Second gear, indicator on, a pick-up with empty grape crates in front of you. That is about as dramatic as Helshoogte gets. The pass is 7.1 kilometres long and reaches 387 metres at the entrance to the Tokara estate, a climb of 242 metres. The R310 runs from Stellenbosch through Pniel to the R45, where you turn for Franschhoek or Paarl.
- current alignment, predecessor from 1708
- 1854
- summit at the Tokara gate
- 387 m
- length of the pass
- 7.1 km
- Stellenbosch, Pniel, R45
- R310
The road is older than it looks. According to Mountain Passes South Africa a predecessor, the Banghoek Pass, existed as early as 1708, and the current alignment dates back to 1854. It was tarred in 1936, upgraded in 1966 and widened to several lanes in 2010.
Since the storms of 13 May 2026, Franschhoek Pass east of Franschhoek has been closed to everyone. The valley itself is not. From Stellenbosch to Franschhoek via the R310 is about 30 kilometres and half an hour (as of September 2026). The other way in is the R45 from Paarl and Simondium.
- Time needed
- about 30 minutes from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek (30 km)
- When
- all year, best in daylight
Our tipHelshoogte has speed cameras, with limits between 60 and 80 km/h depending on the section. If you are coming back from a tasting, let someone else drive: the limit is 0.05 g of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
Helshoogte Pass: frequently asked questions
How do I get to Franschhoek while Franschhoek Pass is closed?
From Stellenbosch you reach Franschhoek over Helshoogte Pass (R310) and the R45, about 30 kilometres in roughly half an hour. From Paarl the R45 leads through Simondium into the valley. Only Franschhoek Pass towards Villiersdorp is closed, as of September 2026.
How high is Helshoogte Pass?
Helshoogte Pass reaches 387 metres, with the summit at the entrance to the Tokara estate. Over 7.1 kilometres the R310 climbs 242 metres.
Is Helshoogte Pass a difficult drive?
Helshoogte Pass is a tarred road, widened to several lanes in 2010. Watch for speed cameras and limits between 60 and 80 km/h.