Long before wagons came this way, elephants crossed the saddle, and the settlers called their track the Olifantspad. Since the storms of 13 May 2026, Franschhoek Pass has been closed to everyone: cars, cyclists and pedestrians. On 28 July the province still expected traffic by the end of October. On 7 September it only promised an update in early October. That is the position as of September 2026, so check westerncape.gov.za before you set off.
- completed by Major Holloway
- 1825
- summit altitude
- 736 m
- closed since
- 13.05.2026
- Franschhoek to Villiersdorp
- R45
In 1819 S. J. Cats laid out a rough first track. In 1823 Governor Lord Charles Somerset ordered a proper road, finished in 1825 by Major Holloway and the Royal African Corps at a cost of 8,000 pounds. The pass was repaired in 1933 and tarred in 1963. The summit sits at 736 metres, and the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve starts at the pass.
The closure mainly hits anyone heading on to Villiersdorp. Franschhoek itself is easy to reach, over Helshoogte Pass (R310) from Stellenbosch or along the R45 from Paarl and Simondium. Not all of the damage is new: according to the Paarl Post some dates back to October 2023, and the bridge over the Du Toits River is damaged too. In June 2023 Franschhoek, Bain's Kloof and Du Toitskloof passes were all shut at the same time.
- Time needed
- not passable, as of September 2026
- When
- only once it reopens; the province has promised an update in early October 2026
Our tipPlan Franschhoek as if the pass did not exist: come in via Stellenbosch and Helshoogte, or via Paarl and the R45. If you need to get to Villiersdorp, check the Western Cape road reports first.
Franschhoek Pass: frequently asked questions
Is Franschhoek Pass open again?
No. Franschhoek Pass (R45) has been closed to all traffic, including cyclists and pedestrians, since the storms of 13 May 2026. On 7 September 2026 the Western Cape government promised an update in early October, as of September 2026.
Can I still get to Franschhoek with the pass closed?
Yes, the town of Franschhoek is open as normal: from Stellenbosch over Helshoogte Pass (R310), or from Paarl along the R45 through Simondium. Only the pass beyond the town towards Villiersdorp is closed.
Who built Franschhoek Pass?
Franschhoek Pass was built by Major Holloway and the Royal African Corps, commissioned in 1823 by Governor Lord Charles Somerset and finished in 1825. Before that an elephant trail, the Olifantspad, crossed the mountain here.