The Seven Passes Scenic Drive: George to Knysna

The Seven Passes Scenic Drive route is mostly gravel district road and can be driven in a normal sedan car. Care should be taken as the roads is generally narrow and it is extremely windy through the passes and river gorges. Please also note it is a popular route for bikers — both motorised and pedal-powered. The route is described with the starting point on the George side but it can be travelled in either direction.

If you leave George on Knysna Road, you can turn left onto Madiba Drive, which becomes Seven Passes Road once you leave George’s suburbs. You will pass the George Campus of Nelson Mandela University.

Kaaimans River Bridge

First up is the Kaaimans River Bridge — yes, the same Kaaimans River that flows under the spectacular curve of the Kaaimans River Railway Bridge on the coast at Wilderness.

You can kloof from here to the famous Kaaimans River Railway bridge. Please do not attempt this without an experienced guide.

Silver River Bridge

Touw River Bridge

The Touw River meets the sea at Wilderness Beach close to Salinas Restaurant.

You will approach the small township outside Hoekwil. Turn left, heading North (turning south will take you through Hoekwil and down to Wilderness).

Hoogekraal Pass

You will note the many dairy farms, including the well-known Lancewood Cheese.

Hoogekraal Road heads south to join Karatara Road, which reaches the N2 at Groenvlei east of Sedgefield.

Hoogekraal Pass and then past Geelhoutvlei Timbers sawmill. Watch out for the huge timber trucks!

Karatara Pass

Karatara Road heads south, and soon Karatara will be visible on your left. It is worth driving through the well-ordered streets of Karatara. Then on to Karatara Pass.

Barrington Road heads south to join Karatara Road, which reaches the N2 at Groenvlei east of Sedgefield.

Homtini River

The road turns south to the Homtini River and the Homtini Pass before reaching Rheenendal.

The Homtini River is an awesome feature on the Outeniqua Hiking Trail. The popular Drupkelders is also on the Homtini River.

Homtini Pass

Phantom Pass

Phantom Pass is signposted on the left. It emerges on the N2 on the west bank of the White Bridge which crosses the Knysna River.

The Rheenendal Road eventually reaches the N2 at Keytersnek where you can turn left to Sedgefield and head back to George or turn right to Knysna.