Gamkaskloof or Die Hel

About Gamkaskloof or Die Hel

Gamkaskloof, also known as Die Hel, is a really special full day’s outing, unfortunately only suitable for 4x4 vehicles. Be sure to pack your picnic basket and fill your tank before heading off into the Swartberg as there is no petrol in the valley.

Make a right turn at the sign (37 km), and experience magnificent views as you traverse this part of the Swartberg and meander down the zigzags of Elandspad to the almost ‘forgotten valley’ of the Kloowers, folk who lived in this fertile valley in isolation until 1962. Visit the kiosk for light meals and produce from the valley. Once refreshed, continue along the valley floor, crisscrossing the riverbed. Depending on time of year, it will be either dry or full, but still navigable.

Take time to stop and look at the interesting graveyard, school and schoolhouse 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 watermill and learn more about these ‘almost forgotten’ people.

The return trip will take you almost 2.5 hours; so plan your departure time to arrive back before sunset, as it is not advisable to travel the mountain in the dark. (Total driving time in and out is 5 hours excluding refreshment stops).