Gamkaskloof (Die Hel),
only suitable by 4 x 4 and allow 5 hours for the return trip.
If you do not have a 4 x 4 all is not lost as we have 2 resident qualified Tour Guides, Lindsey of Dennehof Tours or John from John’s Donkey who will gladly take you into Die Hel for the day.
Pack your picnic basket, or pre-order from the Lazy Lizard, fill your tank, as there is no petrol in the valley and head off up the Swartberg Mountain for 20km. Take a right turn at the sign Gamkaskloof - 37km – 2hrs, and experience magnificent views as you traverse this part of the Swartberg and meander down the zigzags of Elandspad, dropping 1000m to the almost ‘forgotten valley’ of the Kloowers who lived in this fertile valley in isolation until 1962.
As you would have been travelling for 2,5 hours, visit the kiosk for light meals and local produce which is only available in the valley. Once refreshed continue driving along the valley floor, criss-crossing the river bed. Take time to stop and look at the interesting grave yard, school and school house as well as various Kloower’s cottages. It will take you around 30 minutes to reach Cape Nature’s kiosk, at the end of the valley, where you can laze under large trees and grass to enjoy your picnic. See the Norse Water-mill and learn more about these ‘almost forgotten’ people.
The return trip will take you about 2,5hrs which you must plan into your timing so that you arrive back before nightfall, as it is not advisable to travel the mountain in the dark. (Total driving time in and out = 5 hours excluding refreshment stops)
Another suggestion, if you wish to experience life down in the Gamkaskloof for the night, (we will gladly send you contact details), you will be hosted by the Joubert’s, and being the last family of Kloowers down in the valley this makes for an interesting experience where you will learn how the name Gamkaskloof came about. Otherwise you can choose to stay at Boplaas which is the only remaining privately owned farm, situated at the far end of the valley.
Returning the following day, taking in more Daytime delights of our special village and return to Karoo View Cottages where we will welcome you back for another special evening under the stars, experiencing the peace and tranquillity that surrounds you.
The Gamkapoort Dam is worth a visit, 45km west from Karoo View Cottages another wonderful day or half day trip, but again only really suitable by 4 x 4, and especially after rain as the dry river beds maybe in full flood, but an awesome experience. The terrain is completely different to the mountainous areas, as you will be travelling through the Karoo farmlands, dotted with windmills along the way. There are 5 farm gates to open and close, but worth the trouble, as this journey takes you from valley to valley between the mountain ranges where you will experience the amazing geological formations as well as sightings of Kudu, Klipspringer, Ostrich, Jackal, Tortoises and Baboons who have the most amazing silky long hair.
You will enter the Cape Nature Conservation area at the dam, continue alongside the dam and around to an area where you can picnic next to the dam, canoe, fish or even take a dip. The Dam was built in 1970, and even though it is close to Prince Albert it was built for the sole purpose of the farmers in Calitzdorp, just on the other side and due to its construction there is now no through road from Prince Albert to Calitzdorp, as the dam covers the original road, which was the main route through to Cape Town in days long gone. (We had a guest stay with us a little while ago who, 53 years ago used this route whilst on a rally)
Don’t forget the numerous Mountain Passes, Poort’s, and Game Farms
All of which are an easy days travelling distance from Karoo View Cottages and Prince Albert.
Here are some suggestions:
• Seweweekspoort between Calitzdorp and Ladismith just off Route 62.
• Bosluiskloof Pass not far from Ladismith.
• Uniondale has a lovely circular route taking in the Potjiesberg Pass to Avontuur and back via Uniondale Poort.
• Outeniqua and Montague Passes, which provide an interesting circular route between Oudtshoorn and George.
Now - Who can say that the Karoo is a plain, desolate and boring place after reading and or experiencing just how much our village of Prince Albert, Karoo View Cottages and surrounding areas have to offer you?
Richard and I would like to invite you and your families to come and share our heaven in the Great Karoo.
We hope that you are able to take the time to STOP and spend some quality time, Experiencing our world,
You are sure to take many memories away with you and you will certainly
Not forget the “smiles” and “waves” From the friendly folk of PRINCE ALBERT.
