Bainskloof Pass
Bainskloof Pass
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
51 reviews
Excellent
35
Very good
11
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Melanie B
11 contributions
Oct 2022
Wow! We were at Aquila Game Reserve and took this pass on the way back to Cape Town. What an amazing road winding along the mountains. The new road and several pull outs to stop and look at the outstanding views are all in superior condition. So many places to stop for a snack and take in the views.
Very safe and easy drive.
Very safe and easy drive.
Written October 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lana M
Somerset West, South Africa15 contributions
Mar 2020
Spent a long-awaited weekend camping at Tweede Tol campsite, we woke at 3:30 am to use the bathroom leaving our tent unzipped. Heard sounds in the bushes but could not see what it was. Next morning found our backpack had been stolen from INSIDE our tent. Huge loss! The gate guards were unfazed when we reported it. Still waiting for the police to arrive....
The large group next to us also suffered loss as items of theirs were also stolen.
The large group next to us also suffered loss as items of theirs were also stolen.
Written April 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malkoppie
South Africa1,608 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
We are on a mission to drive as many passes in the world as possible. This is definitely one of the best in South Africa. The road surface is not good at all so don't bring your Ferrari or any vehicle with a low suspension. The bends are tight and continue for 25km's, a real treat for any petrol head.
The scenery is wonderful, of the best in the country, and there are plenty of areas for stopping provided. We needed to get to Tulbagh. The GPS just wouldn't give an option through Bainskloof Pass until I chose Wolseley as a destination from Wellington. It takes a lot longer than the normal Wellington to Tulbagh road, which we drove coming back. It is extremely close to Wellington so can be done as a morning outing. We drove Wellington to Wolseley, which is 'down'. We think it would not be as enjoyable the other way round if your aim is a 'driving experience'.
Visitors looking for good scenery will not be disappointed either. From a historical aspect, I was surprised to learn that it was not Thomas Bain who built this road, but it was his father Andrew Geddes Bain, neither of whom are to be confused with the explorer, Thomas Baines, who accompanied David Livingstone up to Victoria Falls. However, between Thomas and his father Andrew, they seem to have been resposible for about 27 passes in South Africa, a remarkable achievement.
The bends totally confused our navigation so much that once we were through the Pass we needed to restart it again. My husband had such fun driving the Pass that we will definitely do it again if ever near to the area again.
The scenery is wonderful, of the best in the country, and there are plenty of areas for stopping provided. We needed to get to Tulbagh. The GPS just wouldn't give an option through Bainskloof Pass until I chose Wolseley as a destination from Wellington. It takes a lot longer than the normal Wellington to Tulbagh road, which we drove coming back. It is extremely close to Wellington so can be done as a morning outing. We drove Wellington to Wolseley, which is 'down'. We think it would not be as enjoyable the other way round if your aim is a 'driving experience'.
Visitors looking for good scenery will not be disappointed either. From a historical aspect, I was surprised to learn that it was not Thomas Bain who built this road, but it was his father Andrew Geddes Bain, neither of whom are to be confused with the explorer, Thomas Baines, who accompanied David Livingstone up to Victoria Falls. However, between Thomas and his father Andrew, they seem to have been resposible for about 27 passes in South Africa, a remarkable achievement.
The bends totally confused our navigation so much that once we were through the Pass we needed to restart it again. My husband had such fun driving the Pass that we will definitely do it again if ever near to the area again.
Written January 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Knicknocks
Chislehurst104 contributions
Feb 2017 • Family
Cannot recommend visiting this place more for a good nature experience. Wild baboons, fresh water rock pool swimming made even better with designated picnic and barbecue spots. Well maintained and looked after by locals, nature untouched and beautiful. The drive and views en route and return at sunset are amazing!
Written March 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bennie v
Cape Town, South Africa213 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
We have travelled many passes in South Africa. To my mind, Bainskloof pass is amongst the best. You simply enter a new and exciting world. Do not miss this one.
Written September 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HorseAboutTrails
Tulbagh36 contributions
Jul 2013 • Friends
This drive is breathtaking and we recommend it to all visitors and regulars. Not only is it an incredible engineering feat, but the route is breathtaking with several stunning viewpoints. in summer the rock pools are popular so can get busy. But any time of year, a breathtaking drive.
Great places to stay over and restaurants once you are on the Wolseley side, or continue your drive into the quaint village of Tulbagh. An easy day trip from Cape Town but highly recommended to stay over in the area and enjoy local attractions and activities.
Great places to stay over and restaurants once you are on the Wolseley side, or continue your drive into the quaint village of Tulbagh. An easy day trip from Cape Town but highly recommended to stay over in the area and enjoy local attractions and activities.
Written September 18, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OnAir820765
2 contributions
Dec 2018
A lovely scenic drive. We spent hours driving down this pass, stopping to enjoy the views, hidden water falls, bird song and peace
Written November 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dewald R
Cape Town Central, South Africa3,341 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
This is definitely not the quickest route to Ceres from Cape Town, but it is arguably the most scenic one. The pass steeply inclines from Wellington's side and then slowly descends all the way down towards Wolseley. The road is at certain parts very narrow and some parts of the road are not in a very good condition, but it didn't feel unsafe. If you are familiar and comfortable with your vehicle, and the weather conditions are good, ten why not take the scenic route.
Written June 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter F
Hermanus, South Africa476 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
We traveled this pass (R301) from Wellington towards the Northeast until the bridge over the Bree River and the intersection with the R43 over a distance of almost 30km. This pass was completed around 1854 and is a national monument. The road is therefore generally relatively narrow and bumpy with plenty of sharp curves requiring careful and focused driving. Initially it offers expansive views back towards the Wellington and Paarl areas. Later a number of view points are passed from which to get a good view of the stream below. These are perfect for picnics. Towards the North the road gradually straightens out and affords even more impressive views of the much higher mountain peaks in the distance. There are a few camp sites and cottages right next to the river with beautiful swimming spots. Close to the bridge there is a bush-pub called the "Calabash" offering food and refreshments. This is an absolute must-see drive, perfect for the whole family.
Written October 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BarnabiEnslin
Pretoria, South Africa571 contributions
Dec 2017 • Friends
Really amazing experience. The drive has amazing views, scary winding roads and monkeys all over the show
Take your picnic basket, good friends, a bottle of wine and go swimming in the pools
Take your picnic basket, good friends, a bottle of wine and go swimming in the pools
Written September 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If u are a visitor how do u book to go on the hike and then maybe afterwards maybe swim at the Rock pools really want to go and we will be two couples
Written January 29, 2019
Hi, when you get here you contact Cape Nature for your permits, it is R60 per person.
021 483 0000 is the telephone number
Enjoy
Written February 12, 2019
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