I haven’t been to the Dassiedeur Train Tunnel, but I’ve heard it’s an absolute gem! This historic railway tunnel near Cradock has piqued my curiosity for ages, and every story about it makes me want to load up the Troopy and hit the road.
Finding the tunnel is part of the adventure. It’s hidden away in the Karoo landscape, and while it’s not hard to locate if you know the way.
Directions (As Told to Me)
If you’re keen to visit, here’s how you get there:
- Start on the N10 heading towards Cradock.
- Just after you pass the Daggaboersnek Farm Stall on your left, look for a signposted turnoff to the left marked Dassiedeur.
- Turn left onto this gravel road and follow it to a fork. Keep left here, and you’ll reach your first railway crossing gate.
- The gate is unlocked, but you’ll need to open and close gates on both sides of the tracks.
- Keep driving on this road for about 3 km until the next fork. This time, keep right.
- Pass through two more gates, and you’ll arrive at the tunnel entrance.
From what I’ve been told, you can drive through the tunnel—it’s a proper road—but you can’t go much further. The road beyond the tunnel has been closed off by farmers, so you’ll need to turn around and head back the way you came.
Why Visit?
The Dassiedeur Train Tunnel is one of those off-the-beaten-path places that’s steeped in history. Imagine the early days of railway construction, steam trains puffing through the tunnel, and the sheer determination it took to carve through the rugged Karoo terrain. It’s an incredible piece of South African engineering that deserves a spot on any adventurer’s list.
A Word to the Wise
- Be prepared for a few gate-opening moments—this is proper Karoo farm country!
- Always be respectful of the land and the locals. A little friendliness goes a long way here.
- Check out the Daggaboersnek Farm Stall on your way—people rave about their local treats.
Dassiedeur Train Tunnel is definitely on my must-visit list, and it sounds like the perfect kind of adventure for the Beer Troopy community. If you’ve been there already, let me know! I’d love to hear your stories (and maybe add a stop for future Beer Troopy escapades).
For now, I’ll just have to imagine the tunnel echoing with the growl of the Troopy’s trusty 1HZ engine as it crawls through, probably making a noise that’s 90% effort and 10% speed. But hey, that’s the charm of the Troopy—it’s not about getting there fast, it’s about enjoying every moment of the journey. 🚙💨
If you’re up for some real Karoo exploration, this sounds like a winner. Let’s keep swapping stories and tips—there are so many hidden treasures waiting out there!