Apparently first known as Edmonton when pass builder extraordinaire Thomas Bain and his family lived there in the 1860s, the village later adopted its current name, De Vlugt. While no records seem to exist as to the name's origin, its Dutch meaning perhaps best translates as "The Escape", a fitting moniker.
The De Vlugt gravel road pass, also known as the R339 pass, is a scenic drive located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The pass connects the towns of Uniondale and Willowmore, and is approximately 24 km long. The road is mostly gravel and can be challenging to navigate, particularly during wet weather.
Today, it remains an important transport link in the area, although it is also a popular tourist attraction. It took Bain four years to build the pass.
The pass is known for its stunning natural beauty, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including a number of bird species.