This lovely, old (and very well designed) pass is unfortunately only suitable for 4WD vehicles with good ground clearance. Can also be done with dual purpose motorbike and vehicle with fair ground clearance. This was the first proper road down the mountain plateau towards the Overberg and was constructed by Andrew Geddes Bain in 1846. The line chosen was very cleverly done allowing for a major climb to take place at very comfortable gradients. The old pass is in a pictureque setting as it follows the course of the Jakkals River, which is a tributary of the Bot River. The Jakkalsrivier shares the narrow ravine with the road and the railway line. Sections of the pass falls within or close to, the Houw Hoek Nature Reserve.
Interesting info - http://www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za/find-a-pass/western-cape/item/250-houw-hoek-pass-old.html