At 162 miles, the Route 355 is the longest gravel road in South Africa. Making its way from the town of Ceres to Calvinia, through some of the most physically exhausting terrain in the country, it is a ride for those looking for a true adventure. It has remained relatively undiscovered by motorcycle enthusiasts and most drivers avoid it in favour of the paved Clanwilliam Road to the west.
Planning Your Ride on Route 355 in South Africa The first thing you need to know about riding the Route 355 is that it pays to come prepared. The road is quite rocky and the sharp gravel can easily pierce your tyres if you are not careful. During a summer day, temperatures can be above 40 degree celsius during the day and then drop precipitously as night falls. The road is also deceptively slippery, coated in a gravel that can easily cause the bike to slip out from under you. Take your time and enjoy the scenery with this one, rushing it will only lead to accidents.
While it is possible to complete the Route 355 in one day, most riders choose to do it in two sections. The first takes you from Ceres to Tankwa Karoo National Park, a distance of about one hundred miles. You can then detour through the park and return to the Route 355, cutting out 60 miles or so off the R355, or you can return the junction where you split off to go to the park. From there it’s about 90 miles to Calvinia.
Fuel Unfortunately there are no fuel stops anywhere along Route 355, you will need to carry everything necessary for this 162 mile trip. Additionally, should you get a flat or have some other mechanical difficulty, there won’t be any repair shops in sight. Come prepared for complete self-sufficiency and have a decent understanding of basic motorcycle maintenance.
Accommodations and Food Most riders will spend their first night in Ceres, or near to it. The area has a variety of options including budget hotels, guest farms, and luxurious cottages; most have great views of the surrounding mountains. Dining options are equally diverse from gourmet vegetarian to regional BBQ. The ride ends in Calvinia, which is a fairly small town with limited accommodation options, but it does have a couple of guesthouses and AirBnBs. Between them the only places to stay are the lodges and cabins associated with the national park, but you can find something there for just about any budget.
Sights There’s no question, the biggest attraction on the route is Tankwa Karoo National Park . If you’re a fan of Monument Valley and the scenery of John Ford’s westerns, you’re going to love the Tankwa. Its desert landscapes are home to a cacophony of wildlife, including the Springbok, Cape Mountain Zebra, and Savanna Baboon. The park can be reached via a spur road around mile 65, and it’s another 45 miles to the park’s visitor’s center. If you have the time, you should definitely spend a few nights in the park.
If you’re an architecture aficionado, you’ll love the town of Calvinia. Its wide streets are home to some beautifully preserved Cape Dutch homes and businesses. For those interested in the history of the region, the Calvinia Museum , while quite small, is loaded with artifacts and stories from the town’s past.
Tankwa Karoo National Park – Photo Credit: Yakovlev Alexey / CC BY Cactus in Tankwa Karoo National Park – Photo Credit: Yakovlev Alexey / CC BY House in Calvinia – Photo Credit: Andrew Hall / CC BY Featured Image of Dirt Road Outside Calvinia – Photo Credit: South Africa Tourism / CC BY
