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The two most beautiful passes in the upper Karoo

You need to make a detour of only 157 km from Beaufort West to discover two of the Bo Karoo’s best-kept secrets – the Molteno and De Jager’s passes.

The turn-off to Loxton is barely 1 km outside Beaufort West on the N1 north. Turn left and shortly afterwards the beauty will start to unfold. The tar turns into a gravel road, which winds up the cliffs. Once you’ve reached the top of the mountain, look out for the lovely waterfall on the left. It is opposite a poplar grove on the right and it’s something you do not expect in the Karoo, even in the rainy season.

After 61,1 km turn right to Leeukloof (the famous farm where so many dinosaur fossils can be seen). Turn right again after 94,7 km, to descend the De Jager’s Pass back to the Beaufort West plains.

Be cautious: these roads are mostly in good condition, but blind corners are frequently quite sharp – especially beyond De Jager’s Pass where kudu and other game jumping across the road are a common occurrence.

Route grading

1

Starting point

Beaufort West town centre

Distance

175 km

Duration

Three hours