Franschhoek Pass

Franschhoek Pass
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The Franschhoek Valley lies 60kms east of Cape Town. Approached from either Route 45 from either Stellenbosch / Helshoogte, Paarl or south-east of Franschhoek via the Pass from Villiersdorp. However, it is closed off on the eastern side by the Franschhoek Mountains… In terms of scenery, sheer drops and panoramic views the Franschhoek Pass is difficult to beat, and tourists rate it as one of the must-do’s of the valley… Simply irresitable!
Franschhoek Pass is also called Lambrechts Road, though – more poetically – a hundred and fifty years ago it was known as Olifantshoek (“Elephants Corner’) after the now mythical herds of elephant which once roamed these valleys and mountains. This long, steep and dramatic pass with its variety of scenery was South Africa’s first properly engineered road. During weekends city folk stream to the pass on bicycles, motorcycles, skateboards, cars and SUV’s to enjoy it’s sheer magnificence.
The pass follows the northern edge of this range, known as Middagskransberg, between the Franschhoek Valley and the Wemmershoek Mountains.
The Franschhoek Mountains was originally known as Oliphants Hoek. Here the elephants crossed the mountains at the change of seasons, treading a defined path. As with many other mountain passes, the white settlers followed the “Oliphants Pad” on foot and on horseback.
It is difficult for us to imagine these areas inhabited by elephant, but great herds of these mammals were to be found in the Cape in early settlement days.
Lord Charles Somerset, Governor of the Cape Colony from 1814 to 1826 authorised the building of the Franschhoek Pass in 1822. Using a group of Royal Africa Corps soldiers who were awaiting shipment to Sierra Leone, Major William Holloway started work.
He built the first stone arch bridge over a kloof called Jan Joubert’s gat. Subsequent bridges have incorporated this bridge, making it the oldest bridge still in use in South Africa.
The pass was completed in 1825, and served as the main gateway to the Overberg until the construction of Sir Lowry’s Pass in 1830, which offered a more direct route from Cape Town.
The two passes were not in competition. Traffic from the Franschhoek and Paarl Valleys preferred using this pass. Holloway’s construction carried traffic for over 100 years until it was reconstructed in 1932/33 as part of the roadworks undertaken during the Depression Years.
Further improvements and tarring took place in the 1960’s.
The Franschhoek Pass offers breathtaking views of the mountains, gorges and valley. The drop down to the river and dam below to the top of the mountains delivers awe-inspiring vistas, making it a most popular tourist route. The view of Franschhoek from the pass is simply astounding!
P.S. Do not feed the Baboons!
For a Fast & Furious ride of the Franschhoek Pass… Red Bull Style!
Thanks to Mad Mike…
ABOUT FRANSCHHOEK PASS WINERY
In the scenic valley of Franschhoek, you will discover the Franschhoek Pass Winery. It is a family-owned boutique winery nestled along the slopes of the Franschhoek Pass. They have planted six hectares out of 28 to the varieties of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir vines.
Sample some of their wines including the Franschhoek Pass Red Blend, a classic Bordeaux blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon which has aged in French barrels; Franschhoek Pass Rosatre which is low in alcohol lightly pressed from Merlot and Shiraz grapes and perfect for summer evenings; Franschhoek Pass Desert Wine also produced from Shiraz grapes and pairs well with cheese and lastly the Franschhoek Pass Morena Cap Classique which is fermenting for the second time in the bottle.
ou’ll also find two hectares of Frantoio and Mission olives planted on the farm. Find serenity and relaxation on this farm by strolling through the olive groves and vineyards and playing some golf at the villa’s own driving range.
To view more wine estates in the region see Franschhoek Wine Estates or see South Africa Wine Estates for a general overview and links to other wine producing regions.
Wow Wow Wow I love it!