Hi,
We are two caravans travelling form Pta to East London (Kugompo....!?!?) in Dec 2026. 

We will be travelling over Bloemfontein, but from there to E/London I need advice on which route to follow and obviously, preferred road conditions. Also sleep over camp site?? 

Was looking at Waschbank camp  (Norvalspont) to overnight as Gariep only accepts two night reservations?

Which route is the best to take from Bloem, considering that we want to sleep over beyond Bloem, closer to E/London. 

Awaiting replies based upon experience please. Thanks in advance.

I would take the N1 then the N6. You could overnight at Valschfontein.

I'm surprised that Gariep won't allow one night stopover - perhaps you are going down in the peak season? We recently stayed over one night - but it was midweek and out of season.

Egbert, jy kan nie verkeerd gaan met Valschfontein nie. Die plek is onder Penhoekpas, Noord van Queenstown. Bestel sommer vooraf jou opgesnyde skaap vir die vakansie. 

Jy kan van Bloemfontein op die N6 bly, tot in Oos London. 

Ek het ook al by Gariep oorgeslaap, dan vandaar met;

R58 na Burgersdorp

R391 en R56 oor Molteno om by N6 aan te sluit. Die aansluiting is net Noord van Penhoekpas, dus kan jy steeds by Valschfontein oornag. 

As julle by Gariep/colesberg oorslaap, kan julle maklik sonder nog 'n oorslaap na Oos London sleep.

Ek het baie lanklaas die paaie gebruik, dus weet ek in watter toestand dit is nie. Ek aanvaar dat die N6 sekerlik beter onderhou is, as die ander roete.

GR8 Advice, thanks BrianB

Hi!  I do not recommend going via Colesberg/Gariepdam, as this route is not just longer, but keeps you longer on the N1 where lots of trucks and heavy vehicle drive.  My suggestion, as elsewhere in the comments, is to go on the N6 direction Aliwal North/Queenstown to Yellowsands.  Do NOT go via Komga (Qumrha)  Construction may not be completed by December.  (Eastern Cape ...... ANC .... !)  Remain on the N6 with EL as destination.  When you reach a traffic circle (Toyota on your left) KEEP RIGHT!!  DO NOT TURN LEFT TOWARDS GONUBIE!!  That road is in a poor state and you stand the chance of taking a wrong turnoff which will land you on an even worse road!  You will reach the N2 shortly after this right turn with VW on your left.  Turn LEFT at this traffic light and remain on it until your reach offramp #1061 BRAKFONTEIN.  Take ooframp, and turn to the RIGHT at the top.  (Astron in 11 'o clock)  Follow this road for about 2kms. and turn LEFT to Birkinview Lodge.  The road is not in very good condition, so do not exceed 60 - 70kph.  You will pass the Crossroad Village which has a Super Spar, filling station and many more satelite shops.  From here it is 6km. to we you turn right towards Yellowsands.  (Areena River Resorts' turn-in is also at this corner)  A short distance thereafter is the turnoff to Yellowsands!  Drive safely!!

Dankie Marius vir die fynere pad detail. al daai motorhawens en vulstasies was nie 2010 daar nie. Sjoe tyd vlieg, ek sal daai omgewing nie ken nie.