Unplanned Adventure

[ READER TRAVEL ] 3 900 KM WITH NO RESERVATIONS

- Jacobus Wolfaardt

With our Isuzu KB350 and Desert Runner rooftop tent on our self-customised trailer, we tackled our adventure that would take us almost 3 900 kilometres.

We left our home in Aliwal North with only a vague idea of the direction in which we wanted to go – we did not make any reservations, and did not have any definite plans.

About 10 km outside Graaff-Reinett, a thunderstorm hit. We saw this as a test for the rooftop tent, whether the cover is waterproof. By late afternoon we arrived at Beaufort West and decided to stay in the Karoo National Park for the night.

The resort is nice and clean, and the staff at reception are friendly and helpful.

The next day we head out to one of the few actual placed we set down to visit, Die Hel. Driving via Prince Albert and over the Swartberg Pass, the scenery takes your breath away. Even though it is a gravel road, it’s in excellent condition.

We stopped at the turn-off to Gamkaskloof to deflate the wheels.

The road is rocky but not too bad, and it takes us about three hours. We are left speechless by the drive. Who would have thought that this dry area would be so beautiful?