Taking a road trip from Joburg to the Cape?
The thought of having a15+ hour drive you might have put this idea of yours behind, and rather go for a 2 hours flight.For someone who still concerned about the possible risk to sit in the airplane during this time, maybe it’s time to put your foot down and start a road trip.While there are a few different routes you can choose, we chose this one , it breaks the journey in two, and allows us to rest and enjoy the journey, this route also has less traffic, especially fewer trucks, which can be annoying when you want to have a nice chat or a snack with your families and friends in the car.
Mountain pass by Franschhoek, South Africa
This may not be the fastest route, but over the years, we have found this one works for us the best, after all, the journey and the beauty in between is just as important as the destination.
Middleburg, South Africa
Let’s go Mzanzi….
The first day drive:
Johannesburg – Kroonstad – Welkom – Bloemfontein – Colesberg – Graaff-Reinet
*the above estimate according to Google Map
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
It’s about 4 hours from Joburg to Bloem, where we often stop at Woolworths Langenhoven Park to refresh and stock up, it’s about 10mins drive off the highway, a small shopping centre where you can just park and walk into the shops.
It’s another 4-5 hours drive from Bloem to Graaff-Reinet. Once you pass Colesberg, the landscape starts to change.
The first thing that you notice is the cloudless sky, like a brush stroke from deep blue it goes lighter where it joins the range of mountains, edged by impressive cliffs.
Colesburg, South Africa
Aloes, leafy-succulents, dwarf shrubs are sprinkled around by those ever-continues mountains.
Karoo, South Africa (swipe left for more images )
If you travel during summer time, you might lucky enough to spot an isolated thunder shower on the plain, which is quite magnificent.
Karoo, South Africa
Dutch Reformed Church at night, Graaff-Reinet, South Africa
When I first visited GR 18 years ago, I stayed at Drostdy Hotel which has been renovated in 2014. While there are plenty lovely guest houses in town, I always feel comfortable and have a warm welcome back to the Drostdy Hotel.
Drostdy Hotel in 1806 (picture from graaffreinet.co.za)
Drostdy Hotel in 2019, GR
Restaurant at Drostdy Hotel, Graaff-Reinet,2020
Library at Drostdy Hotel, Graaff-Reinet,2020
Bar at Drostdy Hotel, Graaff-Reinet,2020
Wine cellar at Drostdy Hotel, Graaff-Reinet,2020
Spa at Drostdy Hotel, Graaff-Reinet,2020
Drostdy Hotel, Graaff-Reinet,2020
Ferreia house, Drostdy Hotel, Graaff-Reinet,2020
Drostdy Hotel, Graaff-Reinet,2020
Drostdy Hotel, Graaff-Reinet,2020
Last but not least, you don’t want to miss the wine and food from the hotel restaurant, it’s all about celebrating the indigious ingredients and local culture.
Dinning Room, Drostdy Hotel, 2020
If you wish to stay longer in this beautiful town, you most definitely won’t regret it. This little town has lots for you to explore and experience.
The town
Established in 1786, Graaff-Reinet is the country’s fourth oldest magisterial district. Visit https://www.graaffreinet.co.za/ for more info.
Dutch Reformed Church, Graaff-Reinet
Cape Dutch architecture
Our Yard
If you are a coffee lover, you don’t want to miss Our Yard restaurant, which has its own coffee roastery, offering the aroma from different regions.
Our Yard restaurant, Graaff-Reinet
Cactus yard
The Coldstream Restaurant
There is another lovely restaurant where you can take a break.
Sitting right next to the Dutch Reformed Church, this restaurant belongs to the Drostdy Hotel, serving more casusal yet comfort food.
And many more exciting for your to discover
The Valley of Desolation
It’s about 15mins drive from the Drostdy hotel to The Valley of Desolation, from where you can see the whole of Graaff-Reinet.
The best view can be seen during sunrise and sunet.
Valley Of Desolation, Graaff-Reinet
Sunrise in Valley Of Desolation, Graaff-Reinet
Sunset in Valley Of Desolation, Graaff-Reinet
The Camdeboo National Park
The Camdeboo is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric regions of the Great Karoo. The sweeping plains and rugged mountains rise from an elevation of approximately 700-metres above sea level on the plains south of Graaff-Reinet, as high as the 2,502-metre high Kompasberg, or Compass Mountain.
more info at https://www.karoo-southafrica.com/camdeboo/
Overview The Camdeboo National Park from the dam of Graaff-Reinet
The Camdeboo National Park, Graaff-Reinet
The Owl House
About 50km from Graaff-Reinet, sits Nieu-Bethesda. This is where The Owl House is.
The Owl House is a work of art in an outdoor area created by Helen Martins between 1945 and 1976. Driven to despair by the dullness of her daily life, she took steps to transform her world with light, colour and texture. For more info, visit https://theowlhouse.co.za/
The Owl House, 2014
Once you have relaxed and it’s time for the second part of the journey.
There are two routes you can use to get to the Cape.
The first one: Graaff-Reinet – Beaufort West – Laingsburg – Touws River – Worcester – Paarl – Cape Town. By taking this route, while you may encounter some busy traffic from Beaufort West to Laingsburg because of the big trucks, you will see magnificent views from Touws River.
Touws River, South Africa
The second route has much less traffic, with a continuous beautiful view you don’t want to miss. Let’s go
The second day drive:
Graaff-Reinet – Willowmore – Oudtshoorn -Ladismith – Montagu – Franschhoek
*the above estimate according to Google Map
Willowmore
De Rust
Oudtshoorn
There is a very nice Spar where you can stop and refresh.
Driving Pass Ladismith in Summer, 2020
Driving pass Marloth Nature Reserve, 2020
Montagu
Another beautiful town you don’t want to miss
Driving pass Robertson
Brandvlei Dam
Driving pass Brandvlei Dam, 2020
Driving pass Robertson
Vineyard, wild roses along the road, 2020
While you are still enjoying the continuous and changing views and scenery, we will reach your destination, Franschhoek
Over view Franschhoek from the mountain pass, 2020
Franschhoek in sunset, 2020
While our road trip from Joburg to Franschhoek has finished, it’s your time to create your own road trip, memories, and discoveries through your own eyes, camera.
Thank you for watching, see you soon.