While we strongly recommend exploring the two passes they are secondary roads through mountainous areas and thus prone to damage from heavy rains. If you are doing a self-drive tour it is advisable that you enquire about the state of the roads from locals before venturing onto them.

The Pass
The Bloukrans Pass (Afrikaans for "Blue Cliff" Pass) diverts from the N2 near the Storms River Mouth turn-off. It descends into the Bloukrans River Gorge, winding its way through indigenous forest. The area is rich in bird life and you will probably see vervet monkeys or baboons along the way. At the bottom of the Gorge one has a perfect view of the very impressive Bloukrans River Bridge in the distance (located on the N2). The Bridge is the base for the highest commercial bungy site in the world. If you hang around long enough you'll see what looks like ant-like figures from a distance, jumping off the Bridge. From this vantage point you probably get the best idea of just how high a jump it is.

Once you cross the Bloukrans River, which in most seasons is not much more than a mountain stream, the road climbs back to the coastal plateau and rejoins the N2 some way east of Plettenberg Bay and inland from Nature's Valley. Crossing the N2, continuing on the R102, will lead you onto the Grootrivier Pass towards Nature's Valley.

(Also see: Grootrivier Pass)