06/06/2026
Dear Swartberg Pass Hikers,
It is with great regret that we have to inform you that the Conquer the Swartberg Pass Hike, scheduled for 13 June, has been postponed to Saturday, 24 October.
There are a number of reasons for this difficult decision.
The tar roads from George and Oudtshoorn leading to the Swartberg Pass are currently closed and are expected to remain closed for several months. Since yesterday, the three gravel roads providing access to the pass have also been closed.
On the Prince Albert side of the pass, the Gamka Bridge over the Gamka River is under water. The extent of the structural damage to this bridge, as well as to the other bridges closer to Leeu-Gamka, can only be assessed once the water levels have subsided and the bridges become accessible. In addition, more rain is forecast for the coming weekend.
Even if some of the access roads are reopened in the near future, they will most likely only be suitable for 4x4 vehicles. Not all of our guests have access to 4x4 vehicles, and the buses we have booked to transfer hikers back to Prince Albert are certainly not equipped for such conditions.
Many of you will have witnessed our efforts over the past few weeks to avoid a postponement and to prevent hikers from losing money on flights, accommodation, and vehicle rentals. Unfortunately, these are truly unforeseen circumstances that nobody could have predicted or controlled.
The safety of our hikers, support crew, and service providers must remain our highest priority, and under the current circumstances we simply cannot guarantee safe access to the event.
We sincerely apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience this postponement may cause. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support. We look forward to welcoming you to the Conquer the Swartberg Pass Hike on 24 October and sharing a memorable experience together under far better conditions. Pictures taken of Gamka Bridge over the Gamka River 5 June 2026.
