Our 2025 Great Karoo V2 4×4 Tour has been planned to offer a complete experience of nature, relaxation, easy and technical driving and some of the best sights you will see in the Karoo.
The routes we have chosen are generally not difficult, and can be managed by any 4×4 vehicle with low range capability. The routes range from good tar to serviceable gravel roads as well as several two spoor track sections ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 3. (Please note that no pets are allowed)
Key Details
- Distance: 800 km.
- Drivers’ Briefing, VHF Radio Fitment & Welcoming Party: From 16.00 on Saturday, 20th June, 2026, at Kronenhoff Guest Lodge, Kirkwood.
- Start Kirkwood – 08h30: Sunday, 21st June, 2026.
- Closing Function & Prize-giving: Karoo National Park, from 18h00 Saturday, 27th June, 2026.
- End of Tour/Departure: 09h00 – Sunday, 28th June, 2026.
All vehicles will be supplied with FM marine-quality two-way radios so we can all communicate. (This is included in the tour price)
Scroll down for Itinerary, Pricing Info & Cancellation Policy
Great Karoo 4×4 Tour Itinerary
Day Zero – Saturday 20th June, 2026
Meet and greet at the Kronenhoff Guest Lodge in Kirkwood (Nqweba) any time after 14.00.
Book in under your name + Mountain Passes South Africa Tour Group.
Radio fitments take place between 16.00 & 17.00.
Day 1 – Sunday 21st June, 2026
We start the tour off with some proper adventure as we head to the starting point of the Bedrogfontein 4×4 route just a few km north of Kirkwood, where we check in and get our permits paid.
The Bedrogfontein 4×4 trail between the Kabouga and Darlington areas of the Addo Elephant National Park provides breath taking views and is rich in history. This route was the scene of fierce battles between the British and Boer troops during the Anglo-Boer war.
Our route takes us past the Darlington Dam and we return to Kronenhoff in the late afternoon.
.
Day 2 – Monday 22nd June, 2026
This day is reserved for a full exploration of the Addo Elephant National Park. You will drive through the reserve at your own pace, but everyone will be connected via the two way radios, so you can share any good sightings with your fellow guests. Don’t miss the elephant watering hide close to the entrance gate for close up views of the elephants. If you’re feeling peckish at lunch time, there is a restaurant and shop near the main entrance gate. Make sure you have charged camera/phone batteries the night before.
After leaving Addo, we regroup a the exit gate and drive up the Doringnek Pass to our next venue – the tranquil and elegant Zuurberg Mountain Inn.
Day 3 – Tuesday 23rd June, 2026
After a proper breakfast at the Zuurberg Mountain Inn, we set course for Cradock, via a variety of mainly gravel roads, which offer glimpses of the majesty of the Karoo plains and mountains.
Next up is the highlight of the day – a south/north traverse of the old Zuurberg Pass, which was constructed in 1855. This long and mostly rough gravel pass is located on a secondary road (the R335) in the Eastern Cape approximately 35 km north of Addo and 75 km south of Somerset East. At 27,5 km it is one of the longer passes in South Africa and traverses all four tiers of the dominant Zuurberg Mountain range.
Our route heads resolutely north over the wide plains of the first Karoo plateau, headed for the frontier town of Somerset East (Now named Kwa Nojoli), where we connect with the R63 towards Pearston. Two majestic gravel passes await to take us over the next set of mountains. The Buffelshoek and Swaershoek passes. Both are in reasonable condition.
Our venue in Cradock is Victoria Hotel and Tuinhuise. Two rows of lovingly restored Victorian era Karoo cottages line both sides of the road. Each cottage is like being inside a living museum.
Day 4 – Wednesday 24th June, 2026
An easy day as you get to explore the magnificent MZNP at your own pace in your own vehicle. We will kick start the day by guiding you over two of the three 4×4 routes in the park, where we always enjoy good game viewing. After that the park is yours to explore further. Should you wish to try your skills on any of the other 4×4 routes, remember to keep your 2 way radio switched 0n, just in case you need assistance. We will keep a radio watch open until everyone is safely back in camp.
Day 5 – Thursday 25th June, 2026
An easy day, as we delve ever deeper into the Karoo heartland as we traverse the big Wapadsberg Pass. Being midwinter, there is a chance we might experience snow on the pass.
We head west to locate the high altitude, gravel surfaced Witnek Pass, which provides a good view of the well-known Karoo landmark – Kompasberg, which has a distinct profile and be seen from a great distance away. It’s easy to how it got its name as the travellers in the 1800’s would most certainly have used the peak to help them navigate the wide and thirsty Karoo plains. We will be circumnavigating the famous mountain via several farm roads, some of which lie within the Sneeuberg Nature Reserve.
We navigate our way to Neiu Bethesda, but first stop off at the Stone Folk, before descending the Nieu Bethesda Poort to our lodgings in a number of top guest houses in this sleepy and timeless Karoo village.
Day 6 – Friday 26th June, 2026
We say goodbye to sleepy Nieu Bethesda and head towards Graaff Reinet, but we will be going along a back road, Michielshoogte, where the kudu jump high (easily clearing a 2m fence from a standing start). Soon we intersect with the R63 and descend the Oudeberg Pass, which was built, amongst others, by Thomas Bain’s father, Andrew Geddes Bain. This where Andrew Bain first settled as a saddler (from Thurso in Scotland), before trying his hand at road construction.
Our main attraction for the day is the Camdeboo National Park. We will drive to the very highest point on the steep and winding (tarred) pass, to enjoy the jaw dropping views of the Valley of Desolation. You’ll have a good chance of seeing eagles flying around the vertical cliffs.
Our journey takes us via a gravel route to Aberdeen, where we will be staying in the four top guesthouses and have samples of a slower pace of life that the Great Karoo offers.
Day 7 -Monday 14th July, 2025
After a full breakfast we have an easy trek through to our final destination just outside Beaufort West – the Karoo National Park.
After checking in and getting a bite to eat, we will be tackling the 4×4 only Pienaar’s Pass, which will take us to the upper plateau where amazing views await.
We will return via the easier, tarred road, the Klipspringer Pass.
Please note that as is the case at Addo and Mountain Zebra national parks, there are predators around, so you must only get out of your vehicles in the designated safe spots.
Day 8 –Sunday 28th June 2026
You can make your own breakfast in your self catering chalet or have a final decadent feast at the restaurant. All chalets must be vacated by 10.00
Please remember to inflate your tyres in Beaufort West or do so with your own com pressor at your chalet. Remember to not drive faster than 80 kph on deflated tyres.
Our routes are always bespoke and you will be guaranteed the trip of a lifetime, packed with facts, folklore, history and geology snippets – all of it done in a safe, responsible manner.
Tour price (excluding accommodation and meals):
1 Vehicle/1 Person R18,444
1 Vehicle/2 People R19,444
1 Vehicle/3 People R20,444
1 Vehicle/4 People R21,444
Tour price is calculated on number of adults (over 18) per vehicle.
Tour price includes expert guiding, VHF radio hire, Route notes, folders, stationery, name tags, use of recovery gear, compressors and first aid, but excludes accommodation & travel costs.
Accommodation & Other Costs for this tour
Accommodation, meals and ancillary costs are extra, which we will invoice out to you separately about 4 weeks before the tour.
- Approximately R1500 per person, per day (sharing) for accommodation, breakfast & dinner. Single supplement applies.
- Pack your own ‘padkos’ for lunches, which we enjoy at whatever scenic spot takes our fancy along the route.
CANCELLATION POLICY
If you cancel more than 60 days ahead of the tour:
* If you are able to resell your place to a friend or family member = 100% refund or 100% credit voucher.
* If we resell your ticket on your behalf = 80% refund or 100% credit voucher
If you cancel between 60 and 30 days before the tour:
* If you are able to resell your place to a friend or family member = 100% refund or 100% credit voucher.
* If we resell your ticket on your behalf = 70% refund or 90% credit voucher
If you cancel less than 30 days before the tour:
* If you are able to resell your place to a friend or family member = 100% refund or 100% credit voucher.
* If we resell your ticket on your behalf = 60% refund or 80% credit voucher * If neither of the above is applicable, 40% refund or 60% credit voucher.
Accommodation & meal refunds:
Invoices are generally sent out between 4 and 6 weeks ahead of the tour start date.
* If you have already received your invoice, you are liable for it, subject to us interacting with the various venues to get you a refund. We pay the venues up front for your accommodation. Most of the establishments are reasonable and offer a full refund. Whatever we can negotiate will be credited to you in full.
Please get in touch with us directly with any questions you may have by email: info@mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za
