Embedded Files
Date: 2025-04-08
Departure From: Christiana Riverbend Campsite (Christiana)
Departure Time: 08h15
Destination Name: Kamp Uitsig Vanderkloof Dam
Arrival Time: 15h30
Total Travel time: 7h15 hours
Weather: Overcast and rain
Departure Temperature: 17C
Peak Temperature: 22C
Odometer Reading (km):
Start: 239 954
End: 240 301
Total Distance: 347
Passes:
Passes:
None.
Trip Summary:
Trip Summary:
It rained most of the night and a couple of thunderstorms where thrown in for good measure. When we got up, the first thing we checked was the Vaal River water level. It had risen a further 750mm and was now lapping at the foot of the "Glamping Tent" deck. It was definitely edging us to get going.
As we progressed south, the weather started clearing and it got warmer. We stopped at a lovely farmstall called "Die Padstal" about 4km north of Hopetown on the N12. We shall not mention who, but Mike and I were threatened that we must stop at all Farm Stalls on the trip. We obeyed as any gentlemen would, alternatively we did not want to bear the consequences.
The R369 from Hopetown eastwards was badly potholed due to all the heavy trucks transporting minerals mined in the Northern Cape to Port Elizabeth.
Die Padstal north of Hopetown
Our next stop was Orania for lunch at Die Oewer Resort. I camped at this resort on my 2024-04 Garden Route Adventure and highly recommend it. The restaurant overlooks the Orange River which was flowing strongly, but not flooded.
Daleen and Mike
Philip
The last stretch to Vanderkloof was only 45km. On our approach we could see the Vanderkloof dam wall (Old name was PK Le Roux dam). We stopped to take photos before continuing to the campsite.
Vanderkloof Dam - View from the top
Vanderkloof Dam - View from the bottom
Again I lead the way to the camp site. Ronell welcomed us and showed us around. I told her that I must still pay the balance of R90 for the booking. She said that I must sort this out when her husband, Hennie, arrived. We spent a while absorbing the stunning view from the camp site. While we were setting up camp, Hennie arrived and mentioned that he knew nothing about a balance of R90 as he had no bookings for the evening. I found the invoice and the deposit and showed Hennie. Guess what .... wrong camp site. I was concerned that a theme had started and was worried about all my other bookings. Mike and I were not thrilled to have to packup and move. As we started packing up, Hennie said we could stay if we paid him the R90. With such a spectacular view, how could we refuse his offer.
Originally we considered eating dinner at one of the 2 restaurants in Vanderkloof. Because we had lunch in Orania, we decided on a light snack for dinnner. At about 17h30, the western horizon went black and there were long rolls of thunder. By 18h00 the thunderstorm arrived along with strong wind and rain. By 18h30 the worst was over and it drizzled for the rest of the evening.
Stunning view of the Vanderkloof Dam from the Uitsig Camp site
Accommodation: [Camping] Kamp Uitsig Vanderkloof Dam
Accommodation: [Camping] Kamp Uitsig Vanderkloof Dam
Ronell and Hennie (Tel: +27 66 216 5276) were very welcoming and made us feel at home. This is a private campsite with only 5 sites. With vehicles and caravans, it would be a very tight squeeze.
The facilities were good and clean and in working order. The camp sites had electricity as well. I would love to stay over again.
Uitsig Camp Site
Uitsig Camp Site
The Route:
The Route:
Places travelled:
Warrenton
Kimberly
Hopetown
Oranje
Vanderkloof
As
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse