Your Guide To Gamkaskloof
go! - South Africa|July 2017

Gamkaskloof in the Swartberg is a place where you can escape the world. It’s a daunting drive into the valley, but once you’re there the daily grind will be a distant memory. Need help planning a visit? Here’s everything you need to know.

Erns Grundling
Your Guide To Gamkaskloof

In go! #131 we interviewed Annetjie Joubert, the last person born in Gamkaskloof to still spend time there. She spoke of how the kloof continues to tug at her heart and it’s true: Once you’ve been to this remote valley in the Swartberg, you’ll be lured back again and again.

Die Hel – the valley’s other name – is not a hell at all. It offers respite from everyday life; you’ll discover a calmness that you might have forgotten about. You’ll feel that calmness washing over you as you crawl up the Swartberg Pass and feel it swell as you leave civilisation even further behind at the turn-off.

The road to Gamkaskloof was opened in 1962 and it changed the valley forever. The insular farming community, in existence since the 1830s, now had unfettered access to the outside world. Within two decades, the valley emptied out as residents left to pursue opportunities in the surrounding towns and cities.

Thankfully, the Joubert family, CapeNature and a group of entrepreneurs at Boplaas have joined forces to preserve the history of this World Heritage Site. It’s like entering another world: There’s no cellphone reception, no electricity, no fuel pumps or Internet access, just silence, peace and stars. Bliss!

FONTEIN GUEST FARM

Many people believe that you can only get to Gamkaskloof in a 4x4 or on a motorbike. This isn’t true. The gravel road is challenging, but it’s definitely manageable in a sedan if you drive slowly. (I saw a brave Nissan Micra during my visit.) That said, a vehicle with decent ground clearance is recommended.

From the Swartberg Pass, the Gamkaskloof road eventually arrives at the infamous hairpin bends above the valley. Pull over at a safe spot and take some photos, then wind your way slowly to the bottom.

Bu hikaye go! - South Africa dergisinin July 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye go! - South Africa dergisinin July 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

GO! - SOUTH AFRICA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Rolling out the big guns
go! - South Africa

Rolling out the big guns

If you're still scanning the horizon for a Chinese automotive invasion you're looking the wrong way. It's already happening, and the new GWM Tank is the off-road spearhead into the highly lucrative and hotly contested lifestyle market.

time-read
2 dak  |
June/July 2024
TAKE A HIKE
go! - South Africa

TAKE A HIKE

The beautiful agony of Tienuurkop

time-read
3 dak  |
June/July 2024
Time out in Dullies
go! - South Africa

Time out in Dullies

A long weekend in Dullstroom is just long enough to make you realise you need to spend several more weekends here! There's food, drink, art and action in abundance. Here's your guide.

time-read
4 dak  |
June/July 2024
Gallivanting in the Galápagos!
go! - South Africa

Gallivanting in the Galápagos!

The Galápagos Islands are on many a traveller's wish list. They were on Hanlie and Vivian Gericke's too, even though the price of visiting made their eyes water. Was it worth it? Read on...

time-read
9 dak  |
June/July 2024
BURCHELL AND THE COUNTRY OF THE BUSHMEN
go! - South Africa

BURCHELL AND THE COUNTRY OF THE BUSHMEN

How many times have you driven through a landscape and wished you could have seen it centuries ago? In 1811, the English artist and explorer, William John Burchell, travelled through South Africa. Join us as we follow in his footsteps.

time-read
10+ dak  |
June/July 2024
Long live the Hibiscus Coast
go! - South Africa

Long live the Hibiscus Coast

The KZN South Coast is a national treasure. It's still the place to go if you want a classic seaside holiday complete with warm waves, cold beer, soft serve and good vibes. Here's your guide.

time-read
8 dak  |
June/July 2024
The island at the end of the earth
go! - South Africa

The island at the end of the earth

Imagine adlace-with the cleanest air arid:the clearest seawater, where_no human.oranimabwants to:harm you: A placewhere the climates balmy. year-round:-with a sekrhistory ahd wwild scenery. A place like this:exist8” and it’s called St Helena.

time-read
10+ dak  |
June/July 2024
A day on the road
go! - South Africa

A day on the road

You never know what the road will bring. Toast Coetzer heads south on the N1 and discovers South Africa.

time-read
5 dak  |
June/July 2024
The wilder shore
go! - South Africa

The wilder shore

The final leg of a 30-day trek across East Africa sees lan Tyrer and the Africa - Wild & Untamed crew explore both shores of Lake Malawi. Get ready for an overloaded ferry, a croc attack and being surrounded by elephants...

time-read
10+ dak  |
February/March 2024
A river runs through it
go! - South Africa

A river runs through it

Sabie is onthe Drakensberg escaromentialongMpumalanga’s famous Panorama Route. Want a weekend away surrounded by forests and waterfalls? Here's wnat you need to know.

time-read
10 dak  |
February/March 2024