Tankwa Karoo — Ceres to Calvinia via theR355.
Distance
257 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
900 m
Tankwa Karoo — Ceres to Calvinia via the R355.
The R355 between Ceres and Calvinia is the longest uninterrupted gravel road in South Africa — 257km across the stark, beautiful Tankwa Karoo with no towns, no fuel and no services. Endless succulent-Karoo plains ringed by the Cederberg and Roggeveld escarpments, and some of the darkest night skies on Earth. A true adventure crossing — carry water, tools and spare fuel.
Quick facts
SurfaceOff-road
Distance257 km
Days1
Total climb900 m
DifficultyChallenging
Loading map...
The route.
CeresStart · Fruit-farming town at the foot of the Skurweberg. Your last full-service fuel and water for 250+ km — top up everything. No towns or fuel ahead on the R355.
Tankwa Plains — QuaggakopScenic Point · Endless succulent-Karoo flats between the Cederberg and Roggeveld escarpments. The legendary Tankwa Padstal lies on this stretch — stop for a roosterkoek and a cold drink.
Tankwa Karoo National ParkScenic Point · Detour east into one of SA's most remote parks: succulent wilderness, the Gannaga Pass escarpment climb, and an exceptionally dark night sky.
CalviniaEnd · Roll into Calvinia beneath the Hantam mountains. Famous for its giant post-box and Karoo lamb. Fuel, food and a cold drink — you earned it.
More routes in ZA WC
Gamkaskloof "Die Hel" — Swartberg to the Hidden ValleyZA WC · 74 kmOuteniqua & Robinson Passes — Garden Route to Klein Karoo LoopZA WC · 200 kmTradouw Pass — Swellendam to BarrydaleZA WC · 60 kmSeweweekspoort — Ladismith Karoo Gravel GorgeZA WC · 90 kmPakhuis Pass & Cederberg — Clanwilliam to WupperthalZA WC · 75 kmPrince Alfred's Pass — Knysna to UniondaleZA WC · 85 km
Save this ride. Open the app.
Clone it to your planner, customize dates and stops, then ride. All free.
Open in MotoVault
Navigate this route with GPS