Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden Route
Homtini Pass lies 6th in the string of Seven Passes that fall between George and Knysna, the narrow, gravel pass covers 5km of wonderfully scenic driving, and decends to the river from which it takes its name. The pass ends at the Rheenendal Timber Mill and is also known as the Goukamma River Pass.
As the pass is a gravel road and prone to corrugations and flood damage, the speed limit has been set at 60kph and takes approximately 12 minutes to drive, excluding stops. There are some very sharp bends on this pass, one in particular is an almost 180 degree turn, a true hairpin! The pass is not suitable for heavy vehicles. It is advised that people using the pass should watch out for wild animals (especially baboons). This road is frequented by cyclists, so please be cautious!
A name that comes up time and time again in popular passes and original road engineering is that of Thomas Bain, and Homtini Pass is no exception. It was constructed in 1882 by the government Roads Engineer, Thomas Bain, and Charles Osborne, and as mentioned was the final pass of the Seven Passes. Bain took on the project of building a proper road between George and Knysna in 1867, which would include traversing 10 rivers and 7 gorges and would cover a distance of 75 kms. Bain started at the Knysna end and left his brother in law, Adam de Smidt, to deal with the George side of the route. The pair disagreed vehemently about the routing of the road, which led to bitter acrimony and a lifelong "no speak" scenario. The road served as the main route between the two growing towns for 70 years, before the new national road (N2) was opened in 1952.
There is some confusion in respect of which the 7 Passes officially are. And no we know we are listing 8 and the reason for that is that research shows that there are in fact 8 passes: Starting from George in the West, they are: The Black River Pass (Zwartrivierhoogtepas), the Kaaimansgat Pass, the Silver River Pass, the Touws River Pass (Duiwelskop Pass), the Hoogekraal Pass, the Karatara Pass, the Homtini Pass (Goukamma River Pass) and the Phantom Pass. Some references dont acknowledge the Black River Pass and others dont recognize the Silver River as a pass. The most common version is that the Silver River pass is technically part of the Kaaimansgat Pass. Early references show the Black River Pass to have been very challenging for ox-wagons, but the new modern tarred road almost leaves one with a sense that there is no pass there at all.
When in the area why not visit the Big Tree at Woodville which is 800 years old and enjoy a short 30 minute circular route through beautiful indigenous forests.
Accommodation Near Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden Route
Vennebos Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
5.3km from Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden RouteVennebos Cottages provides a selection of self catering cottages in a forest setting near Rheenendal, just 15kms from Knysna in the Western Cape's Garden Route. It is the ideal location for those wishing to wind down and get some peace and quiet. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Elephant Rest Forest Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
5.5km from Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden RouteElephant Rest is a private, self catering, tranquil getaway retreat experience. Situated on the edge of the awesome Lawnwood indigenous forest. Experience the peace and beauty of nature, abundant bird life, close to mountain biking, hikes, waterfalls... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cliffhanger Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
7.5km from Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden RouteCliffhanger Cottage provides self catering chalet accommodation near Knysna, Garden Route. Situated off the Rheenendal Road in an area known as Phantom Acre, it is very private yet only 15 minutes to the centre of Knysna and a good swimming beach. This lu …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Oyster Creek Lodge
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
13.3km from Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden RouteOyster Creek Lodge provides self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Knysna is situated in the heart of South Africa's famous Garden Route - between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. Oyster Creek Lodge is uniquely positioned on the tip of... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Salt River Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
13.8km from Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden RouteSalt River Lodge offers self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Set in a supremely tranquil location, situated on the northern side of the lagoon with its natural ebb and flow of the tide. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Lagoon Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
14km from Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden RouteLagoon Lodge provides both bed and breakfast accommodation and self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. If you need a break-away to an elegant and romantic setting, we are ready to treat you and your loved one, in our brand new lodge! …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
36 Ridge Dr Knysna
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
14.2km from Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden Route36 Ridge Dr Knysna is a stylish self catering holiday home with stunning views of the Knysna Lagoon and Knysna Heads. Perched on the hillside of Paradise/Knysna Heights, it is only a few minutes drive from the town centre with its endless array of... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Kiewietjie Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Sedgefield
14.2km from Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden RouteKiewietjie Cottage offers a selection of self catering accommodation in Sedgefield, Garden Route. Located in the beautiful seaside town of Sedgefield and offers guests three comfortable furnished self-catering units. The 2 bedroom units have a view on th …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
40 Montage Village
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Sedgefield
14.4km from Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden Route40 Montage Village offers self catering accommodation in Sedgefield, Garden Route. This is the perfect holiday house (8 sleeper) to spend a relaxed carefree holiday. Overlooking a bird sanctuary and in a secure complex this modern holiday house is central …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Lagoon Breeze Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Knysna
14.5km from Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden RouteLagoon Breeze is a lovely luxury guest house, with magnificent views of the lagoon and Knysna heads and the ocean beyond. Situated in Knysna on the Western Cape's garden Route and conveniently on the N2 alongside the Knysna lagoon. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Westford Bridge Private Nature Reserve (9.52km)
- Groenvlei Lake - Sedgefield, Garden Route (10.63km)
- Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, Garden Route (11.14km)
- Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route (12.91km)
- Simola Golf & Country Estate - Knysna, Garden Route (13.17km)
- Sedgefield Lagoon - Sedgefield, Garden Route (14.38km)
- Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route (15.07km)
- Wild Oats Community Farmers Market (15.53km)
- The Waterfront Knysna Quays (15.63km)
- Outeniqua Nature Reserve - Garden Route, Western Cape (16.67km)
- Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden Route (16.69km)
- Knysna Lagoon - Knysna, Garden Route (16.80km)
- Swartvlei - Wilderness National Park, Garden Route (17.03km)
- Featherbed Private Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route (18.95km)
- Knysna Golf Club - Knysna, Garden Route (18.96km)
- Knysna Heads - Knysna, Garden Route (19.35km)
