Franschhoek Pass
Franschhoek Pass
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Franschhoek Pass and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
61 within 3 miles
Attractions
45 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
1,085 reviews
Excellent
761
Very good
294
Average
28
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Terry H
Leicester, UK229 contributions
Feb 2020
We had a private courier take us by mini bus from Oudtshoorn to Franschhoek and this was by far the best part of the journey.
The pass takes a steady but continuous climb and takes you up into the clouds before gradually descending down into Franschhoek. The views on the way down are amazing as you can see the whole valley laid out before you as you twist around the various bends in the road.
On a good day you can see all along the valley and up into the mountains at the other end. Fabulous views.
The pass takes a steady but continuous climb and takes you up into the clouds before gradually descending down into Franschhoek. The views on the way down are amazing as you can see the whole valley laid out before you as you twist around the various bends in the road.
On a good day you can see all along the valley and up into the mountains at the other end. Fabulous views.
Written 2 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sjak Selen
4 contributions
Jun 2022
Drove this pass several times the past years.
Beautiful scenery, nice views of the valley.
La Petit Ferme estate is worth stopping, some of the best wines in South Africa.
Beautiful scenery, nice views of the valley.
La Petit Ferme estate is worth stopping, some of the best wines in South Africa.
Written 1 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gangers&Ash
London, UK229 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
This is a great drive if you have access to your own car. The pass winds around the mountains, through more rugged countryside and offers beautiful views over Franschhoek. Lots of switchback turns and plenty of stop off points to take pictures. The road was excellent and very well maintained. Definitely worth including in your itinerary.
Written 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark D
Canterbury, UK55 contributions
Feb 2020
if your in the area a must ride by car, motorbike or cycle. After a steady climb of approx. 4 miles you are rewarded with great views of Franschoek Valley. you then descend for a further 4 miles un you reach a plateau and ride to the reservoirs. a must visit.
Written 23 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steffen K
Durban, South Africa297 contributions
Sept 2020
If visiting the SW Cape, this road is a must-visit. It is really safe and well constructed and each turn gives new amazing vistas. However, make sure you come when the clouds are not down on the mountains. Make sure you go on the Theewaterskloof Dam where the view is also very pleasing.
Written 6 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan A
St. Augustine, FL74 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The Pass climbs and winds though the mountains. It is very scenic with some stop off points along the route. You can see the whole of Franschhoek and it's valley which is a great photo opportunity. Drive from Franschhoek to Villiersdorp, pass the dam, have lunch then drive back. Well worth it.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan S
Cotswolds, UK145 contributions
Feb 2020
We travelled this road on the way to ur next destination after Franschhoek. We could not believe the beauty and size of the mountains we were passing through. A truly memorable experience that I would urge anyone able to see.
Written 31 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rog M
White Rock, Canada274 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
After spending 3 wonderful days in Franschhoek and enroute to PE, we decided to take the "PASS", and I am very glad that we did. Having driven many of the worlds scenic and historical routes, I have to admit, this needs to get on the "worlds top ten scenic drives". when you couple the elevation gain, topography, switch backs and the beauty of the Franschhoek Valley, boy are you in for an enjoyable ride. I wish however that I was on my motorbike (motorcycle) now that would have been an experience! Take advantage of the viewing stops along the way, and soak up the views, breathtaking. Once you are outside the Valley, the gorge becomes very interesting in its own. Stop and have a look at the topography and the geology of the region, very interesting. We never encountered any Baboons - pitty, as I was hopping to....lol
I would advise anyone who is considering taking this route, to read up on the history, it makes the adventure that much more enjoyable
I would advise anyone who is considering taking this route, to read up on the history, it makes the adventure that much more enjoyable
Written 1 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat & Paul (Nerve Marketing & Events)
Durban, South Africa260 contributions
Feb 2022
always a pleasure travelling through this pass, getting our photos overlooking Franschhoek, photographing the Proteas when in bloom, generally a pleasant drive down to the main road, very windy road, drive with caution, watch out for large trucks, we noted they like to race a bit down the hills(local hauliers ?)
Written 25 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gys dB
Midrand, South Africa138 contributions
Dec 2020
Took a drive up the pass to stop and take photos of the town in the valley below. Stunning views from up there! Well worth the drive.
Written 4 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there. We have a hire car booked from December 20th to the 23rd. Our plan is to drive the Cape of Good Hope and then head to Stellenbosch for two nights so we can do a wine tour. Could anyone recommend a scenic route and also provide some information on safety. Many thanks. Lauren.
Written 24 October 2018
You can drive from Stellenbosch to Franschoek via the Helshoogte pass and from Franschoek drive up the Franschoek pass for great views over the valley. Return via the same route.
Written 24 October 2018
Chicken2015
Johannesburg, South Africa
Which is the best wineries to visit in a large group in Franschoek and for sundowners ?
Written 14 January 2015
All the answers above give the right response, it is a Mountain Pass not a package.
Written 9 January 2015
Showing results 1-4 of 4
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing