For the Love of the Drive
The South African landscape was made for road trips. Here are a few of the country’s most loved routes.
The Garden Route
This covers the 225 km stretch along the N2 highway between Heidelberg in the west and Storm’s River Mouth in the east of the Western Cape. It is well known for its lush forests and spectacular sea views.
Worth a Visit
• The Knysna Elephant Park (+27 44 532 7732), 22 km outside of Knysna, is a treat for both young and old. Visitors are allowed to touch and feed the elephants, and you can also opt for a two hour safari on the back of these gentle giants.
• On the Treetop Canopy Tour in Tsitsikamma Forest (+27 42 281 1836) you can slide from one tree to the next, 25 metres above the forest floor. The tour has also won the Fairtrade stamp of approval due to their efforts to uplift the local community and the fact that cables are attached to trees using a tension system – there is not a single nail in any of the trees.
Perfect Padkos (“food for the road”): Coastal oysters from the Knysna Oyster Company in Thesen Harbour Town.
Web: http://www.gardenroute.co.za/
The Panorama Route
This skirts the northern Drakensberg and descends into the Lowveld in the province of Mpumalanga. It stretches from the Blyde River Canyon in the north to Sabie in the south.
Worth a Visit
• The spectacular Blyde River Canyon is the third largest gorge in the world. The 33 km gorge starts at Bourke’s Luck potholes and ends at the Three Rondavels, a trio of mountain peaks. It offers spectacular views and an abundance of bird and plant life.
• Gold was discovered in Pilgrim’s Rest in 1873 and the entire town has been preserved as a national monument. Expect quaint miner’s cottages, trading stores and the obligatory Royal Hotel. The town is also host to the National Gold Panning Championships each year.
Perfect Padkos: Sweet and savoury pancakes at the legendary Harry’s Pancake Shop (+27 13 767 1273) in Graskop.
Web: www.countryroads.co.za/panorama-route
Magalies Meander
This centres around the Magaliesberg Mountain range, one hour north of Johannesburg and on the northwest border of Gauteng. The range is home to vultures, eagles, and the Fairy Elephant Foot, a unique succulent plant with pink flowers and leaves.
Worth a Visit
• The Maropeng Visitor Centre (+27 14 577 9000) is a World Heritage Site which showcases the Cradle of Humankind. The Sterkfontein Caves, 10 km away, is the site where scientists discovered Mrs Ples (a 2.1 million year old skull) and Little Foot (a 3 million year old skeleton).
• Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris (+27 11 705 3201) offers you the opportunity to view the majestic Magalies River Valley from the vantage of a hot air balloon. Sip champagne as you hover over the treetops at dawn and then tuck into a hearty breakfast once you have landed.
Perfect Padkos: Sample boerekaas (farm cheese) at Van Gaalen Cheese Farm in Skeerpoort (+27 12 207 1289). Their range includes a stinging nettle cheese for those with adventurous palates.
Web: http://www.magaliesmeander.co.za/
The Midlands Meander
This is situated between Pietermaritzburg and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg range in KwaZulu-Natal. The symbol of the Midlands Meander is the Karkloof Blue Butterfly (look out for it if you visit in autumn). The route is known for its wide range of artists who practise a multitude of crafts, including glassware, ceramics, Zulu quilt-making, sculpture, weaving, candle-making and more.
Worth a Visit
• The Karkloof Farmer’s Market is open on Saturday mornings from 07h00 to 11h00, and offers an array of locally made breads, preserves, pickles, nougat, biscuits, fresh flowers, cheeses and more.
• The Nottingham Road Brewing Company (+27 33 266 6728) in Nottingham Road is an independent brewery which makes their own ales and lagers using spring water sourced on the estate. The thirst quenchers on offer include Whistling Weasel Pale Ale, Tiddly Toad Light Lager and Pye-Eyed Possum Pilsner.
Perfect Padkos: Indulge in handmade chocolates from Chocolate Heaven (+27 33 267 7299) in Rosetta.
Web: http://www.midlandsmeander.co.za/
Route 62
This inland route links Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. It is a more leisurely alternative to the N2 highway and passes through the Langkloof fruit valley, which is full of blossoms at this time of year.
Worth a Visit
• The three hour Montagu Tractor Ride (+27 23 614 2471) to the summit of the Langeberg Mountains takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays and includes a traditional lunch.
• Ronnie’s Sex Shop (+27 28 572 1153) in Barrydale is a must-see. The name originated when two of the owner’s friends decided to modify a new sign that Ronnie had erected for his shop (which sold fruit and vegetables). The prank name stuck and the establishment is now a bar that serves pub lunches and offers a truly festive atmosphere.
Perfect Padkos: Fresh-from-the-tree apples or pears from Joubertina, the capital of the deciduous fruit industry in South Africa.
Web: http://www.route62.co.za/
The Namaqualand Flower Route
This trails up the West Coast of South Africa to Springbok in the north. Many farmers also have wild flowers on their farms. Look out for signs that say “Blomme” (flowers) and take a worthwhile detour down a farm road.
Worth a Visit
• The West Coast National Park (+27 22 772 2144) is situated on the R27, an hour’s drive from Cape Town. The Postberg section of the reserve is open to the public in August and September and offers spectacular wild flower displays.
• Nieuwoudtville calls itself the “bulb capital of the world”. No wonder, as it is home to over 600 indigenous bulbs. The Quiver Tree forest on the road between Nieuwoudtville and Loeriesfontein is a worthwhile visit. The quiver tree owes its name to the local San Bushmen who used the branches of this tree to create a quiver for their arrows.
• Call the MTN Flower Line on 083 910 1028 for updated reports on where to find the best flowers.
Perfect Padkos: Stock up on freshly baked farm breads and melktert (a delicious South African version of custard tart) at Vyge Valley Farm Stall (+27 22 492 2586) on the R27 opposite Jakkalsfontein.
Web: http://www.namaqualandsa.co.za/
Story by Karen Nel
