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Total Distance: |
88km |
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Time travelled: |
Avontuur to de Vlugt – 25km – 40 minutes
De Vlugt to Knysna via the R339 – 55km - 1 hour
De Vlugt to Plettenberg bay via the R339 and R340 – 55km – 1
hour
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Important information: |
There is no mobile reception on the pass
There are no banks or petrol stations so fill up your tank
and your wallet before you pass through
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Safety: |
Always drive at a safe speed, remember it is a gravel pass
so travel slow
Descending traffic stops for upcoming
Look out for dust from approaching traffic
Hoot on sharp bends
No caravans or quad bikes allowed on the pass |
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 it’s beauty. De Vlugt is a small hamlet somewhat half way through
the pass. Here you will find an array of quality accommodation,
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.
Information Kiosk
When in de Vlugt keep a lookout for the
signs to The Middel Keurbooms Conservancy self-help information
kiosk. The info is situated opposite Outeniqua Trout Lodge. Here
visitors can purchase local goods on an “honesty basis” and can get
local information of the de Vlugt & greater area. A clean toilet is
situated behind the Info and a picnic table shaded by indigenous
trees, all free of charge. For more information on our beautiful
area please visit:
www.mkc.co.za or call 044 752
3140
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