Seven Passes Road

Mountain pass in Knysna

The Seven Passes Road is the oldest direct route between George and Knysna in the Western Cape. It is a 75-kilometre mix of dirt and tar.  Designed by the renowned engineer Thomas Bain and his brother-in-law Adam de Smidt, it was completed in 1883. The passes are collectively some of the oldest mountain passes in South Africa.  The pass crosses over the Knysna River at White Bridge. This part is a gravel road and is not suitable for all vehicles. The pass is an inland “back route” through pastures and forests. It passes over fynbos-covered hills and crosses streams and is a great alternative to the N2. If you enjoy scenic drives, take the Seven Passes.  From Wilderness or Sedgefield, you can connect with it with it on Hoekwil Road. From the George side, head up Madiba Drive to reach the Seven Passes Road.

The construction began with Phantom Pass in 1862which was named after the ghost moths found in the area. This pass was rebuilt in 1882. The road reached the Kaaimans River by 1869 and Woodville, in 1871. When gold was discovered in Karatara the pass was further expanded leading toward Karatara and the Homtini River.
The final pass to be completed was the Homtini Pass which was finished in 1882 and officially opened in 1883. Bain’s vision of a direct and scenic road linking George and Knysna became a reality.

Interesting stops include the Woodville Big Tree and the Woodville Trading Store where you can stock up on padkos. When you reach Rheenendal, you will find Bibby’s Hoek Road which leads to some iconic Knysna forest walks. The last spectacular stretch of the road is known as The Phantom Pass going into Knysna as you emerge from the forest you will see the lagoon.

This is one of the oldest mountain passes in SA. It runs between George and Knysna. It crosses over the Knysna River at White Bridge. This is a gravel road and is not suitable for all vehicles.

Read about each of the seven passes below.

Silver river\  Hoogekraal/ Kaaimansgat/ Karatara/ Homtini/Phantom/ Burgers

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