On a trip like this, I usually try to post daily updates, or at least keep them fairly regular. This time, however, I was hampered by a distinct lack of decent internet access. I had expected to be completely cut off from cellphone and internet connectivity in the Richtersveld, but I certainly hadn’t anticipated the poor connectivity we encountered during the rest of the trip. Even when we were in Wi-Fi zones at campsites or accommodation, or when my cellphone showed a full 3G signal, the connection was often so slow and unreliable that posting to my blog was virtually impossible.
As a result, I have decided to write up the trip retrospectively, in a few posts covering the journey as a whole.
This had been a long-anticipated and carefully planned road trip. With the Hilux — it’s not a bakkie — heavily laden, we finally set off. Day 1 involved a fairly long drive from GQ to a farm stay somewhere between Barrydale and Montagu. Rather than taking the busy N2, we opted for the more scenic R62.
I don’t think there can be a more striking illustration of the difference between the Eastern and Western Cape than the point where the R62 crosses from one province into the other. The contrast is almost immediate. The following dashcam photographs were taken less than a kilometre apart:
During our travels, I have found myself developing a growing fascination with the ruins that appear unexpectedly beside the road — remnants of lives, homes and places that have long since slipped into the past.
On Day 2, we met up with our friends in Robertson before continuing on towards the Cederberg. At the summit of Gydo Pass, we were rewarded with this stunning view.
The gravel road through the southern Cederberg region remains one of the most scenic roads in South Africa.
My fascination with ruins next to the road continues.
Camping at Kromrivier Cederberg Park, we spent the following day exploring the surrounding area. A visit to the Stadsaal (Town Hall) Caves was followed by an excursion to Truitjieskraal. Both offered spectacular examples of the distinctive rock formations for which the Cederberg is renowned.
Some more ruins along the way.
Etienne's Camera 