In a narrow valley in the Swartberg range is Gamkaskloof, better known as Die Hel. The first citizens of Die Hel were early Trekboers, who developed their own dialect. There was no road into Die Hel until the 1960s, and donkeys carried in the few goods the mostly self-sufficient community needed from Prince Albert.
Now the area is part of the Swartberg Nature Reserve, and there is self-catering accommodation in restored farm cottages, as well as various trails and overnight huts.
The dirt road to Die Hel turns off the Swartberg Pass 18km from Prince Albert and extends for another 50km or so before hitting a dead end. Be warned: this short distance takes at least two hours to drive each way. The road is in terrible condition so you might want to leave your car in Prince Albert and opt for a guided tour. Lindsay Steyn from Dennehof Tours is a mine of information on the region and offers superb full-day tours taking in the Swartberg Pass before descending the vertiginous road to Die Hel for lunch.
