The Cement Road, as the R329 between Willowmore and Steytlerville is fondly called, is the quickest way from Cape Town to Shamwari and National Addo Park.
The route starts outside Willowmore (off the N9) and ends at Wolwefontein to join the R75. Leaving Willowmore you travel for 35 km on the only cement strip road in South Africa, sharing half the road with the oncoming traffic. En route you'll see Cockscomb (1759m). You'll pass through Steytlerville, a town known for wool and mohair. The vegetation along the road is semi-desert vegetation and includes succulents and cycads. The town is famous for its Edwardian Church, said to have the largest floorspace among its contemporaries south of the Sahara.
A mere 5km outside of Steytlerville you'll pass through Noorspoort (the Valley of Flags) where you will find the old and new South African flags painted on the rock face, as well as flags depicting South Africa's history, starting with the first Vikings in 1474.
Interesting rock formations can be seen whilst traveling and despite the low rainfall in this area, many species of birds and animals are found in this district.
At Wolwefontein, the R329 ends and meets the R75 - north to Graaff-Reinet and south to Port Elizabeth and Addo.
The Baviaanskloof can be explored by two main roads, both equally interesting. One route leading from the Willowmore side through the Grootrivierpoort and on to Patensie, the other coming from Steytlerville through the Grootrivierpoort and on to Patensie. From Willowmore to Steytlerville along these two roads is roughly 280km.
