Explore the Tankwa, Hantam and Roggeveld

As a tourism initiative to promote the Tankwa Karoo and surrouding areas, Tankwa Karoo Tourism was founded. The Facebook group Tankwa Karoo Tourism is free to anyone in the Karoo tourism industry and also a platform where fans can share pictures, information and stories to build the community.

Route 355 - Not for the average Joe

The complete Route 355 winds through the Tankwa Karoo and Northen Cape all the way to Kleinzee at the mouth of the Orange River on the border of Namibia. From Cape Town, it is the shortest route to Botswana and the Kalahari.

To get to Route 355, drive through Ceres and stay on R46. About 37km along, keep straight at the T-junction. The R46 turns right here to the N1.
If you are driving on the N1, take the R46 Ceres turn-off left for 32km and then turn right onto the R355.

This 1st stretch of the road will take you all the way to Calvinia (around 211km).

If you want to follow the complete R355, turn right towards Calvinia at the end of the gravel stretch, and through the town. Follow the Main road and turn left into Church Steet, following the sign for the R27 Sutherland, Williston and Upington. At the 4-way stop where the R27 turns right, take a left here and follow the R355 towards Loeriesfontein (approx 90km). How far you travel after this point is entirely up to you and your spirit for adventure...

Road Conditions

From the start until just before Calvinia, the road is gravel. It can be quite rocky, so it is advisable to deflate your tires slightly.
Come prepared with a puncture kit.

Fuel

There are no fuel stops on the route
Tankwa Padstal is at around 100km in, should you need to rest and revive. An ice-cold splash-pool provides great relief in the summer heat.

The Route