Driving the Paved Scenic Road to Garcia's Pass
Garcia's Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 548m (1,797ft) above sea level, located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Where is Garcia's Pass?
The pass is located north of Riversdale, within the Garcia Nature Reserve, in the southwestern part of the country.
When was the road through Garcia's Pass built?
The road through the pass opened on 31 December 1877. Today, it has been widened in places, and many of the rather sharp curves have been softened. Supporting walls, some as high as 15 metres, were constructed by convicts under Thomas Bain.
How long is Garcia's Pass in South Africa?
The road to the summit is fully paved and is called R323. The road is 68.5 km (42.56 miles) long, running south-north from the farming town of Riversdale on the coastal plateau to the inland Karoo town of Ladismith. It is a magnificent pass with wonderful views over the valley. Explore the pass at your leisure, as you will most likely have much of it to yourself.