Questions for an off-the-beaten-path trip in South Africa

Hi there, Hope the pros are on the lookout!

March or May 2027. Around 15 days in the Western Cape, then 15 days in the southern KNP.

Arrival either in PE or George. The pros know I’m somewhat familiar with the area... that I don’t camp... that my accommodations can be simple and remote, self-catering but with basic comforts... that I’m looking for spots that are a bit off the beaten path... in a relaxed mode... From George: Late arrival... need some rest... Herolds Bay from George to the N1. Tsitsikamma is catching my eye (Storms River)... with or without a stop in Knysna. Question: What’s the current condition of the pass from Knysna to Uniondale? R339. And while I’m at it, the condition of the R340. Tsitsikamma, Knysna, and my questions still apply if arriving in PE.

Is the Swartberg still closed? Any recommendations for accommodation in Prince Albert? If I cross the escarpment, I’ll continue via Anysberg NR, Touwsrivier... any thoughts? From there... Tankwa Karoo or Mount Cedar (or both). Then heading back down to the coast... the highlands of Hermanus or Kogelberg NR (any opinions on the latter?).

Or,

A more classic route along the coast...

If I arrive (fairly late) in PE... any ideas for accommodation in that little area? Given that Nyathi Camp is winking at me... (For context... a while back, I stayed at Riverbend (same Addo sector, private concession)... and I visited the ruins of that abandoned lodge at the time, which has clearly been renovated since... located in a very quiet part of Addo...). Any feedback from the pros? Well, that’s about it... I’m open to any other tips or advice!

Hello Michel, The "pro" of the destination, if there is one, is you! 🙂

A few notes on a spot I know well: The Swartberg Pass is currently open and should still be when you visit in March or May 2027, before winter sets in.

Any accommodation ideas in Prince Albert?

I think a self-catering stay at the Weltevrede Fig Farm could be right up your alley. It’s about a good half-hour from Prince Albert on a decent gravel road, and it’ll still be fig season. For something livelier: the famous Swartberg Hotel and its Green Prince Gin Bar—but there’s no shortage of great spots here.

If I cross the escarpment, should I continue via Anysberg NR, Touwsrivier... any thoughts?

Via Calitzdorp? A really scenic shortcut, south of the Swartberg Pass via Matjesriver.

From there... Tankwa Karoo or Mount Cedar (or both)?

I love Tankwa, but you’d be hard-pressed to pass through the area without stopping at Mount Ceder. 😇

Hi there! I was really hoping you’d stop by my post! Noted. If I do this route, the idea is actually to skip Calitzdorp and, once in Prince Albert, head straight west instead. Just to avoid retracing steps through places I’ve already seen. So, arriving at Anysberg from the north, coming from the east— not from the south. Anysberg... good idea??? And Kogelberg? » Take care, And thanks! P.S.: True, the Cederberg and Mount Cedar...

Hey Michel!



Elansberg in Tankwa is pretty cool too...😎

Hi there,

Of course, I don’t have any suggestions to offer 😇... but I’m following along closely, since Mount Ceder and Kogelberg are on the itinerary for October 😉

😉