If you think you aren’t tough enough for the Baviaanskloof, why not try the tamer Groot River route? It’s a pleasantly laid-back alternative, but nevertheless gravel travel at its best, says Liesl Hattingh.

Most of us have heard of the Baviaanskloof: that remote Eastern Cape wilderness known for its world-class scenery and a source of countless anecdotes about travellers getting stuck or having to drive on eggshells, so to speak. It’s a place that absolutely thrills off-roaders.

But are you familiar with the Baviaanskloof’s tamer cousin, namely the Groot River route between Willowmore and Patensie? Hmm, didn’t think so.

This route, which runs parallel to the Baviaanskloof on the Karoo side (to the north) of the Baviaanskloof Mountains, meanders gently along the Groot River and is a great gravel alternative to the Baviaanskloof.

And, if you have enough time, it could even make up the other half of a challenging circular route.

Starting at Willowmore, the route runs along 97 km of good gravel road to Steytlerville, and from there it passes through the Groot River Poort, where the Baviaanskloof and the Groot Winterhoek Mountains meet.

As long as it hasn’t rained, you won’t even need a 4x4 – just about any vehicle with good ground clearance will do the trick.

If you’re in a hurry, you could easily lick the 216 km route within a day, but why would you want to? There’s so much to see and do along the way that even a weekend is barely enough.

Even if you’re a woman travelling on your own, as I was, there’s no need to worry. Just take a deep breath, as one tends to do in the inviting expanse of the old Karoo anyway, and off you go.