Come find heaven in Die Hel

A trip down to the historical Gamkaskloof (Die Hel) and its yesteryear community is a must-do in the Little Karoo.

Likewise, you should experience driving the iconic Swartberg Pass at least once in your life. So how about doing both in one go?

Well, you could if you joined Drive Out Tours (offered by Bhejane 4x4 Adventures) during the April school holidays on a day trip up the majestic Swartberg Pass, down to Gamkaskloof and back to Oudtshoorn via Meiringspoort.

And while you’re in Oudtshoorn, you could even join the festivities at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK).

This is why you should come along

• Visit an isolated, remote valley in the heart of the Swartberg range.
  The valley is some 100 km from the buzzing town of Oudtshoorn;
   
• Tackle the exciting some 50 zigzagging kilometres down from the Swartberg Pass to Die Hel.
  It is one of the Little Karoo’s most thrilling gravel roads;
   
• Drive the legendary Swartberg Pass and Meiringspoort, two masterpieces of the pass-building legend Thomas Bain (Meiringspoort is also part of a World Heritage Area);
   
• Marvel at the Little Karoo’s vistas, natural beauty, imposing mountains and rock formations and plants – and indulge in pure, fresh mountain air for a change.

Everything you need to know

How long is the trip?
It’s a daytrip.

When?

• Friday, 2 April
• Sunday, 4 April
• Tuesday, 6 April 
• Wednesday, 7 April

Where does the tour start, and at what time?
We depart at 08.00 for 08.30 from the Wilgewandel farm stall, 25 km from Oudtshoorn on the R328 to the Cango Caves (look out for a Drive Out/WegRy banner to your right).
You should be back in Oudtshoorn just after 17.00.

Do I need a 4x4?
A 4x4 or a 4x2 with high ground clearance will be sufficient.

What do I have to bring?
Yourself and your family or friends, and your own vehicle and fuel (remember, there’s no fuel on the way to or in Die Hel).
If you don’t have your own vehicle, you could possibly go in the guide vehicle, but
then you have to book immediately.

What about food?
A light lunch will be served in Die Hel. What’s more, everyone who joins us gets a padkos snack pack.

What does it cost?
R365 per person

The price includes:

• Lunch and a snack pack
• Park fees
• Two-way radios
• A professional tour leader and adventure guide

What else?

• It’s not a technical 4x4 outing and you don’t need 4x4 experience. If there are rough patches, the Bhejane 4x4 Adventures crew will be on hand with their experience and recovery equipment.
• The Bhejane tour leader, who is also a qualified adventure guide, will be in constant two-way-radio contact with each vehicle to share his knowledge about nature, off-roading and the culture and history of the area.

Yes! I want to go
To book your place, contact Elana van Eck on  021 446 1194 weekdays between 09.00 and 16.30, or send an e-mail to  elana.vaneck@media24.com