When was Outeniqua Pass built?

Cruising through the Western Cape of South Africa? You HAVE to check out Outeniqua Pass! This beauty climbs to 800m (2,600ft) in the stunning Outeniqua Mountains.

Built between 1943 and 1951 by Italian POWs (talk about history!), this pass has been upgraded a couple of times since then, so you're in for a smooth ride.

We're talking a well-maintained, two-lane tar road - the N9/N12 national road, to be exact. Clocking in at 18.2 km (11.30 miles) between Oudtshoorn and George, it’s a sweet alternative to the other roads in the area.

Now, it does get a bit twisty – about 40 curves in total, with some steep sections hitting a 1:10 gradient. Plus, it's a popular route for big trucks, and accidents can sometimes lead to temporary closures. And heads up: mist and low-hanging clouds are common, so drive carefully! Rockfalls are also a risk, especially when it's wet.

But trust me, the views are SO worth it! There are three little parking areas near the top with killer vistas. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Indian Ocean. Seriously, pick a sunny day for this drive – you won't regret it!