The Seven Passes

The Seven Passes Road was built between 1867 and 1882 under the guidance of Thomas Bain (one of South Africa’s most famous roads engineers) and his brother-in-law, Adam de Smidt.

Apparently it wasn’t a happy association – but the results of their work are fine indeed.

Make 7 Passes Rest Camp your base for exploring this wonderfully scenic route with its forests, rivers, gorges, fynbos, and sleepy farmlands.

Drive or ride the Seven Passes: the route from Knysna to George

(Please note that this is a gravel road, not suitable for all vehicles)

• Drive westwards from Knysna on the N2 towards George
• Cross the White Bridge over the Knysna Lagoon, and take the first turning to the right; keep left and follow the road to Phantom Pass.
• You’ll come to a T-junction with the road to Rheenendal. Turn right and drive through Rheenendal village.
• The tar gives way to gravel: follow this road past Karatara.
• Gravel gives way to tat again. 
• There’s a detour at Woodville: turn right onto the gravel road to the 'Big Tree.’ When your visit’s over, return the way you came and turn right onto the tar again.
• About 3 km after the turn-off to the Big  Tree, turn right onto the gravel road to Saasveld. And cross the Touw River, the Silver River, and finally the Kaaimans River.
• Arrive in George