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Barrydale, like all little Little Karoo villages, has known times of hardship and prosperity. Today is the centre of a prosperous farming district, it enjoys perfect year round weather and its wonderful scenic setting attracts a steadily growing number of visitors.

Barrydale is situated in transitional veld on the northern opening of the Tradouws pass leading through the Langeberg mountain range. The mountain range on the south of the town has fynbos vegetation, while the area north of the town is the beginning of the winter rainfall succulent Karoo.

The village was named after James Barry, an early settler in the Overberg, who was not only a trader but acted as lawyer, agent and auctioneer, deputy sheriff and commandant of militia. He became a member of the legislative Council when representative government was granted to the Cape in 1854.

The region was previously referred to as Kannaland on a map produced in 1843, this name being derived from the genus, Kanna. This area has a higher rainfall than the Karoo, which gave rise to permanent populations of Quena or Hottentot people of the Attaqua tribe in the low lying floor of the valley and to the Bushmen / Khoisan, who inhabited the mountains.

Early visitors were Isaac Schrijver and his party, who were sent to this area in 1689 by Simon van der Stel and Lady Anne Barnard, who travelled in the Overberg and Little Karoo in 1798.

In time the farmers who settled on the lands in the valley at the top of the Tradouw Pass (Tradouw is a Hottentot word meaning "the women's poort or footpath"), decided they wanted their own church and the chosen spot was at the point where the R62 and R324 meet. Thus the village owes its existence to both a church and crossroads.

After the demise of the Barrydale era the man who began to put Barrydale on the map was a William Sterner, who arrived in Barrydale as a "smous", (street vendor) he became Barrydale's financial success story owning the general dealer shop, the hotel, the draper's, the shoemaker's and the gunsmith's.

Barrydale grew over the years and by 1921 the Municipality was established. The Barrydale Koöperative Wynkelder was formed in 1940 and distillery set up. The farmers were encouraged to plant vineyards, and orchards, growing fruit for canning and export.

The Tradouw Pass is renowned for its wild flowers in spring, clusters of blazing red aloes in late autumn, breathtaking waterfalls in winter and magnificent swimming pools in summer. As you drive along, enjoy this beautiful Pass and admire Sir Thomas Bain's genius for carving a pass through such rugged terrain without the help of modern technology.

In 1869 a work force of many convicts was transferred from the completed Robinson Pass between Oudtshoorn and Mossel Bay. The Pass was declared open on 27th October 1873 by the Governor's wife, Lady Barkley.

In 1974, after years of planning, the Pass was rebuilt, widened in places, hairpin bends removed and completely tarred. 4000 aloes and 2500 indigenous trees and shrubs were planted. In 1980 the Tradouw Pass was re-opened.

A stunning drive take your time and enjoy the beauty, look out for places with names like Drupkelder, Piekniekbos and Suurplaat where you can stop and try and spot the ruins of Anglo Boer War blockhouses. A great route to follow if you are to or from Cape Town.

Back Road Safaris offers individual and group tours and holidays across a tremendous spectrum of tastes, interests and travel styles. This includes meaningful cultural exchanges; family fun; memorable adventures; simple, restful breaks; and special-interest activities like golf, whale watching or wine tasting.

Our value-for-money itineraries are renowned for their cultural diversity, scenic beauty and stunning variety of wildlife. And, of course, the Garden Route and Klein Karoo - our playgrounds - are known for their mild, comfortable weather and warm, friendly hospitality.

Back Road Safaris is based in Mossel Bay - in the heart of the Garden Route and just 40 km from the airport at George.