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A KAROO FARMHOUSE WITH THE PERFECT LOCATION

by Inge Triegaardt If you ever find yourself daydreaming about the beautiful Karoo Landscapes, the bare mountain ridges (sometimes capped with snow), the warmth of a fire in the winter or the cool shade of the big ‘stoep’ around a homely Karoo cottage, dream no further. Snap out of it, NOW!! Pack your bags and hit the road, we will meet you at our favourite Karoo Farmhouse. It is situated at the foot of the majestic Towerkop Mountains a mere 15km from Ladismith on the famous Route 62 that dissect the Klein Karoo. In the fertile Dwarsriver Valley where the most sophisticated wines are being developed from lush green vineyards, Arusio Farmhouse @ Towerkop awaits you. Driving on a well maintained gravel road, admiring the beautiful views, you might think that you have left the Karoo landscape behind when you turned off the R62. Here you will soon switch your… Read more >

DAY TRIP FROM GEORGE : SOPHY GRAY’S FOOTSTEPS

If you love architecture and interesting stories, follow the footstep of Sophie Gray around the Southern Cape. This is an easy day trip with enough time to have something to snack at some of the amazing farm stalls in the Garden Route. You can start the trip at any point and travel in any direction. It all depends on how you feel and where you are staying. Our starting point will be in George at the St Marks Cathedral at the top end of York Street. Travelling towards the mountain you will find this little Anglican church on your right-hand side. Some of the interesting facts is that the stained-glass windows came all the way from Germany. It was recovered from a church in Germany during the French Revolution, brought to England and then found its way to South Africa. The church dates back to the period of 1850 and… Read more >

SHIPWRECK MUSEUM, BREDASDORP

We think that we are very adventurous when we go an African overland trip with a fully kitted 4×4. Well, think again. I think the seafarers from yesteryear was way more adventurous when they set out by ship to explore the unknown and treacherous coast of Africa. Once you enter the green doors of the museum in Independent Street you have a bit of an insight into their world. Here you get the opportunity to have a peek at anchors and artefacts recovered from deep under the ocean and in the shade of a massive tree in the backyard, you will find beautiful old anchors. The southern most tip of Africa is a dangerous and stormy place and regularly played up to it. Many a ship has come to its end here. Some 250 ships are scattered along the coastline and there are some interesting stories to be find in… Read more >

UITSPAN TYD BY UITSPAN

Dit is een van baie lekker kampplekke in die Baviaanskloof en hier doen ‘n mens net wat die naam sê – uitspan! Omdat ons by die see woon vermy ons gewoonlik die malligheid van ‘n Desember vakansie by die see en kies eerder koers binneland toe. Karoo toe. En waar meer kry jy Karoo as in die Baviaanskloof? Hier is dit boeklees-tyd, koffie-tyd, gesels-tyd en vriende maak-tyd weg van tegnologie en die gewoel van die stad. Die staanplekke is met groot sorg uitgelê sodat elkeen ‘n koelte kolletjie het, wat belangrik is in die somer, maar tog nie so ingedruk dat jy oor mekaar kamp nie. Dit is nogal iets wat vir ons baie punte tel. Hier is oorgenoeg om te doen, as jy iets wil doen! Jy word begroet met ‘n blouste blou plaasdam swembad met ‘n groen grassie wat sorgvuldig elke dag nat gemaak word en waar die… Read more >

THE BIG TREES OF THE GARDEN ROUTE

One of the attractions of the Garden Route is its forests and fern and with that automatically goes big trees that is hidden in the forest. All of them fall within park areas and is thus taken care by SANPARKS. I will start from the western side and travel in an easterly direction to reveal them to you. WOODVILLE This is an 800 year old tree that stands 31 m tall. Follow the Seven Passes road from Hoekwil leading towards the mountains and the signage will indicate where to turn left. The tree is just 80 m down the trail. There is a picnic spot with braai facilities and toilets at the start of the trail. Type: Outeniqua Yellowwood Entry fee: yes Permit: self-issue type Walking trail: +- 2 km (easy) with water crossing Coordinates: S33°56.8232 E022°38’42.1944 DALENE MATTHEE This one stands proudly next to the memorial of the famous… Read more >

FUEL YOUR TRIP WITH H20

by Inge Triegaardt We have planned, packed and repacked our trips and vehicles hundreds of times on our journeys before. Like we plan on how and where we would refuel and fill the jerrycans with the necessary fuel to keep our vehicles going, we have done the same with our water. When traveling in deep dark Africa, or even just in a remote location in our own country, it cannot be stressed enough that you should have a decent supply of water. When taking an over landing trip, we will typically have about 50L of water with us at any given time. When doing a day trip or going for a hike, we would mostly take about 5L of water at least. We do not need to go into details of how water can be lifesaving and how being stuck in the wilderness without any human contact, could be life-threatening… Read more >

A DRIVE THROUGH SEWEWEEKSPOORT

A magical place if you love to be impressed by mountains. This is also the place to go if you love geology and geography – both are interesting to me and I get lost when visiting this poort – as these mountain range is part of the Cape Fold Belt and you will observe some contorted rock strata along the route. This is also an area rich in flora. Not only aloes are noticeable on the slopes and along the road, but you will also find some rare indigenous plant species like the Aristata protea. Go prepared with binocular and camera and something warm in winter as you might encounter snow covered mountain tops which creates a bit of a chill factor. The original construction of the road started in 1859 with convict labour and lasted for three years. On final completion in 1862 it was also accessible for wagon… Read more >