The best reason for slow travel
I doubt Led Zepplin had Ouberg Pass in mind when he sang “Stairway to Heaven” but as far as roads go this must be the “Switchbacks to Heaven” version of the song.
Scenery, scenery and more scenery. That is what Ouberg Pass is all about. Scenery and history. Ouberg Pass is not the route to take when you’re in a hurry. Just like a fine wine this mountain pass deserves to be enjoyed with good friends.
I have been trying to put Ouberg on a map that makes sense, here goes my attempt. West of Sutherland, East of Tankwa Padstal and South of Middelpos. Situated in the Roggeveld Mountains the pass is used by farmers to move their livestock between winter and summer grazing and as such can be described as a bit of a goat track in places especially after a bit of rain or snow.
What Ouberg Pass lacks in distance (at only 10kms long) it makes up for in altitude. The pass gains over 800m in its climb up the Roggeveld mountains to summit outside the town of Sutherland at slightly above 1400m.
The pass is best driven in a 4×4 or a 4×2 high clearance vehicle. The pass itself despite being steep is an easy drive, it is the roads leading to the pass that can prove challenging. Both the R355 & R356 are notorious for their appetite for tyres. The R354 road coming from Sutherland while not as notorious as the others can also be harsh on tyres if one is not cautious.
Ouberg Pass is not somewhere you visit by accident; it has to be part of a planned road trip but the drive will not disappoint. The lookout point at 1400m above sea level is a spectacular spot to take sunset photos across the Tankwa-Karoo or simply a place to enjoy a lunch with a crazy view.
The viewpoint below the summit is a great stop both for photos and lunch. This area sees regular snowfall in winter and the drive up the pass can best be described as an adventure in these conditions. As described by someone with Acrophobia (Fear of Heights – for the rest of us) this is not the pass to drive is you are a sufferer.
When traveling the Ouberg Pass region please bear in mind that due to elevation and location conditions can change quickly so please be prepared for any weather and route situation that may arise.
Recommended routes to Ouberg Pass
Ceres – Tankwa Padstal – Middelpos – Gannaga Lodge/Pass
Sutherland – Ouberg Pass – Bizansgat – Ceres
Ceres – Tankwa Padstal – Gannaga Pass – Middelpos – Ouberg Pass – Ceres