Die Hel
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- Koos ArnoldPort Elizabeth, South Africa11 contributionsGamkas Kloof and Swartberg PassWe planned this bucket list trip for a while. And was joined by 2 friends, Ian and June. Arrival on 5 March 2024. Departed 7th March 2024. What an adventure traversing the pass. The heights were daunting, yet exciting. And we loved every minute thereof. Leaving the valley on 7th March was a different experience. Climbing up and over the ridges was a completely changed adventure. We enjoyed the views immensely and enjoyed the drive upwards. To visit it again, and spend a little longer exploring the Gamkas Kloof Valley (die hel).Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 12 March 2024
- Robert LCape Town, South Africa288 contributionsSpectacular scenery!The name is not far off as to what one can expect!! The drive was VERY slow and took us four and a half hours to complete the journey to our ultimate destination of only 41 kms. The scenery is nothing short of spectacular and it's a positive to do if it's on your bucket list. We came across kudu, klipspringers and a large variety of bird life. We stayed in "Die Kliphuis" which was really well fitted out and comfortable. Supper, booked earlier, was sent to our cottage and consisted of lamb chops with all the trimmings. I can recommend placing an order as it was really worth while. If you are a hiker, which I'm not, you can enjoy a great time in the open with lots of places to go. Will I do it again??? No, I don't have the patience to negotiate the slow drive again! Nevertheless, I wouldn't have missed attempting it at least once!Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 13 March 2024
- Discover427208666551 contributionA Must Do ExperienceWhat an awesome experience!!! Worth driving 2 hours to The Hell taking in the breathtaking scenery and friendly Klipspringers ;-) And upon arriving meeting beautiful people - Marinette & Pieter as well as kids. Interesting info about The Hell. Awesome accommodation, delicious food and several items to buy as well as jam. If possible, rather stay over for 2 nights at least. Suggestion: Travel via De Rust and Meiringspoort towards Prince Albert. Take the Swartbergpas before Prince Albert towards The Hell. When leaving The Hell, travel via the Swartbergpas towards Oudtshoorn. In Oudtshoorn, don't forget to buy fresh Roosterkoeke at the robot crossing nearest from the Wimpy.Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 10 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
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Doug E
Knysna, South Africa
Feb 2021
You would need to decide why you are contemplating a visit in the first place. An interest in geology or history would be good reasons, or maybe just to enjoy the experience of getting there. Once there, there is not much to do, other than to enjoy the peace and tranquility, the absolute quiet and pitch black nights when no moon is visible. There is no wifi, no mobile data and precious little electricity. The museum is interesting and there is a shop which serves light meals, bottled fruit et al. The road to Die Hell is a long and winding one, bumpy and rough in many places. Sedans are not suitable. 4x4 or high clearance vehicles with tough tyres only. There are some fairly steep inclines/declines and sharp drops offs, from the road to the valleys below. Once there it is recommended to spend the night, just to get the full feel of the place. It's very hot in summer. The scenery from the road is great but not as good as Swartberg pass nearby.
Written 15 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IL GOLOSARIO
Viadana, Italy
Aug 2023 • Couples
An experience absolutely worth TRYING.
Journey of almost 50 km into nowhere.
We contacted the almost 77 year old John Donkey who with his Ford Everest ferried us like Charon at the end of everything.
Ten hours of "bastard" road, bone-breaking!!!
We saw a ton of animals....all great. If you find yourself in some "accommodation" in Prince Albert ask the owners to recommend a driver.
John Donkey has been doing this for 40 years and won't continue for that long!!!
Journey of almost 50 km into nowhere.
We contacted the almost 77 year old John Donkey who with his Ford Everest ferried us like Charon at the end of everything.
Ten hours of "bastard" road, bone-breaking!!!
We saw a ton of animals....all great. If you find yourself in some "accommodation" in Prince Albert ask the owners to recommend a driver.
John Donkey has been doing this for 40 years and won't continue for that long!!!
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Franzdorette
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
Feb 2022
An experience not to miss!
This place is an adventure one should not miss. Although th eroad is challenging it is still worth the effort. Nature in all its splendour, wild flowers and even some small game entertain you driving to of from the floor of the valley.
Although you do not need a 4x4 vehicle, I will not recommend using a vehicle that does not have very good ground clearance.
This place is an adventure one should not miss. Although th eroad is challenging it is still worth the effort. Nature in all its splendour, wild flowers and even some small game entertain you driving to of from the floor of the valley.
Although you do not need a 4x4 vehicle, I will not recommend using a vehicle that does not have very good ground clearance.
Written 23 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa S
Prince Albert
Apr 2019
No truer words than "its the Journey not the Destination" the 70 kms dirt road with its many twists turns ups and downs is breath taking and you might be lucky enough to see some game. Bird watching paradise if you have the time. Then into DIe Hel where you step back in time and experience what life must have been like for the families. Gamkaskloof is a special place its a tough journey to get there but once you are there you will never forget your experience ..
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annette I
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Aug 2022
My friend and I had a tourguide John Donkey that took us to Die Hel. It was an amazing experience. The road is only for 4x4 cars to drive on. This trip is filled with stories about rocks and there are beautiful flowers, animals & birds
At Die Hel kiosk we had a delicious lunch
This trip takes a few hours, but it is worth every hour. Especially if you have a person like John Donkey that can tell one about everything on this trip.
At Die Hel kiosk we had a delicious lunch
This trip takes a few hours, but it is worth every hour. Especially if you have a person like John Donkey that can tell one about everything on this trip.
Written 22 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pabloInGamba
Iloilo Province, Philippines
Jul 2022 • Family
The road to the Kloof needs a 4*4 since it has not been repaired for a long time, but it is not difficult to drive. The scenery is gorgeous. Animals all over. Take drinks & snacks and take your time. At the Kloof, another few kilometers and you reach Fonteinplaas, the only remaining working farm in De Kloof. After a huge fire 3 years ago, they rebuild the cottages and actually improved the facilities. At the restaurant, there is good food, boer-style and drinks. We slept 3 nights there and still would have liked to stay longer to explore the area a bit more. The Kliphuis was lovely. Secluded and comfortable, no nonsense. Showers, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms. Everything clean and functional.
We came in winter, but the valley temperatures were OK, a lot warmer than on the mountain. In summer, it will also be great as there is a simple dipping pond and the way to the river is not long.
We will be back again and again, I love the place.
We came in winter, but the valley temperatures were OK, a lot warmer than on the mountain. In summer, it will also be great as there is a simple dipping pond and the way to the river is not long.
We will be back again and again, I love the place.
Written 30 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jul 2024 • Friends
What an awesome experience!!! Worth driving 2 hours to The Hell taking in the breathtaking scenery and friendly Klipspringers ;-)
And upon arriving meeting beautiful people - Marinette & Pieter as well as kids. Interesting info about The Hell. Awesome accommodation, delicious food and several items to buy as well as jam.
If possible, rather stay over for 2 nights at least.
Suggestion:
Travel via De Rust and Meiringspoort towards Prince Albert. Take the Swartbergpas before Prince Albert towards The Hell.
When leaving The Hell, travel via the Swartbergpas towards Oudtshoorn.
In Oudtshoorn, don't forget to buy fresh Roosterkoeke at the robot crossing nearest from the Wimpy.
And upon arriving meeting beautiful people - Marinette & Pieter as well as kids. Interesting info about The Hell. Awesome accommodation, delicious food and several items to buy as well as jam.
If possible, rather stay over for 2 nights at least.
Suggestion:
Travel via De Rust and Meiringspoort towards Prince Albert. Take the Swartbergpas before Prince Albert towards The Hell.
When leaving The Hell, travel via the Swartbergpas towards Oudtshoorn.
In Oudtshoorn, don't forget to buy fresh Roosterkoeke at the robot crossing nearest from the Wimpy.
Written 10 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Skaris
Camps Bay, South Africa
Feb 2021
We rode Adventure Bikes into Die Hel.
I was on a 1200 GSA.. no problem.. we stayed right at the end of Die Hel.. (about 70km) from the turn off... 2 hrs ride.. with stops for pics..
Road is okay except they were grading it so that section was a bit tricky for the heavy bikes... i survived.. beautiful scenery, a definite must to check out..
Strictly self catering.. so be prepared.. we stayed at Bo plaas.. Hannes huis.. very nice...
Bad fire through there just over a year ago.. so lots is burnt..
Im glad we experienced Die Hel.
I was on a 1200 GSA.. no problem.. we stayed right at the end of Die Hel.. (about 70km) from the turn off... 2 hrs ride.. with stops for pics..
Road is okay except they were grading it so that section was a bit tricky for the heavy bikes... i survived.. beautiful scenery, a definite must to check out..
Strictly self catering.. so be prepared.. we stayed at Bo plaas.. Hannes huis.. very nice...
Bad fire through there just over a year ago.. so lots is burnt..
Im glad we experienced Die Hel.
Written 15 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra Scheepers
Drakensberg
Jan 2020 • Couples
Taking a step back in time! Sleeping in a beautiful stone carved cottage with just silence as a companion. Delicious supper and breakfast in a tranquil setting. Such a pleasant surprise and experience. Beautiful scenic albeit scary road but so worth the trip
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dorothy d
Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
Dec 2021 • Family
I have no idea what to say. Fear of heights.... to such an extreme to exit 2hrs before the sun is even up. It is such a beautiful place to visit. I have anxiety and it was not the best place for me, but for the normal person this would be heaven on earth! Everyone SHOULD have this on their bucket list.
Written 29 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi I have an Audi Q3 Quattro , would I be able to make it do Die Hel ? Thanks
Written 27 July 2024
Hi, yes you shouldn't have any problems with the Audi. You can get by with a double cab 4x2 as well.
Written 28 July 2024
Yvonne B
Pretoria, South Africa
Is there a firm in Prins Albert or Oudtshoorn that do excursions to take you to The Hell and back?
Written 23 July 2019
Would a Toyota Hilux bakkie with a raised body be able handle these roads
Written 19 February 2019
I want to travel down with my Jeep Wrangler short wheel base and my adventure bike on bike trailer 2m x 2.5m...is this advisable?
Written 7 November 2017
It is possible BUT some sections are really rocky / rough patches where washed out. Some sections are narrow and depending on time of day / week oncoming traffic can be problematic(with a trailer hitched) as you have to "hug" the edge to allow traffic to pass. My opinion ride the bike in & out while companion follows with Jeep. When we were there bikes aplenty on the road!
Written 8 November 2017
I am trailering my adventure bike down and would like to experience Die Hel on the bike. Do I or can I do a day trip on the bike ? Where can I leave the car ? Is Prince Albert the better entry exit point for a trip like this ?
Written 13 January 2015
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