In the 1800’s Thomas Bain was asked to build the pass which provided him with his biggest challenge to date. He began his work on the pass in 1860 and completed it in 1867 for a mere £11 000.
Today, Prince Alfred’s Pass is a well-travelled road for both South Africans and international tourists linking the Klein Karoo with the coast.
With four biomes on the pass it provides a home to an abundance of indigenous fauna and flora. The road crosses the river 7 times while winding through the mountains. This spectacular 88km mountain pass is also the home of the Middle Keurbooms Conservancy. Concerned landowners started the conservancy in June 2006. Today it covers more than 30 thousand hectares, protecting indigenous fauna and flora and participating in various eco-tourism and eco-farming activities.
It is the only pass in South Africa where people live alongside the road and trade in the pass.
Come and explore this lovely winding road, be warned that you will be charmed by its beauty.
De Vlugt is a small hamlet somewhat halfway through the pass. Here you will find an array of quality accommodations, restaurants, tea gardens and many unique outdoor activities. Visit the information centre for more information.
The Middel Keurbooms Conservancy opened its very own self-help information centre in 2008. Once in de Vlugt be on the lookout for the signposts. Here travellers can get detailed information on our area. After a dusty journey, visitors are welcome to relax and enjoy a picnic under indigenous trees. A clean toilet with water is also available. Experience this unique conservation corridor between the Baviaans, Little Karoo & the coast.
The spectacular Prince Alfred’s Pass winds from Avontuur near Uniondale in the Klein Karoo to the coast either at Knysna or Plettenberg Bay.
Distance: 88km
Travel times:
Please note that there is no mobile phone reception on the pass.
There are no banks or petrol stations so fill up your tank and your wallet at Uniondale before you transit the pass
Always drive at a safe speed, remember it is a gravel road so travel slowly Descending traffic stops for upcoming Look out for dust from approaching traffic Hoot on sharp bends
For your own safety and that of other travelers, Caravans and Quad-Bikes are NOT allowed on the prince Alfred pass
