Words by Dieter Pey | Images by Kyle Lendon
They said it couldn’t be done. Now we know why.
The latest edition of the Cape Route Rally kicked off with the kind of terrain that makes grown men whisper “eina” under their breath — three days of high-revving, low-range, adrenaline-fuelled 4×4 action across South Africa’s rugged Northern Cape. And it’s only halfway done.
Day One: Red Sand and Rooster Tails
It all started in the wild red dunes of Lambert’s Bay — not as well-known as Atlantis, but arguably tougher. With wind-sculpted ridgelines and a salty Atlantic breeze, this coastal belt dished out a sneaky mix of crusty rain-packed surfaces and deep powder lurking underneath. With a thunderous entrance, JP from The V8 Shop set the tone, his Patrol throwing sand like a springbok in heat. The rest of the convoy followed suit — throttle drills, recoveries, and more than a few de-beads. Classic Cape Route chaos. By sunset, we were sand-coated, smiling, and ready for the road north.
Day Two: Crawling the Giants
After a quick systems check and morning coffee, we headed toward Kamieskroon, eventually turning off into private land that hides three massive granite domes — each one steeper than the last.
The final slab? Brutal. With an estimated 43-degree incline, it had never been conquered… until now. Andries, JP, Louis, and local legend Hansie — in a nearly stock Hilux, no less — all topped out with style. A proper crowd-pleaser, and one for the books.
Day Three: The Pass That Bites Back
If the dunes tested our flex and the granite tested our grip, Day Three tested our guts. Deep in the borderlands near the Orange River, we tackled a rocky nightmare known as The Impassible Pass. It starts as a descent and ends with a full-blown vertical challenge — loose shale, zero margin for error, and the kind of terrain that punishes poor judgment.
Vehicles slid, tires popped, winches screamed. Michiel’s Hilux de-beaded mid-climb and needed a rapid bush repair. But every rig made it out — dusty, battered, but still moving.
What Comes Next?
The Cape Route Rally isn’t a race. It’s a rite of passage — a test of machine, driver, and team. The second half promises even tougher trails and more epic stories as we dive into the Kalahari. Stay tuned for Part Two. And if you’re keen to join the madness next time, reach out to: enquiries@caperouterally.com
