Seweweekspoort

Almost directly opposite the turnoff to Amalienstein, is a road that heads into the Klein Swartberg to Seweweekspoort. It was used by early farmers to penetrate the Great Karoo. It is 17 km long and very rugged, the scenery wild and frequently the slopes or spurs of the mountain leave a narrow pass just broad enough for the stream to find a passage, while precipices of naked rock tower like walls of a natural bastion on both sides. There are various explanations as to the origin of the name Seweweeks-poort: ranging from the length of time it took a commando to take a band of highwaymen into the Great Karoo; or for the authorities to catch a rustler who escaped into the poort; or for a gang of brandy smugglers to return from Beaufort West. Another explanation is that the poort was named after one of the first missionaries from the nearby Amalienstein mission station, namely the Reverend Zerwick and that the locals could not pronounce his name and named it Seweweekspoort. Most authorities though accept the explanation that the name is derived from that of the Seven-week's fern (Polystichum adiantiforum), called Seweweeksvaring in Afrikaans, which occurs in moist places and crevices. The form Seweweekspoort is preferred for official purposes.