Meiringspoort South Africa
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Meiringspoort South Africa

4.8
·192 reviews·, 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

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best views and waterfall flow

CrowdMedium
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Meiringspoort South Africa

Meiringspoort South Africa

Best Time

Daytime

Best views and waterfall flow

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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.

4.8
(192 reviews)

"The views are out of this world, amazing, beautiful and awesome!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Meiringspoort Waterfall

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

The Gorge Drive

N12 National Road

A spectacular 25km drive through towering quartzite cliffs, crossing the river 25 times.

Picnic & Braai Spots

Picnic & Braai Spots

Various locations along the N12

Well-maintained areas with clean facilities, perfect for a break or a braai.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Scenic Drive

Meiringspoort is a breathtaking 25km gorge on the N12, connecting the Little and Great Karoo. Expect to cross the river 25 times! Pack snacks and water, as amenities are limited to picnic spots. The drive itself is the main attraction, so allow ample time to soak in the views.

Waterfall Wonders & Picnic Spots

The Meiringspoort Waterfall is a must-see, accessible via a short walk from a well-maintained picnic area. These picnic spots, along with the toilets and parking, are noted for their cleanliness. It's an ideal place to stop, stretch your legs, and enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best views and waterfall flow
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Morning
Why
Fewer crowds, golden light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Got a blessing from the security last night after my performance at Sky Lounge in Oudtshoorn ✅🔥🙏GODs PLAN #SAMA28 #fyp #SpotifyWrapped #DjIceflake #MrPriceEverydayViral #Unwrapalot #FYP #FYP
@djiceflakesa
14.5K likes • 203.9K views

🚗 Embrace the Drive

The 25km drive through the gorge is the main event! Enjoy the river crossings and mountain views. Instagram

💧 Visit the Waterfall

A short, rewarding walk leads to the beautiful Meiringspoort Waterfall. Instagram

BRO THIS IS ME ROCKING SKY LOUNGE IN OUDTSHOORN 🥵🥵🥵 Sold out show, electric energy, and incredible people! I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and support you show me every time I perform here #SAMA28 #DJIceFlake #fyp #foryou #viral_video #trendingvideo
@djiceflakesa
11.8K likes • 215.8K views
Welcome to Meiringspoort Falls 💦 This is the perfect place to stop when you make your way to the Garden Route. Located just outside of de Rust; the drive itself is spectacular. It is a popular spot that only requires a short walk that leads into the ravine. The waterfall drops down a 60m rock into a 9m deep rockpool. FUN FACT: A pathway was made to the waterfall back in 1925 when the Prince of ...
_mariska_k
0 likes • 1.9K views

🧺 Pack for a Picnic

Utilize the clean picnic spots for a scenic break or a braai. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

Stunning photo opportunities abound, especially from drone footage. Instagram

Meiringspoort Waterfall in South Africa💦 ******************** 💦 - Meringspoort Waterfall The full video is on my YouTube (link in bio) ******************** #southafrica #africatravel #travel #thisissouthafrica #visitsouthafrica #beautifuldestinations #exploreafrica #uniquestays #accomodation #meetsouthafrica #perfectlocation #uniqueaccommodation #roadtrip #roadtripsouthafrica #southafricaroadtr...
lifebybrad_
11 likes • 1.1K views

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. Instagram

💧 Visit the Waterfall

A short, rewarding walk leads to the beautiful Meiringspoort Waterfall. Instagram

🧺 Pack for a Picnic

Utilize the clean picnic spots for a scenic break or a braai. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

Stunning photo opportunities abound, especially from drone footage. Instagram

🗺️ Connects Two Karoo Regions

This pass is a vital link between the Little and Great Karoo. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(192 reviews)

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

Spectacular mountain views
Well-maintained road
Clean picnic spots

What People Dislike

Waterfall flow varies

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

Yes, the towns of De Rust and Beaufort West are located at either end of the Meiringspoort pass. Instagram

Yes, Meiringspoort is accessible by regular vehicles as it's part of the N12 national road. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

While accessible anytime, visiting during daylight hours is best for enjoying the views and the waterfall. Early mornings can offer fewer crowds. Instagram

No, there are no booking requirements for Meiringspoort as it is a public road and natural attraction. Instagram

There are designated picnic spots with toilets and parking areas along the route. It's advised to use these facilities. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

Yes, there are clean toilets available at the designated picnic spots along the pass. Reddit

The walk to the Meiringspoort Waterfall is described as short and rewarding, making it accessible for most visitors. Instagram

Expect breathtaking views of towering quartzite cliffs, the Groot River, and the unique landscape carved by water and stone over centuries. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The dramatic mountain formations, river, and unique geological features make Meiringspoort a prime location for landscape photographers. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Instagram

Drone flying is possible, and many visitors capture incredible aerial footage of the gorge and waterfall. Always be mindful of local regulations. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Meiringspoort is a fantastic stop for families. The drive itself is engaging with its numerous river crossings, and the short, easy walk to the waterfall is perfect for little legs. The clean picnic spots offer a great place for kids to stretch their legs, have a snack, or even enjoy a braai. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

🚗 Road Trippers & Photographers

For road trippers and photographers, Meiringspoort is an absolute must. The N12 route through the gorge is consistently described as one of the most spectacular drives in South Africa, offering endless photo opportunities of dramatic cliffs and river landscapes. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram+1

Nature Enthusiasts

Nature lovers will be captivated by the unique geological formations and the serene beauty of Meiringspoort. The gorge, carved over millennia by the Groot River, showcases impressive quartzite cliffs and a distinct Karoo ecosystem. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Spectacular Gorge Drive

Meiringspoort is renowned for its dramatic 25-kilometer drive along the N12, carving its way through the Swartberg Mountains. This engineering marvel sees you cross the Groot River no less than 25 times, offering a unique and immersive experience. The towering quartzite cliffs on either side, with their twisted folds, tell a story of geological time and the relentless power of water. It's a journey that truly showcases the raw beauty of the Karoo landscape. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

Meiringspoort Waterfall: A Refreshing Oasis

A highlight for many visitors to Meiringspoort is the stunning waterfall, accessible via a short and rewarding walk from one of the main picnic areas. This cascade plunges approximately 60 meters down a rock face into a deep, inviting rock pool. The sound of the water and the cool mist create a refreshing atmosphere, especially on a warm Karoo day. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Picnic Spots and Amenities

Meiringspoort is equipped with several well-maintained picnic spots, offering travelers convenient places to rest, enjoy a meal, or have a braai. These spots are often praised for their cleanliness, including the toilets and parking areas, which contributes significantly to a pleasant visitor experience. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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