We head for Montagu, gateway to the Little Karoo, and home base for 2 nights. Our route takes us through the most spectacular parts of the Boland. En-route we visit a large olive farm, with a well stocked farm stall where you can sample an astonishing array of olive products. Later we have lunch on a remote farm which features a micro brewery, and we can sample all of their innovative brews. We check in at the renowned Montagu Country Hotel, with its comfortable accommodation, friendly staff, good food and period “Art Deco” styling, which dates back to the 1920’s. Dinners here are congenial affairs in the stylish dining room, often accompanied by live piano music.
The next day we have a leisurely breakfast and then depart for today’s (weather permitting) exciting excursion - a unique and trailer ride high into the Langeberg Mountains, with breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside. There are superb fynbos flowers to enjoy, and the crisp air is invigorating. We round off the adventure with a mouth-watering midday meal of traditional ‘potjiekos’, in a rustic boma on the farm. The afternoon is devoted to local exploring, and there is time to visit various attractions at a leisurely pace. Highlights include the local museums, Nature Garden and the extensive Dried Fruit Stall. Should you so wish, your guide will take you to the local hot springs for a swim. You may of course choose to take it easy, and potter around the various nearby shops, or relax at the hotel.
Bidding farewell to Montagu, we continue along Route 62, and head for our next destination - Rooiberg Lodge, some 10 km east of Van Wyksdorp. Our route takes us through picture-perfect Barrydale, and onward through typical Little Karoo landscapes, all with a backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery. We then divert southward and head for Rooiberg Lodge, passing through Van Wyksdorp, an olde worlde village deep in the back country where it appears as if time has stood still. The Lodge is situated in the foothills of the Rooiberg Mountains within a 14 000 ha nature reserve. We check in for our 3-night stay, and have time before dinner to explore the immediate surroundings, and settle in to the relaxed atmosphere of this tranquil gem of the Little Karoo.
The following two days are devoted to exploring and enjoying Rooiberg and its many activities, as well as taking a scenic drive over the Rooiberg Pass en route to Calitzdorp. The lodge is extremely well appointed, under thatch with a boma, sparkling pool, delectable meals in a homely restaurant, as well as a deck overlooking a waterhole. Activities are many and varied, and include easy touring by minibus to explore remote country roads and beauty spots. We meet interesting locals and sample superb local cuisine. One excursion will take us to Ladismith, with its dramatic backdrop of Towerkop and its prominent split peak, and lunch on a farm deep in the mountains. There is time to stroll in the countryside, enjoying the fynbos and aloes that often flower in a spectacular fashion at this time of year.
Although this is the last day, there is still plenty to experience. We travel along the foot of the spectacular Langeberg, to Swellendam. This is one of the oldest towns in the country, and we tour the old part of the town with its well-kept historic buildings, and later enjoy lunch at a cosy restaurant. In the afternoon we cross the Overberg with its lush green hills and mountain backdrops.
As usual Landscape staff will be ready to see you safely home.
