With the countdown to Christmas holidays, throngs of Vaalies are preparing themselves for the annual N1 migration to Cape Town. If you’re planning on making the 1,400km road trip between Joburg and Cape Town (or anywhere in between), we encourage you to travel safely and stop over for a night’s rest along the way. There are some beautiful sights and places to explore, so take the time to make the journey as much a part of your holiday as the destination.
BEAUFORT WEST
Beaufort West lies approximately 930km from Johannesburg and 460km from Cape Town, so the majority of your drive to the coast will be done by the time you reach this small town in the Cape Karoo.
What to do: Savour the flavours of the Karoo at the local restaurants, visit Sports X-ventures for paintball and aqua zorbing, ride on a Donkey Cart, and take a guided walk to explore the historical buildings and museums. There is also golf, 4×4 trails, mountain biking, quad biking, horse riding, birding, hunting, fossil exploring, and star gazing. If you dare climb back into your car, take a game drive through the Karoo National Park or Steenbokkie Private Nature Reserve.
Where to stay: Having stayed at Nagenoeg Guesthouse (which is appropriately translated to “close enough”), I can personally recommend it as a self-catering accommodation. Situated 8km north of Beaufort West, it feels as if you’re driving into the middle of nowhere when you follow the short detour off the N1, over old railway tracks, to this secluded oasis. The units are spacious, fully-equipped, and pet-friendly with a closed-in grassy courtyard for dogs. With no street lights around, you can marvel at the Karoo stars at night; and in the morning, you’ll likely be greeted by neighbouring sheep as you sip your morning cuppa on the stoep. Enquire now.
GARIEP DAM
Situated 585km from Johannesburg and 825km from Cape Town, Gariep Dam is a popular destination for boating and water sport enthusiasts, and was voted “Tourist Town of the Year” in 2010. Gariep Dam is a minor detour off the N1, but a beautiful and convenient alternative to staying in Colesberg.
What to do: The Gariep Dam Nature Reserve is abundant in wildlife, and home to the biggest population of springbok in South Africa. The Oviston Nature Reserve and Oviston village on the eastern side of the dam are favoured fishing spots. See the Boer War Cemeteries, take a day trip to the Forever Forest, go quad biking, abseiling, horse riding, and micro lighting, or visit the local shops, restaurants, and pubs.
Where to stay: Stone Guesthouse is an AA “Superior Accommodation’ establishment, offering value for money and views of a lush area. The guest house is centrally located, while the splash pool is an inviting relief after a long drive. Enquire now.
HANOVER
With approximately 700km to go in both directions, Hanover is the halfway point between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Famous author and woman’s rights pioneer, Olive Schreiner, referred to it as the prettiest village she had ever seen; and the dusty streets and pretty historical buildings certainly lend themselves to a charming ambiance.
What to do: Dating back to 1907, the imposing Dutch Reformed Church is a beautiful building worthy of a photo or two. Visit the historical sites and restaurants, take a walk to the Trappieskop viewpoint, and visit The Spider Lady to see her living museum of creepy crawlies. It’s hard to find anywhere else in the world where the Milky Way shines as clearly, so be sure to enjoy some star gazing.
Where to stay: Bun Clody Guest House offers 3-star accommodation in en-suite family rooms. Pets are welcome by arrangement and there is a restaurant on the premises as well as a braai area for your convenience. Enquire now.
Tell us, where is your favourite stop over between Joburg and Cape Town?
Main image credited to Graeme Williams
