Great Karoo Desert Crossing

The Great Karoo Desert Crossing follows the old trekboer wagon routes across South Africa’s vast semi-desert interior, connecting Prince Albert to Graaff-Reinet via the remote Meiringspoort Pass and Compassberg mountain crossings. This route cuts through the heart of the Great Karoo, where fossil hunters once discovered the first dinosaur remains in Africa and where Khoi-San rock art still marks ancient water sources. The technical challenge comes at Compassberg Pass, where loose shale and steep grades test both vehicle and driver on the approach to South Africa’s highest point in the Karoo at 2,502 meters.

Rated moderate difficulty, this route demands good ground clearance and reliable mechanicals — breakdowns here mean a long wait for help. Best tackled in autumn or winter (March to August) when temperatures drop below scorching. Carry extra water, fuel for 400+ kilometers, and warm clothing for mountain crossings where temperatures can drop to freezing. This crossing delivers solitude and perspective on a scale that makes the American Southwest look crowded, plus night skies that remind you why early explorers used stars for navigation.