Gamkakloof
Gamkaskloof or Die Hel is a hidden valley deep in the heart of the Swartberg Mountain Range. The valley runs in an east-west direction and is about 20 km long and 600m wide. Farmers discovered this fertile valley In the early 1800’s and about 160 people settled on several farms. The community farmed grain and vegetables, fruits, tea, and tobacco. They also distilled Witblits (the local spirits) and brewed beer using local wild honey. They used donkeys and carts to carry produce to Prince Albert and Calitzdorp. Eventually, after many years of petitioning, a road was completed in 1962. With this connection to the outside, the community dwindled, as youngsters left and older people retired to the surrounding small towns. Abandoned cottages in the area were sold to the Cape Nature Conservation Board in 1991. The cottages have been renovated and can be booked through Cape Nature.
Access to Gamkaskloof is 50 kilometres along a gravel road that turns off the Swartberg Pass between Die Top and Teeberg. At the end of the gravel road, you will descend into Gamkaskloof on the Elands pass The route is rugged and takes at least 2 hours but is famous for its beauty. There is no fuel available in Gamkaskloof, no electricity and no cell phone reception.
