Thirsty In Die Hel

In 1975, my family holidayed in Cape Town for the first time.

- Sophia Van Taak

JOHAN DU TOIT from Amanzimtoti writes: The feature about Gamkaskloof (Die Hel) in go! #133 touched me deeply and inspired me to share my own story about the kloof.

In 1975, my family holidayed in Cape Town for the first time. We lived in Centurion back then and our neighbours, originally from Cape Town, inspired us to make the long journey. We drove via Graaff-Reinet to Stellenbosch, where we bought so much wine we had to send it home by train. We returned home via places like Mossel Bay and Kimberley.

Along the way we also visited Oudtshoorn, where we did all the touristy things: We went to the Cango Caves, to an ostrich farm and to a restaurant renowned for its ostrich steak.

Next on our list was the Swartberg Pass, which we tackled in my 1975 Toyota Corona. At the top of the pass, we came across a sign pointing the way to Gamkaskloof. Not being familiar with the area, and not having a road map, we were confused about which direction to drive: left to Gamkaskloof or straight along the pass?