Why is Gamkaskloof called Die Hel?
Die Hel. The only formal road by which the Gamkaskloof can be accessed drops very steeply for almost 579 metres (547 yards) before reaching the valley settlement. It is believed that the name Die Hel was derived from the Afrikaans word helling or hel, meaning a steep dip or incline.
How was swartberg formed?
About 330 million years ago, as the continents collided to form the super continent of Pangea, a subduction zone formed in the south, causing the CSG to undergo uplift and compression, which deformed and folded the previously horizontal layers, forming a mountain range up to 7 km high.
Where is Swartberg Pass in South Africa?
Western Cape province
The Swartberg Pass on the R328 runs over the Swartberg mountain range (black mountain in English) which runs roughly east–west along the northern edge of the semi-arid area called the Little Karoo in the Western Cape province of South Africa.
Do you need a 4×4 for Swartberg Pass?
The road is totally unpaved but you don’t need a big 4×4 car to climb the pass. It can be driven in any vehicle in fair weather. The unpaved sections of the road can be a little treacherous and tricky in wet weather and impassable when wet. The pass has a unique climate, often with cool, misty clouds covering the top.
Do you need a 4×4 for Die Hel?
Located in the Swartberg Mountains, the road is 37km long. Die Hel is an isolated valley in the Swartberg Mountains between Oudtshoorn and Prince Alber in South Africa, accessible via only one (rather dangerous) 4×4-only road, and is cut-off during the rainy season when the Gamka River comes down in flood.
How long is the Montagu Pass?
The Montagu Pass lays claim to being the oldest, unaltered pass still in use in South Africa. This 7.4km narrow gravel road was completed in 1848 and built to replace the highly dangerous Cradock Pass. The pass climbs to an altitude of 780m passing through indigenous forest and mountain fynbos.
Is the Swartberg pass closed?
Due to rockfalls the Swartberg Pass will remain closed for the weekend. A huge boulder can be seen in the pictures, which is close to Eerstewater, smaller rocks and sand also spread out sround the area….Standard Operating Hours.
| Mondays – Thursdays | 07:30 – 16:30 |
|---|---|
| Saturdays & Sundays | Closed |
How long did it take to build the Swartberg pass?
Employing 100 Mozambicans from Delagoa Bay he started construction from the Prince Albert side of the mountain in 1881, but after 13 months of toil he had advanced only 6 kilometres.
Can you drive Swartberg pass with a normal car?
The pass is very long at 23,8 km and it takes about an hour to drive, excluding stops. You will be treated to a wide variety of incredible scenery. The pass is not suitable for anyone suffering from acrophobia. It can be driven in any vehicle in fair weather.
Can you drive the Swartberg Pass with a car?
The Swartberg Pass is for many South Africans, the rubicon of gravel road passes. The pass is not suitable for anyone suffering from acrophobia. It can be driven in any vehicle in fair weather.
Is the Swartberg Pass closed?
Is Swartberg Pass safe to drive?
The pass is not suitable for anyone suffering from acrophobia. It can be driven in any vehicle in fair weather. The Swartberg Pass has almost too much to offer the traveller with a never ending changing set of views – each as awe inspiring as the one before.
Which is the best place to stay in Swartberg?
Swartberg Gastehuis / Guest House is situated in the historical Mill Street in Caledon and offer a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. Caledon is centrally situated in the Overberg which makes it the ideal base from which to explore this interesting region.
Is there a road through the Swartberg range?
The Meiringspoort provides paved road transit through the Swartberg range, using the route largely carved by a river. The poort connects the town of De Rust in the south, with the town of Klaarstroom in the north.
How to contact Swartberg guesthouse in Overberg?
Please contact us on 082 940 2559 or [email protected] to enquire about your accommodation needs in the Overberg region. Swartberg Guesthouse has been listed as the number 1 accomidation in Caledon for quite a while now.
Which is higher the Tierberg or the Swartberg?
The Greater Swartberg is located to the east, with the dividing line between the two ranges being the Gamka River, which cuts a gorge directly through the range. This section, almost of a similar height, is slightly lower in elevation, with the Tierberg (Leopard Mountain) at 2132 m being the highest.