Swartberg Pass to Die Hel (Gamkaskloof) — overnight camping review
Went through last weekend in a Ford Ranger 4x4. Here is the full report.
The approach road is graded gravel for the first 45km then transitions to a proper 4x4 track. We had 2 vehicles in convoy which made recovery easy when the lead vehicle got axle-deep in a rut. Total distance from the gate to our campsite was 59km and took 4 hours.
Camping: The campsite has a communal kitchen and hot showers. Signal is Vodacom only near the gate.
Fuel: filled up in the last town before the turn-off. Diesel consumption was around 11L/100km on the technical sections — budget for higher than your tar road figure. We carried 23L spare in jerry cans.
The wildlife is genuinely spectacular. Happy to answer any questions from people planning this route.
4 Replies
Thanks for the report — this is exactly what I needed. Heading there in September with two other rigs (D-Max AT35) and have been debating whether to take the longer alternate route. Based on your description, I think we will stick to the main track.
Solo or convoy? I ask because I am planning this as a solo trip which I know is not ideal. My Garmin inReach Mini gives me a bit of confidence but keen to hear your view on whether it is sensible alone.
Good write-up. One thing to add from our trip there — the water situation has changed since the last reports I read. They have installed a new water tank at the halfway point which changes the water carrying calculations.
— an_nell
Solo or convoy? I ask because I am planning this as a solo trip which I know is not ideal. My Garmin inReach Mini gives me a bit of confidence but keen to hear your view on whether it is sensible alone.