African Safari Photos -
Gamkaskloof ("The Hell")

The Gamkaskloof is a wilderness destination that will truly delight the hearts of people enjoying wild and lonely places. It is situated in a secluded valley in the heart of the Swartberg Mountains, Karoo, South Africa and can only be reached by road.

Click here to go directly to our Gamkaskloof Picture Gallery

You first need to cross the Swartberg Mountain Pass either from Oudtshoorn or from Prince Albert. At the top of the pass you will find the turn off that descends into The Hell or "Die Hel" as it is also known as locally in Afrikaans.

It is possible to make this a day trip. Just make sure that you allow yourself ample time for the journey. It takes 2 hours to complete the trip of 50 kilometer from the turn off at the top of the Swartberg Pass to the bottom and another two hours back.

The gravel road itself is in good condition and an ordinary sedan will make it. At the bottom of the valley it may be a different story. We were there just after the river flooded and all the drifts and much of the road were washed away so a vehicle with high ground clearance was essential. So, be sure to check the condition of the road before tackling the trip.

Personally, I think if you are going make the effort to visit this beautiful, wild valley, you should at least stay a couple of nights to really enjoy this remote destination. Accommodation is available in the form of camping as well as self catering chalets.

Click on any of the Gamkaskloof Pictures in the Gallery below to make them bigger...

	The entrance to Gamkaskloof at the top of the Swartberg Pass. From here on in, especially the last section, which is very steep, is slow going. Be patient, take your time and enjoy. make sure that your driver is not afraid of heights!
	The road stretches into the distance. At first the going is leisurely, crossing the occasional stream and winding along the mountains.
	As you can see the road is in good condition and well maintained. The scenery, off course is stunning!
	As you climb higher and higher, it sometimes feels like viewing the landscape out of an airplane...
	...and then finally, your first glimpse down into the valley with bits of the road snaking down the steep mountain side. Here, on this last section, the road is very steep and narrow with numerous hairpin bends to negotiate before you reach the bottom and can give a huge sigh of relief!
	There are two camping venues to choose from. One is privately owned and the other is managed by Cape Nature Conservation. We stayed at the Cape Nature Camping site and thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet. We were lucky enough to be the only people camping in the reserve at the time.
	The stands are shady with lots of space to set up camp. This is quite rustic and there is no electricity but this all adds to the experience of a wilderness camp.
	The ablutions are basic but neat and clean with plenty of hot water provided by means of gas powered geysers.
	The valleys widens at this point and this where the original settlers of Gamkaskloof lived and farmed.
	The cottages are neatly restored and can be used for overnight accommodation if you prefer this to camping.
	Another of the cottages restored to its original condition.
	The old schoolhouse and the schoolmasters residence.
	A view of the way back out of the valley. If you look carefully, you will see the pass zig-zagging across the mountain in the middle of the picture.
	A closer view of the road cutting across the mountainside.
	As you drive up the pass you are greeted with this magnificent view over the valley showing the road snaking below you.
	Each hairpin bend later shows you how much you have climbed in such a short distance...
	...higher...
	...and higher...
	...until you have your final glimpse of Gamkaskloof, now just a narrow strip of green far beneath you.
	Once you are back on top the road is immediately wider and the going a lot easier...
	...and you can sit back, relax and enjoy the splendor of the mountains around you.
	One last look at the clouds spilling over the mountain tops before we continue our journey down the Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert Hamlet .