Cogmanskloof Rock Tunnel R62

About Cogmanskloof Rock Tunnel R62

The Cogmanskloof Rock Tunnel is a historic 16-meter-long tunnel on the R62 between Ashton and Montagu, featuring a 19th-century British fort perched on top. It is part of the 6.5km scenic Cogmanskloof Pass (or poort), which connects the Little Karoo to the Breede River Valley. The Tunnel: Constructed in 1877 by Thomas Bain, it is noted as the oldest solid rock road tunnel in South Africa that was originally constructed without concrete support. The Fort: An old English fort, declared a national monument in 1999, sits directly above the tunnel, built around 1899 during the Anglo-Boer War. Location: The tunnel serves as a "window to the Little Karoo," marking the entrance to Montagu when traveling on the R62 from Ashton. Geography & Hazards: The road follows the Kingna River through a narrow gorge featuring dramatic folding rock formations. The area is prone to flooding, which has necessitated significant road upgrades over the years.