountain Vistas
Sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Absolutely breathtaking!
Scenic Pull-Over Spots
Ample safe spaces to stop, picnic, and admire the expansive landscapes. Perfect for photos!
Historic Old Tunnel
Experience the charm of the 1948 tunnel, a journey back in time before the modern tunnel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scenic Route
Plan for Stops and Scenery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What is the safest route to from CPT to Swellendam now that the Huguenot Tunnel is indefinitely closed?
Scenic N2 Route
Take the N2 for a beautiful drive, especially if the Huguenot Tunnel is closed. It's scenic and often faster!
Plenty of Viewpoints
Stop at numerous pull-over spots to enjoy and photograph the majestic mountain scenery.
Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many designated stops along the pass.
Overtake Lanes Available
Dual-lane sections allow for safe overtaking of slower vehicles.
Tips
from all over the internet
Scenic N2 Route
Take the N2 for a beautiful drive, especially if the Huguenot Tunnel is closed. It's scenic and often faster!
Plenty of Viewpoints
Stop at numerous pull-over spots to enjoy and photograph the majestic mountain scenery.
Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many designated stops along the pass.
Overtake Lanes Available
Dual-lane sections allow for safe overtaking of slower vehicles.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about the breathtaking mountain views and numerous safe pull-over spots on Du Toitskloof Pass, calling it a more scenic and enjoyable alternative to the Huguenot Tunnel. The well-maintained road and historic tunnel add to the charm, though some may find it a slower route than the direct tunnel.
"I drove this pass today just for sight seeing. This was the first time in 35 years since I drove it with my dad who passed since. We stopped next to the road for a picnic. The road surface is very good, the views of the mountains are just majestic. Lots and lots of pull over spaces in both directions to stop and enjoy the views. From the lookout points you can see all the way to table mountain and lions head on a clear day like today. Great view of paarl and wellington valley"
Theodore Arnoldus
"Driving through the tunnel is a experience, but taking the road via Du Toitskloof Pass is a even better experience - beautiful views!"
Placed on the Map - Frik Ernst
"I drove to this pass to take in the sweeping scenes and I wasn't disappointed. The roads are well maintained and there are numerous rest stops to safely pull over to take in the sights. Well worth the effort to see this!"
Evan Rothman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The N2 is the recommended and safest route from Cape Town to Swellendam, especially when the Huguenot Tunnel is closed. It offers a very scenic drive and is often the faster option.
Absolutely! Du Toitskloof Pass offers a more scenic and experience-rich drive compared to the tunnel. It's a great choice for sightseeing.
The road surface on Du Toitskloof Pass is generally very good and well-maintained, making for a pleasant driving experience.
Yes, the pass is suitable for most vehicles. The road is well-maintained with dual-lane sections for overtaking.
Generally, yes. However, it's always advisable to check local road conditions, especially after heavy rains or fires, as the landscape can change.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry fees or tickets required to drive the Du Toitskloof Pass itself. It's a public road.
Unlike the Huguenot Tunnel, Du Toitskloof Pass does not have toll fees associated with its use.
As a public road, Du Toitskloof Pass is accessible 24/7. However, driving at night might limit the enjoyment of the views.
Yes, there are numerous designated pull-over and rest stop areas along the pass, perfect for enjoying the scenery and taking photos.
The old tunnel is part of the pass and does not have a separate entrance fee. It's an experience you encounter while driving the pass.
📸 📸 Photography
The numerous pull-over spots offer fantastic vantage points for capturing the majestic mountain ranges, valleys, and distant views, including Table Mountain on clear days.
Yes, the pass has many designated and safe pull-over areas specifically designed for travelers to stop and enjoy the views without obstructing traffic.
Landscape photography is ideal here, capturing the sweeping vistas. Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting, and after winter rains, the lush greenery is spectacular.
On a clear day, you can indeed see all the way to Table Mountain and Lion's Head from the lookout points on Du Toitskloof Pass.
While many spots are great, look for elevated viewpoints that offer a wide panorama of the Paarl and Wellington valleys. The frequent rest stops are all good candidates.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as the stops are ideal for a casual family break. The drive itself, with its well-maintained roads and occasional dual-lane sections for overtaking, is generally comfortable for families. The experience of driving through the historic old tunnel can also be a fun talking point for younger travelers, adding an element of discovery to the trip.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Make sure to allocate extra time to fully explore the numerous viewpoints and rest stops. These are perfect for photo opportunities, enjoying a packed lunch, or simply soaking in the atmosphere. The drive through the historic old tunnel adds a unique historical dimension to the modern road trip. It’s a route that rewards drivers with constant visual delights and a true sense of adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Scenic Drive
One of the unique aspects of driving the pass is the opportunity to experience different eras of travel. The journey includes passing through the historic old tunnel, completed in 1948, which offers a tangible link to the past. This contrasts with the modern engineering of the Huguenot Tunnel, creating a sense of traveling through time. For those who appreciate history and the evolution of infrastructure, this juxtaposition is particularly fascinating. It adds a layer of depth to the drive, beyond just the visual appeal of the mountains.
Furthermore, the pass is noted for its dual-lane sections, which facilitate safer overtaking of slower vehicles, such as trucks. This practical consideration enhances the driving experience, reducing potential frustration and allowing for a smoother flow of traffic. The frequent rest stops are not just for admiring the view; they also serve as excellent spots for a picnic lunch, turning a simple drive into a leisurely outing. The pass's beauty is resilient, even recovering well after fires, showcasing the enduring power of nature.
Photography Opportunities Galore
The pass is particularly rewarding for landscape photographers. The sweeping scenes are best captured during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the light casts dramatic shadows and highlights across the mountains. Even after significant events like fires, the landscape's resilience means that new growth can create spectacular scenes, especially after the winter rains. The contrast between the rugged mountains and the burgeoning vegetation offers unique photographic subjects.
Beyond the grand vistas, the pass also offers opportunities for capturing details. The historic old tunnel provides a different photographic aesthetic, with its older architecture and sense of history. The frequent rest stops themselves are often picturesque, making them perfect spots to set up a camera and compose shots of the surrounding beauty. Whether you're an amateur snapping a quick photo or a professional seeking the perfect landscape, Du Toitskloof Pass delivers.
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