Cats Pass Trail

About Cats Pass Trail

Cat’s Pass Trail starts with a steep 2.5 km ascent of the old Cat’s Pass in Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. Built in 1819, the route offers stunning views of the fynbos reserve and Franschhoek Valley. From the summit, the trail then descends for 8 km.

Historic points of interest include Muller’s Bridge, Jan Joubergat Bridge, the Cat’s Toll House and the old outspan, the resting place for travellers and their oxen. The trail is clearly marked and well maintained. Permits and maps are available at the Franschhoek Tourism Office, the Protea Hotel or the Huguenot Museum.

Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is part of the UNESCO declared Boland Biosphere Reserve. The remarkable diversity of fynbos includes beautiful proteas, pincushions, ericas, bulbs and restios.

Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (steep ascent)
Distance: 10.5 km