Pakhuis Pass (R364) is a spectacular 26.4 km paved mountain pass in South Africa's Western Cape, connecting Clanwilliam with Calvinia. Built by Thomas Bain, it features dramatic, weathered red granite rock formations, steep gradients, and high-altitude views. The pass offers access to hiking trails and C. Louis Leipoldt's grave.
Construction on the Pakhuis Pass began in 1875, using a convict labour station officially documented in the Cape Colony records. The convict station was based at Pakhuis/Clanwilliam from 1862 until roughly 1871, providing the manpower for the heavy labour. The Pakhuis Pass (meaning 'packing shed' in Afrikaans) begins just outside Clanwilliam. The pass's Surveyor and Builder, Thomas Bain, was an incredibly energetic man of many talents, which included: Art, Rock Paintings, Geology, Cartography and Engineering. This is a major Pass which has recently been fully tarred over its entire length and offers a wide variety of Scenery, Grave Sites, Weathered Rock Formations, Picnic Sites and some of the Cederberg's finest Hiking Trails.
