Seweweekspoort
Geography and History
Almost directly opposite the turnoff to Amalienstein, is a road that heads into the Klein Swartberg to Seweweekspoort. It was used by early farmers to penetrate the Great Karoo. Seweweekspoort is 17 km long and very rugged with wild scenery and frequently the slopes or spurs of the mountain leave a narrow pass just broad enough for the stream to find a passage, while outcrops of naked rock form towers on both sides.
There are various explanations as to the origin of the name Seweweeks-poort and these range from the length of time it took a commando to take a band of highwaymen into the Great Karoo - or for the authorities to catch a rustler who escaped into the poort - or for a gang of brandy smugglers to return from Beaufort West.
Another explanation is that the poort was named after one of the first missionaries from the nearby Amalienstein mission station, namely the Reverend Zerwick and that the locals could not pronounce his name and named it Seweweekspoort. Most authorities though accept the explanation that the name is derived from that of the Seven-week's fern (Polystichum adiantiforum), called Seweweeksvaring in Afrikaans, which occurs in moist places and crevices. The form Seweweekspoort is preferred for official purposes.
Accommodation in Seweweekspoort
The Seweweekspoort offers a range of accommodation such as Camping, Self Catering and guest Lodges.
Seweweekspoort Tourism Office Information | |
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Web address: | https://seweweekspoort.co.za |
Telephone: | +27 (0) 76 276 2864 |
E-mail: | info@seweweekspoort.co.za |