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HomeRoad TripsAfricaSouth AfricaRepublic of South AfricaVia Tradouw Pass to Northern Cape
File:Tradouw Pass, South Africa.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Via Tradouw Pass to Northern Cape Road Trip

Swellendam - Ladismith - Sutherland - Calvinia

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Wildlife Wildlife
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Via Tradouw Pass to Northern Cape Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages3 km533 h/stage3.2

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Via Tradouw Pass to Northern Cape Road Trip in Republic of South Africa?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 108EUR drive & more 75EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 96EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 281EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 389EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 162EUR drive & more 100EUR sleep & more 209EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 453EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 615EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 288EUR drive & more 125EUR sleep & more 374EUR eat & more 192EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 691EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 979EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 450EUR drive & more 150EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 96EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 356EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 806EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Via Tradouw Pass to Northern Cape Road Trip Itinerary

Take a journey of discovery through the breathtaking landscapes of the Republic of South Africa with the Via Tradouw Pass to Northern Cape Road Trip. Starting in the city of Swellendam and ending in Calvinia, this 533 km route will take you through the towns of Ladismith and Sutherland. This road trip is best experienced in the summer months, when the rolling hills of the countryside are lush and green, and the roads are in optimal condition. As you drive, you’ll pass through some of the most beautiful landscapes in South Africa, including the Tradouw Pass and the Karoo Nature Reserve. Although the roads can be curvy in some areas, overall they are in good condition. However, please be aware that seasonal closures due to weather conditions may occur. This road trip is suitable for all drivers and can be managed on a moderate budget. The recommended time to complete the trip is two days, but feel free to take your time and explore the area. The Via Tradouw Pass to Northern Cape Road Trip is sure to provide you with a high level of experience and unforgettable memories.
number of days 2 number of days
route length 533 km route length
budget fair budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Swellendam

Distance 533 km Driving time 9.7 h Pace: modest 138.5 kWh Airports ROD
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Swellendam is an ideal starting point for the Via Tradouw Pass to Northern Cape Road Trip. Located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Swellendam is a great base to explore the beautiful region and its attractions. The town is known for its historical buildings, such as the Drostdy Museum, the Dutch Reformed Church, and the Old Goal. Nature lovers can explore the Marloth Nature Reserve and the nearby Bontebok National Park, which is home to bontebok, zebra, and many other animals. If traveling by air, the closest international airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Once there, travelers can rent a car and drive to Swellendam, which is about two and a half hours away. The Via Tradouw Pass to Northern Cape Road Trip is an incredible opportunity to see the beauty of South Africa. Starting in Swellendam, travelers can make their way through the Tradouw Pass and visit the towns of Barrydale, Montagu, and McGregor. Along the way, travelers can explore the magnificent landscapes of the Langeberg Mountains, where they can find some of the most spectacular views. After driving through the pass, travelers can continue to the Northern Cape to visit the towns of Calvinia and Sutherland, where they can experience the vast, untouched landscapes of the Karoo region. Whether travelers are looking for a cultural experience, a chance to explore nature, or simply a scenic drive, Swellendam is the perfect place to start their Via Tradouw Pass to Northern Cape Road Trip.

1 Swellendam - Ladismith

Distance 123 km Driving time 1.6 h Pace: fast 36.8 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of steep road stretches of winding road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Take a 123 km road trip through the stunningly beautiful Overberg region, starting in Swellendam, Republic of South Africa and ending in Ladismith, in fewer than 2 hours. Along the way, you will pass through the quaint town of Barrydale, where you can visit the Barrydale Art Route to explore the vibrant art galleries and studios. Make sure to keep an eye out for the scenic road, as some sections may be closed seasonally and there will be steep ramps and winding roads. As you make your way towards Ladismith, you will be surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Klein Karoo. The journey will be packed with beautiful views and plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for a memorable road trip through the Overberg region!

2 Ladismith - Sutherland

Distance 250 km Driving time 3.8 h Pace: fast 75.1 kWh View map Itinerary
stretches of gravel road dining venues scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! accommodation options
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Welcome to the Ladismith to Sutherland road trip! Starting in the beautiful town of Ladismith, you'll be able to take in the stunning views of the Karoo desert, the majestic Swartberg Mountain Range, and the picturesque vineyards of the region. As you travel the 250km distance, you'll be able to explore the charming towns of Matjiesfontein, Fraserburg, and Sutherland. You'll also be able to take in the breathtaking views of the rolling hills, the vast plains, and the wildflowers that bloom in the springtime. You'll have plenty of time to take in the sights along the way, as the drive should take no more than 4 hours. However, please keep in mind that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally. In Matjiesfontein, you'll be able to explore the historic Lord Milner Hotel, the village museum, and the unique underground tunnels. In Fraserburg, you'll be able to take in the views of the beautiful Victorian architecture, the historic church, and the old jail. And finally, in Sutherland, you'll be able to explore the charming town, the observatory, and the nearby nature reserves. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!

3 Sutherland - Calvinia

Distance 160 km Driving time 4.3 h Pace: slow 36.7 kWh View map Itinerary
stretches of gravel road dining venues scenic road junction of road trips
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Start your road trip adventure in Sutherland, a small town in the Republic of South Africa, and head to Calvinia, a town located 160 km away. You'll be able to enjoy the scenic drive in less than 5 hours. As you drive, be sure to keep an eye out for the rolling hills, vast plains, and the majestic mountain ranges in the distance. Your first stop should be the Observatory Museum in Sutherland. Here, you can learn about the history of astronomy and the night sky. Afterwards, you can take a relaxing stroll through the Sutherland Wildflower Garden, where you can admire the many species of flowers native to the area. Continue your journey to Calvinia, and make sure to stop at the Niewoudtville Wildflower Reserve. Here, you can explore the unique flowers, shrubs, and trees that can be found in the area. You can also visit the Calvinia Museum, which showcases the history of the town and its people. Finally, make sure to visit the Rolfontein Nature Reserve. Here, you can take a guided tour and learn about the diverse wildlife that can be found in the area. Your road trip from Sutherland to Calvinia is sure to be an unforgettable experience. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage.

  Calvinia

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Calvinia is a unique destination located in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. It is the ideal ending point for a road trip named "Via Tradouw Pass to Northern Cape Road Trip". This road trip begins in the Eastern Cape and winds its way through the Karoo, with picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife along the way. Once in Calvinia, the traveler will be welcomed by a variety of attractions. The Calvinia Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the town and its people, with artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries. The nearby Hantam National Botanical Garden is a great place to appreciate the local flora and fauna. There is also the Vleisfontein Dam, where you can go for a picnic or a swim. For those looking for some adventure, the historical San Rock Art Trail is a must-see. This trail includes several rock art paintings from the San people, who were the first inhabitants of the area. Additionally, there are several hiking trails located in and around Calvinia, offering a unique experience of the surrounding landscapes. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT). From there, you can rent a car and make the approximately four-hour drive to Calvinia. Calvinia is the perfect destination to end your "Via Tradouw Pass to Northern Cape Road Trip". With its rich history, natural beauty, and variety of activities, it is sure to be a memorable experience.

Via Tradouw Pass to Northern Cape Road Trip at a glance

Facts for safer driving in Republic of South Africa

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 60 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 120 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 120 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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