Seweweeks Poort, Swartberg February 6th, 2023

Seweweeks Poort, Swartberg

The Seweweeks Poort is the most scenic 18-kilometer section of gravel road in South Africa. This road is an absolute pleasure to drive or ride, as it follows the twisted bends of the river and falls entirely under the control of Cape Nature Conservation, specifically the Swartberg and Towerkop Nature Reserves, with easy gradients, multiple river crossings, mind-boggling geology, camping and self-catering accommodation, and an almost perfect microclimate.

In addition, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Department of Water Affairs constructed the Gamkapoort Dam for Gamka River Valley farmers in Calitzburg in 1960. Once the dam was constructed, road access to Prince Albert through the R 407 was virtually shut off, necessitating the use of an alternate route. The Swartberg Mountains tower over the road, and to a first-time traveler, it appears inconceivable that a road could pass through such an enormous mass of twisted rock formations.

This pass has a height difference of 479 meters, which is greater than a number of South Africa's most significant passes. The Pass is a pleasure for cyclists to ride from north to south due to its length of 17.7 kilometers, along which the gradient barely changes. For passengers traveling from Laingsburg or Sutherland to Ladismith or Calitzdorp, the Pass offers a significant time-saving alternative. The formal designation of the route is R 323, while its official number is P 903. The entire surface consists of gravel, which is normally kept in good condition. The road is frequently damaged by heavy rainfall. The bulk of river crossings in the northern portion of the Pass are basic concreted drifts, but as the river widens toward the southern end, the crossings get more complex as the drifts are fitted with subterranean pipes and, eventually, genuine small concrete bridges. (There are no guard rails on these roads, so drive cautiously!)

In addition to the lovely Seweweeks Poort, you will also be able to experience the Rooinek Pass, Witnekke Pass, and Koueveld Pass en route to the Pass from Laingsburg; all of these passes are near to the Swartberg Nature Reserve or the Towerkop Nature Reserve. It is a scenic journey (particularly in the winter and spring) across a range of mountainous landscapes. Numerous legends exist regarding the origin of the Poort's name, the bulk of which are folklore! The most plausible explanation is that it was named after the Seven Weeks Fern (Polystichum Andiantiforum), also known as "Seweweeksvaring" in Afrikaans, which grows throughout the Poort. This is the official version of the document.

Other, more whimsical stories state that the pass was named after one of the Amalienstein missionaries, Dr. Zerwick, and that the natives were unable to correctly pronounce his name, therefore it was gradually shortened to Zeweweek. However, research indicates that no Dr. Zerwick ever served at Amalienstein! According to another legend, brandy smugglers required seven weeks to get their contraband from Beaufort West to Ladismith across the Pass. Another individual states that it took seven weeks for officials to capture a livestock rustler who had vanished into the Kloof. All of these tales evoke images of a bygone past, and they all contribute to the Pass's enchantment!

Article Courtesy of www.sahistory.org.za/place/seweweeks-poort-swartberg