Located in
South Africa :: Western Cape (Great Karoo)
Category:
Scenic Routes :: Mountain Pass
This very steep, high altitude, gravel pass will be remembered a long time after you have travelled it. It is located on a reasonable gravel road between Merweville (40km) to the east and Sutherland (50km) to the west.
It climbs 263 meters in altitude over just 2,6 km producing an average gradient of 1:10 with the steepest sections (which are concreted) ramping up to under 1:5.
Whilst a 4WD in dry conditions is not mandatory, it could be a life saver in the wet. The pass is subject to heavy winter snowfalls and offers spectacular views with steep drop-offs down cliffs of some 300 meters in height.
There are some sections on this pass which have negative cross-flow. If it's snowing, this could result in a rollover. We recommend not driving this pass under snow conditions, as things get considerably worse higher up the mountain. The chances of getting help in this remote part of the Karoo are slim. (Source: Mountain Passes South Africa).
Travel info on the minor route between Sutherland and Merweville, via the Rammelkop Pass and onto the Karoo National Park: It was reported that during October 2013 this road condition was good, but with many manual farm gates to open and close on the Sutherland side. Going further towards the Karoo National Park, find out possibly from Sanparks website wrt flooding in the area and the conditions of the roads.
Be patient when you travel down the pass as it is very steep but the view are one of the best in South Africa.