Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Hi All
I'm planning a trip through Baviaanskloof and to die hel in December with my family (4 of us) camping in baviaans kloof and die hel on my way to Hermanus for christmas. My wife is a bit of a nervous 4x4 passenger so i wanted to hear from those who have been that way what the passes are like in both Baviaans and die hel. I would also appreciate any advice on where to camp in baviaans.
thanks

Mike - you are driving a Patrol - It will be a breeze.

The only bit that can be difficult is the short steep piece of road going down into the 'Hel' when there is traffic as the road is narrow and with the Patrols width it can be difficult to find a place to pass. If I recall correctly vehicles going up has right of way but this is seldom adhered to. Just watch the road ahead and plan where you will pull over according to traffic. We only had one vehicle approaching and I opted to pull over on the mountain side as the drop off doesn't go well with my wife

Lots of info here: http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/sho ... hp?t=10146

Go enjoy!

The short steep piece of road going down into the 'Hel' when there is traffic as the road is narrow. The road in Baviaans has the same problem in sertain sections. Camping in Baviaans, try http://www.baviaans.co.za/speekhout/ 56Km's from Willomore.

Hi Mike, will you be transversing the Baviaans from Patensie side ?
For your wife it will be the best, cause she will be sitting on the mountain side and not see the deep klowe and afgrond.I did id in my GQ with an Afrispoor trailer the same time , you see vehicles coming so find a place where you hug the mountain and the other guy has got to drive on the edge of the afgrond.A friend of mine wife when he did it from W TO E , removed the kids and walked it pass all the big afgronde, she didn't want to sit on that side.
The Baviaan is very spectacular on the eastern half, and then flattens out on the western part.
Contact Eastern Cape nature they have nice sites Komdono and Doodsklip , I have also camped at Duiwekloof and Kudu Kaya , all nice clean sites.

Die HEL, is nothing to worry about , it approx 45 km from where you turn off at the top of Swartberg to the end of the kloof , but you dont have the big afgronde as compared to Baviaans.Been down there in big Mercedes Truck and back.It's easy.

Really both passes is a breeze as David said.

A route I will recommend from the Hell to Heramanus, will be back down Swartberg pass, turn right to Kruisrivier,Calitzdorp, turnaway to Rooibergpass, Vanwyksdorp, Riversdal or Herbertdale, Stilbaai,Jongensfontein ,Vermaaklikheid, Witsand, Malgas pont, Wydgelee, Bredasdorp to Hermanus. This is one of the most scenic routes you can drive in a day . Take my word for it.

Of all the "stay over" places I have EVER stayed or camped, The 'Makedaat Grotte [caves] fills a spot in my "THREE Greatest & Best - ever]

and Dwerrrgie loved it too [going back in 2012 -4-sure]

We are going to Geelkrans in Baviaanskloof on 3 to 5 dec , so maybe well see some fellow patrollers there

Hey thanks fellow trollers I am really looking forward to the drive through the kloof thanks to all your info I go prepared - the best way to go anywhere
thanks again

Hi Mikethebike
We are travelling through Baviaanskloof on 22/23 December from West to East
Let me know when you will be there.
Alex