Franschhoek Pass

At time of Jan van Riebeeck's settlement of the Cape in 1652, elephants were known to use a track seasonally to across the mountains and hence was called Olifantspad.^[2] That track was a few kilometres southwest of the current pass and was still being used by horse riders and cattle herders in the early 1800s.^[2]

In 1819 a crude road was constructed over the mountain by S.J. Cats for the Stellenbosch Landdrost.^[2] It didn't last and is now a hiking path.^[2]

Governor of the Cape Colony, Lord Charles Somerset, in 1823 decided to build a new pass. Constructed by Major Holloway using troops of the Royal African Corps it was completed in 1825 costing £8,000.^[2]

After falling into disrepair in 1930 it was rebuilt in 1933 and again in 1963 when the road was tarred.^[2]

• Skill level: Novice (Caution - Conservative speed recommended)
• Road Condition: Tarred surface, tight turns, precipitous edge
• Remarks: Fast road frequented by fast superbikes and slow tourists. Beautiful views.
• Baboons, snakes, and other wildlife crossing.