Day 6: Helskloof pass
Helskloof pass is in the south west of the park and one of the exits to the main gate. I prefer to exit this way and enter the park from Sendelingsdrift along Halfmens, Penkop and Akkedis pass. Its quite a climb going out and most likely not that bad to enter along here, but most will advise rather to exit here.
Before reaching the turn off to Helskloof on the left / Domorogh pass on the right we stopped a wonderful display of botterbome on a rocky slope. Flowering time is in Dec to Jan and grows up to 2 m tall.
More succulent plants spotted along the way:
Nearly at the top of the pass we stopped at the lookout over the Paradysberg. There used to be a camp called De Koei nearby, but no longer in use.
Famous shepherds's tree of Helskloof:
The Pearson's Aloe was first collected by Dr HHW Pearson in 1910. Helskloof pass is the only place in the world where this aloe grows in such density. It flowers from Dec to Jan displaying yellow and red flowers.
Helskloof pass:
Just before we exit the pass my eye caught the movement of a strange creature that looked much larger than a rat. It disappeared quickly and after reading up on animals in the park I learned about the dassie rat. Its a squirrel like dassie and live amongst rocky areas.
Back at Sendelingsdrift we waited a while for the chalet to be ready and had a wonderful swim already forgetting how hot it was.
These trees can survive over 400 years and not sure if we are in that cycle now or weather patterns changing? 
Haven't seen any baby trees and wonder if we will experience a time that trees need to plant that were grown in a nursery.
RP. You nearly got me worried and for sure there must be many ghost around but this one goes by the name of Peter. 
The road we took out delivered on lots of different species and worthwhile to take one's time when visiting the park. 
showing off a strangely beautiful scenery.
