Prince Alfred’s Pass

Prince Alfred’s Pass is one of the most iconic and scenic mountain passes in South Africa. Built in the 1860s, it remains a masterpiece of early road engineering and a popular route for adventure seekers today.

Location

• Province: Western Cape & Eastern Cape (runs between Knysna and Avontuur/Uniondale)
• Coordinates: Roughly starts near Knysna (Sedgefield side) and ends near Avontuur
• Traverses: The Outeniqua and Langkloof mountain ranges

History

• Engineer: Thomas Bain, legendary pass builder in South Africa
• Completed: 1867
• Named After: Prince Alfred, son of Queen Victoria, who visited South Africa in the 1860s
• Construction Style: Hand-built using convict labour with dry-packed stonework and rock cuttings — a true heritage route.

Pass Details

• Distance: ± 68 km (making it the longest publicly accessible mountain pass in South Africa)
• Surface: Mostly gravel, with some tarred sections closer to Knysna
• Driving Time: 2 to 3 hours depending on weather and stops
• Condition: Generally navigable by regular vehicles in dry weather, but 4×4 or high clearance recommended in wet conditions

Scenery and Terrain

• Twisting roads, rocky gorges, dense forests, streams, waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views
• Transitions between Knysna forest, ferns, rocky cliffs, and more open Langkloof farmland
• Excellent for photographers, overlanders, and motorcycle tours

Points of Interest

• De Vlugt: A small hamlet with a few local cafés like Angie’s G Spot — a famous stop for bikers
• Dieprivier Waterfall
• Keurbooms River crossings
• Forests and indigenous trees (yellowwoods, stinkwoods)

Driving Tips

• Watch for blind corners, livestock, fallen trees, and slippery patches during rain
• Avoid the pass at night unless you’re familiar with it
• Mobile signal is limited in most areas