Swarzberg Pass

Clinging precariously to the deep cut, redrock cliffs of the Swarzberg Pass, the scrub brush looks at first glance to be a desolate, lifeless mountain desert. Look closer. In wind so strong it threatens to tear off the truck doors, masses of wild pink geraniums, waxy pink and spiky king protea, and other wild flowers in masses of red, pink, yellow, purple, silver and green cling to the ragged mountainside. The flowers attract insects, which bring the birds - colorful sunbirds, canaries and finches by the dozens. The thorny acacia lives in harsh contrast to the soft purple asters that mass along the roadside. 

The road is a one lane, washboard twisting challenge that climbs a grade of more than 20 degrees in some places - the car coming up hill has the right of way! There are no guard rails between you and the 1000' sheer drop offs which run along side the roadway! If the gale would stop it would be a great place for base jumping! As it is, the ostrich looks right at home here in this wind-blasted area!