Adventure Along the R332 Road in Eastern Cape
Located in the heart of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, driving the R332 Road is a true adventure. Mostly a single-lane gravel road, the area is beautiful, but you must drive slowly and carefully. A 4x4 is recommended for this route.
When Was the R332 Road Built?
Situated in the southern part of the country, the road was built between 1880 and 1890 by South Africa's most famous road engineer, Thomas Bain.
How Long is the R332 Road?
The road stretches for 171 km (106 miles), running east to west from Willowmore to Andrieskraal, passing through Studtis.
Is the R332 Road Unpaved?
The road is entirely unpaved, and a 4x4 vehicle is required to complete the drive, although some sections can be navigated with a regular car. It is very steep and narrow, reaching a height of 1,157 m (3,795 ft) above sea level.
Are There River Crossings Along the R332 Road?
The route crosses the Baviaans River ten times. River crossings should not be taken lightly. A 2WD vehicle may be sufficient if the water is shallow, but be aware that water levels change drastically with rain, and seasonal rains can cause washouts.
How Long Does it Take to Drive the R332 Road?
Plan for about 5 hours to complete the drive without stops. The area is quite remote, and there is no cellphone reception in the Baviaanskloof.