Swaershoek Pass: suitable for all vehicles in fair weather

Swaershoek Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.981m (6,499ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

The road to the summit is unpaved and very steep, with a maximum gradient of 1:9. The regional road is called R337 and links Cradock, a town in the upper valley of the Great Fish River and Pearston, a small town in the eastern Karoo. The road is in remarkably good condition and and is suitable for all vehicles in fair weather. When the snow falls - which it does in the winter – things get tough and slippery.

Located within the Bankberg mountains, the road provides an exciting time of things. Along the way you will see rugged peaks and ranges. Originally known as Zwagershoek (Dutch for “brother-in-law’s corner”), this pass is not to be trifled with as it gains a substantial 470 metres in altitude over 8,19 km, producing an average gradient of 1:12. Some of the steeper sections are as tough as 1:9.