Tankwa Karoo β Ceres to Calvinia via theR355.
Distance
257 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
900 m
Tankwa Karoo β Ceres to Calvinia via the R355.
The R355 between Ceres and Calvinia is the longest uninterrupted gravel road in South Africa β 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 β carry water, tools and spare fuel.
Quick facts
SurfaceOff-road
Distance257 km
Days1
Total climb900 m
DifficultyChallenging
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The route.
CeresStart Β· Fruit-farming town at the foot of the Skurweberg. Your last full-service fuel and water for 250+ km β top up everything. No towns or fuel ahead on the R355.
Tankwa Plains β QuaggakopScenic Point Β· Endless succulent-Karoo flats between the Cederberg and Roggeveld escarpments. The legendary Tankwa Padstal lies on this stretch β stop for a roosterkoek and a cold drink.
Tankwa Karoo National ParkScenic Point Β· Detour east into one of SA's most remote parks: succulent wilderness, the Gannaga Pass escarpment climb, and an exceptionally dark night sky.
CalviniaEnd Β· Roll into Calvinia beneath the Hantam mountains. Famous for its giant post-box and Karoo lamb. Fuel, food and a cold drink β you earned it.
More routes in ZA WC
Chapman's Peak Drive β Cape Town to NoordhoekZA WC Β· 45 kmSir Lowry's Pass & the Elgin Valley β Somerset West to VilliersdorpZA WC Β· 70 kmGydo Pass & the Koue Bokkeveld β Ceres to CitrusdalZA WC Β· 130 kmWest Coast R27 β Cape Town to Paternoster Fishing CoastZA WC Β· 155 kmClarence Drive β Gordon's Bay to Kleinmond Coastal RunZA WC Β· 90 kmGamkaskloof "Die Hel" β Swartberg to the Hidden ValleyZA WC Β· 74 km
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