
Meiringspoort South Africa
A spectacular 25km gorge on the N12, featuring 25 river crossings and a stunning waterfall. A must-drive for its breathtaking Karoo scenery.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views and waterfall flow

Meiringspoort South Africa
Best Time
Best views and waterfall flow

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A spectacular 25km gorge on the N12, featuring 25 river crossings and a stunning waterfall. A must-drive for its breathtaking Karoo scenery.
"The views are out of this world, amazing, beautiful and awesome!"

🚗 Embrace the Drive
The 25km drive through the gorge is the main event! Enjoy the river crossings and mountain views.
💧 Visit the Waterfall
A short, rewarding walk leads to the beautiful Meiringspoort Waterfall.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Meiringspoort Waterfall
Short walk from main picnic area
A stunning 60m cascade into a deep rock pool. A refreshing stop on your journey.

The Gorge Drive
N12 National Road
A spectacular 25km drive through towering quartzite cliffs, crossing the river 25 times.

Picnic & Braai Spots
Various locations along the N12
Well-maintained areas with clean facilities, perfect for a break or a braai.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Scenic Drive
Waterfall Wonders & Picnic Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Embrace the Drive
The 25km drive through the gorge is the main event! Enjoy the river crossings and mountain views.
💧 Visit the Waterfall
A short, rewarding walk leads to the beautiful Meiringspoort Waterfall.
🧺 Pack for a Picnic
Utilize the clean picnic spots for a scenic break or a braai.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Stunning photo opportunities abound, especially from drone footage.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Embrace the Drive
The 25km drive through the gorge is the main event! Enjoy the river crossings and mountain views.
💧 Visit the Waterfall
A short, rewarding walk leads to the beautiful Meiringspoort Waterfall.
🧺 Pack for a Picnic
Utilize the clean picnic spots for a scenic break or a braai.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Stunning photo opportunities abound, especially from drone footage.
🗺️ Connects Two Karoo Regions
This pass is a vital link between the Little and Great Karoo.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the 'out of this world' and 'breathtaking' views of Meiringspoort, calling it one of the most beautiful and spectacular passes in South Africa. The well-maintained road, clean picnic spots, and the rewarding walk to the waterfall are frequently praised. Some mention the waterfall's flow can vary seasonally.
"The picnic spots. The toilets and the parking areas are all super clean. The views are out of this world, amazing, beautiful and awesome."
Rob Harding
"How magnificent this piece of our beautiful country is!"
Claudi Orlandini-Pira
"Most beautiful, spectacular pass on the N12 between the towns of Beaufort West and De Rust.
The pass is a gateway that connects the Little Karoo and the Great Karoo through a gorge with a 25 km road crossing the same river 25 times in the span of the 25 km. Many picnic spot area with toilets. The biggest picnic spot is where the walkway is to a waterfall. Well worth the walk."
Roxy Janzen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Meiringspoort is located on the N12 national road, situated between Beaufort West and De Rust in the Western Cape, South Africa. It's a popular stop for those traveling between the Little Karoo and the Great Karoo.
The drive through Meiringspoort is generally considered scenic and manageable. It involves crossing the river 25 times over 25 km, but the road is well-maintained.
The best way to experience Meiringspoort is by driving through it, stopping at the designated picnic spots, and taking the short walk to the waterfall.
Yes, the towns of De Rust and Beaufort West are located at either end of the Meiringspoort pass.
Yes, Meiringspoort is accessible by regular vehicles as it's part of the N12 national road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to drive through Meiringspoort or to access the picnic spots and the waterfall. It's a public road and natural attraction.
Meiringspoort is an open public road and can be accessed at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety.
While accessible anytime, visiting during daylight hours is best for enjoying the views and the waterfall. Early mornings can offer fewer crowds.
No, there are no booking requirements for Meiringspoort as it is a public road and natural attraction.
There are designated picnic spots with toilets and parking areas along the route. It's advised to use these facilities.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main activities include driving the scenic gorge, stopping at the well-maintained picnic spots for a break or braai, and taking a short walk to the Meiringspoort Waterfall.
The drive itself is about 25 km. Depending on how often you stop for photos or at picnic spots, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours.
Yes, there are clean toilets available at the designated picnic spots along the pass.
The walk to the Meiringspoort Waterfall is described as short and rewarding, making it accessible for most visitors.
Expect breathtaking views of towering quartzite cliffs, the Groot River, and the unique landscape carved by water and stone over centuries.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire gorge offers stunning photographic opportunities. Key spots include the waterfall, the river crossings, and viewpoints overlooking the dramatic cliffs. Drone footage also captures unique perspectives.
Absolutely! The dramatic mountain formations, river, and unique geological features make Meiringspoort a prime location for landscape photographers.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Drone flying is possible, and many visitors capture incredible aerial footage of the gorge and waterfall. Always be mindful of local regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive gorge views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details on the cliffs. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are limited to these designated areas. The stunning natural scenery provides a wonderful opportunity to educate children about geology and the power of nature in a fun and accessible way.
🚗 Road Trippers & Photographers
Bring your wide-angle lenses for sweeping vistas and be prepared for the golden hours for the best light. Drone pilots will find incredible aerial perspectives of the waterfall and the winding gorge. The well-maintained picnic spots provide perfect resting points to recharge and capture more memories.
Nature Enthusiasts
The highlight is the Meiringspoort Waterfall, a beautiful cascade that offers a refreshing natural spectacle. The well-kept picnic areas allow for a peaceful immersion in the environment, making it an ideal stop for those who appreciate the raw, untamed beauty of South Africa's landscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spectacular Gorge Drive
Travelers often describe the drive as 'spectacular' and 'breathtaking,' highlighting the ever-changing vistas and the sheer scale of the natural formations. The road is well-maintained, making it accessible for all types of vehicles. Many recommend taking your time, stopping at the numerous viewpoints to truly appreciate the grandeur of the gorge.
This pass serves as a vital artery, connecting the arid Great Karoo with the more fertile Little Karoo. The journey through Meiringspoort is not just a drive; it's an experience that immerses you in the heart of South Africa's natural splendor, leaving a lasting impression on all who traverse it.
Meiringspoort Waterfall: A Refreshing Oasis
The walk to the waterfall is generally considered easy, making it a perfect stop for families and those looking for a brief natural interlude during their road trip. The area around the waterfall is picturesque, offering excellent opportunities for photography and simply enjoying the tranquility of nature.
While the waterfall is a significant draw, it's important to note that its flow can vary depending on the season and rainfall. However, even when the flow is less intense, the dramatic rock formations and the setting remain captivating. It's a perfect spot to pause, reflect, and capture some memorable moments.
Picnic Spots and Amenities
The largest picnic area is conveniently located near the trailhead for the Meiringspoort Waterfall, making it an ideal base for exploring this natural attraction. These facilities are crucial for a comfortable journey through the gorge, allowing visitors to break up their drive and connect with the natural surroundings.
Travelers often highlight the quality of these amenities, noting that they are well-looked after. This attention to detail enhances the overall appeal of Meiringspoort as a stopover, ensuring that visitors can relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery without any hassle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit