The Bothmaskloof Pass: the most beautiful way into the valley
A short mountain pass with one of the best views in the Swartland.
Most visitors arrive in Riebeek Kasteel over the Bothmaskloof Pass, and many say it is the moment their holiday really begins.
The pass crosses the ridge between the Malmesbury side and the Riebeek Valley. It is not long, but as you come over the top, the whole valley opens up below you: the vineyards, the wheat fields, the olive groves and the two Riebeek villages at the foot of the Kasteelberg.
There are places to pull over for a photo. The view is best in the late afternoon, when the low sun lights up the valley, and in winter and early spring, when the fields are bright green.
Drive it slowly and carefully: it is a working road with trucks and farm vehicles.
Coming from Cape Town, the pass is the last stretch before the village. From the bottom it is only a few minutes to the village square.
