Ever been to a place of such quietude? Welcome to Rooihoogte. This peak holds secrets and stories.
Rooihoogte Pass is a tarred road. It displays 370 meters of altitude variance. The comfortable average gradient is 1/20. It stretches over 7.6 kilometers.
Burgers Pass is a stone’s throw away. It was formerly known as Koo Pass. Thomas Bain designed both passes in 1877. He was a master road engineer.
Rooihoogte Pass was originally called Thomson’s Pass. Both it and Koo Pass were renamed in the 1940s. Rooihoogte is reputed to have the highest summit altitude in the Western Cape.
Driving down Rooihoogte Pass is more enjoyable. Huge views over the Langeberg mountains open up. The views are rugged and beautiful.
Imagine riding a racing bike here. The quaeldich.de offers a tour to Rooihoogte Pass. The Cape Town Cycle Tour runs from February 28 to March 10, 2025. The main thing is uphill.
The southeast approach from Montagu goes via Burgers Pass. It covers 49.7 kilometers. It has 1269 meters in altitude. The gradient is 2.6%.
The R318 does not cross another road between Montagu and the N1. The starting point is at the edge of Montagu. The climb is barely noticeable for the first 24 kilometers. But you gain 400 meters in altitude. Vineyards and orchards surround you.
The first steep section leads to Burgers Pass. Five challenging kilometers take you to the Koo plateau. Three hairpin bends offer views of the Keisie Valley. You reach a viewpoint with a sign.
Shortly after, you reach Burgers Pass. The Koo high plateau is about twelve kilometers long. Two steps must be overcome.
The final eight-kilometer climb to Rooihoogte Pass starts at kilometer 41.5 from Montagu. It cuts through the South African nowhere. Eucalyptus trees offer shade. The silence here is incomparable.
Remember Thomas Bain, the engineer. Think of the changing names. Feel the gradient under your tires. Rooihoogte is more than just a peak. It is a journey through history and landscape.