Die bergpasse wat Mosselbaai met die Klein-Karoo verbind – 'n historiese oorsig

Abstract

The Lange and Outeniqua Mountains north of Mossel Bay consist of tightly packed
east-west orientated ranges, dissected by numerous small, short rivers and valleys. Peaks within these ranges reach heights of 1 500 metres above sea level, and have a high relative relief. These mountain ranges form formidable obstacles that have hindered access from the coast to the interior since the earliest times. Because these obstacles could only be crossed at certain places, routes were used repeatedly and became known to local people as well as to travellers. Early in the history of South Africa, probably even before the days of the Khoisan, there was a need for a link between the coast and the interior. With the arrival of white settlers at the Cape, the need for a route between the Cape and the
interior became a high priority. This article will give a historical overview of the origin, the historic and present uses of the Attaqua's Kloof, Cloete's and Robinson Passes, as well as the changing interaction between these passes.

Keywords: Mountain passes, routes, Attaqua's Kloof Pass, Cloete's Pass, Robinson Passes, Outeniqua Mountains, Mossel Bay

South Africa Journal of Cultural History Vol. 21 (2) 2007: pp. 139-158