Klein Karoo Odyssey

The tour group meet each other just after lunchtime in Barrydale, one of the most iconic towns in the whole of the Klein Karoo. Make sure to arrive early so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the restaurants, shops, art galleries and antique shops around town before we depart as a group.  

From Barrydale we drive west to Montagu. Montagu lies at the westernmost edge of the Klein Karoo and is a town steeped in rich history. We spend the afternoon here, exploring both the natural and human stories of the area.

Before meeting the rest of the group each vehicle must ensure that all final logistical details such as the filling of fuel tanks and personal shopping (snacks, drinks, medication, etc.) are completed. At dinner time we'll discuss the route itinerary for the rest of the tour and what to expect on our full first day on the road.

Today our journey leads us north to a region of the Klein Karoo that sees very few visitors. After breakfast we leave Montagu and take on the 38 bends of the Ouberg Pass. On the other side of the pass a beautiful gravel road leads us to Anysberg Nature Reserve.

The nearly 80 000 hectares of Anysberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in a long valley between the majestic Cape Fold Mountains. We spend two nights here to fully relish in the solitude, unspoiled natural beauty and starry night skies. The reserve also boasts one of the most scenic plaas dam swimming pools you’ll ever see!

We start the day with a wholesome breakfast before heading for the eastern gate of Anysberg. Here our route leads us to the northern entrance of the stunning Seweweekspoort. We take our time traveling through the imposing mountain peaks before passing the missionary villages of Amalienstien and Zoar before reaching Ladismith.

From Ladismith we set course for another lesser-travelled region of the Klein Karoo, skimming the southern slopes of the Rooiberg mountains en route to Van Wyksdorp. Once again we experience the peace and quiet of the Klein Karoo around a lovely campfire. 

Our convoy turns north once more, this time traversing the striking Rooiberg Pass. After enjoying the panoramic views from the top of the pass, we descend into the Olifants River valley below. Here we follow the historic R62 road eastward to the outskirts of Oudtshoorn.

During our time here we visit an ostrich show farm for an inside look at this world famous industry. We also visit the other world famous attraction for which Oudtshoorn is known for, the spectacular Cango Caves.

Today’s driving distance is not very far, but includes two of the most famous mountain passes in all of South Africa, the Swartberg Pass and the Gamkaskloof Pass.

After breakfast we depart for the start of the Swartberg Pass, not far from our campsite. We follow the winding pass up the Swartberg mountains for a sweeping view over the plains of the Klein Karoo from the top. Just beyond the summit we reach the start of the Gamkaskloof Pass, a dirt road descending eastward into a valley known as Die Hel. We spend the night in Die Hel and meet some of its isolated inhabitants.

The next morning we enjoy breakfast in Die Hel and before turning back west to continue our journey. The Gamkaskloof Pass leads us back to the top of the Swartberg Pass where we turn north. We take our time descending the northern section of the Swartberg Pass before reaching the town of Prins Albert.

We spend two nights in the Prins Albert area. By this time we’ve settled into the slow rhythm of the Karoo and our leisure time here gives us the chance to explore the quaint town, meet some of its collection of artists and revel in the unspoilt landscape.

We depart Prins Albert in an easterly direction for a quick drive to the northern entrance of the majestic Meiringspoort. After visiting its famous waterfall we continue south through the poort to De Rust and onwards to Uniondale.

Uniondale is known as the eastern border of the Klein Karoo and it is here that we can finally say we’ve driven the entire length of the region. Yet our journey does not end here, since one more breathtaking mountain pass awaits. We traverse the Prins Alfred Pass from north to south, travelling along a historic route linking the Klein Karoo to the coast. 

Our last evening is spent under the forest canopy at Diepwalle, one of the most stunning sections of the Knysna Forest. Here, around a warm campfire one last time, we reflect on a discovery of the Klein Karoo’s hidden magic!

After a final hearty breakfast, the Bhejane crew bid you farewell. From camp the N9 and N2 highways are within a stone’s throw for your onward journey.