Baviaanskloof eastern section — all 23 river crossings depth guide after rain
Went through last school holidays in a Ford Ranger XLT. Here is the full report.
The eastern section has 23 river crossings. We checked the Smitskraal depth before entering — it was sitting at 380mm which is easy enough. The 17th crossing near Doodsklip is the one that catches people — rocky bottom with a slight camber that wants to push you downstream. Walk it before you drive it. Permits at the Poortjies gate cost R20 per person per day, cash or card.
Camping: Doodsklip campsite is brilliant — flat spots for roof tents, cold ablutions, braai area. Book through CapeNature.
Fuel: filled up in the last town before the turn-off. Diesel consumption was around 13L/100km on the technical sections — budget for higher than your tar road figure. We carried 20L spare in jerry cans.
The whole experience is unlike anything else in SA. Happy to answer any questions from people planning this route.
4 Replies
Nice one, christo. Did you do the shortcut via the farm road? We skipped it last time and regretted it. Adding it to the plan for our next trip.
Thanks for the report — this is exactly what I needed. Heading there in October with two other rigs (Hilux GD6) and have been debating whether to take the longer alternate route. Based on your description, I think we will stick to the main track.
Thanks for the report — this is exactly what I needed. Heading there in October with two other rigs (Hilux GD6) and have been debating whether to take the longer alternate route. Based on your description, I think we will stick to the main track.
— boetie_botha
Nice one, christo. Did you do the shortcut via the farm road? We skipped it last time and regretted it. Adding it to the plan for our next trip.
Thanks for the report — this is exactly what I needed. Heading there in October with two other rigs (D-Max AT35) and have been debating whether to take the longer alternate route. Based on your description, I think we will stick to the main track.