Kim Emmanuel rounds up some of the best routes between tourism highlights for guests who are looking for slow and scenic travel.
Along the way to the Kruger National Park
The drive to a destination can be an exciting escape for travellers who are willing to explore along the way. “Scenery, meeting locals, the thrill of self-organising, the discovery of the unknown and the feeling of freedom are what drive tourists to make the trip in their own vehicles,” said Tim Bouwers from Bobo Campers.
On the way to the Kruger National Park travellers can stop over in Dullstroom. Andrew Iles, MD of Ashtons Tours, Safaris and Shuttles, describes the town as the centre of fly-fishing. “There are many trout dams to be seen on the scenic, hilly road between Dullstroom and Mashishing.”
There are also a number of good restaurants in the town, such as the Duck and Trout Restaurant and Pub, and the Duck and Trout Lodge offers seven en-suite rooms for guests looking for an overnight stay.
Abel Erasmus Pass, in Limpopo province on the R36 road between Ohrigstad and Hoedspruit, offers a view to be enjoyed along the way to the Kruger, says Iles. The pass also takes travellers through the JG Strijdom Tunnel where a tufa waterfall can be seen. “A tufa waterfall gathers calcium carbonate as it passes through limestone areas and precipitates this as it emerges from the rock face, effectively growing outward instead of eroding the lip,” explains Iles. The Abel Erasmus pass leads out to Olifants River Valley.
Elana Redelinghuys, General Manager of Guided Tours at Springbok Atlas, and Fanie van Zyl, MD of SA Coach Charters and Bus Rentals, both say the Panorama Route should definitely be recommended to guests travelling to the Kruger park area. “It offers glorious views, spectacular landscapes and exquisite waterfalls,” says Redelinghuys. Attractions along the route include God’s Window, the Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the village of Graskop.
Travelling around the Western Cape
Travelling from Cape Town on the N1 route via Hex River Valley to the town of Prince Albert is a route that travellers will enjoy, says Redelinghuys. The town is known for its sun-ripened fresh and dried fruit, vineyards, olives and local cheese.
The road is surrounded by mountains and travellers are also able to take part in wine tasting along the way. Clients can also stop over in Matjiesfontein, another small town along the route. “The entire village was declared a National Heritage Site in 1975 and is today a charming, beautifully restored throwback to the late Victorian era,” says Redelinghuys.
Product Development Manager at Tourvest, Karien le Grand, says scenic drives through South Africa’s mountain passes, such as Pakhuis Pass near Clanwilliam, and Bain’s Kloof near Wellington, will leave guests awestruck. Le Grand says travellers will also enjoy stopping at lookout points or hidden gems, such as viewing the Map of Africa near Wilderness – a scene of mountains and forests in the shape of the African continent. There is also the option to paraglide from a nearby launch spot.
Luxury train travel
Themba Masheula, Brand Marketing and Communications Manager for the Blue Train, says train travel has become a preferred alternative for holiday-makers for reasons that include more baggage space, comfort, forced relaxation and the old-fashioned charm associated with it.
He describes the Blue Train as more of an experience than a mode of transport, offering far more than just the journey. “It is an all-inclusive experience offering a combination of unsurpassed luxury travel, five-star accommodation, fine cuisine, personalised butler service and routes that offer breath-taking views of the South African countryside.”
Masheula says train travel also allows travellers to skip the hustle and bustle of airports and queueing for flights.
The Blue Train offers trips from Pretoria to Cape Town and Pretoria to Hoedspruit. The Blue Train can be also chartered for special occasions either along its standard routes or on custom-made trips and cross-border excursions that last from a few hours to several nights.
Journeying from Johannesburg to KwaZulu Natal
Tourism KZN CEO, Ndabo Khoza, highlights a number of attractions to be enjoyed when travelling to KwaZulu Natal from Johannesburg.
A visit to uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park will allow visitors to hike along the footpaths through the mountains, camp in caves or picnic near the rock pools. The Main Caves at Giant's Castle Reserve also offer tours by accredited tourist guides who share information on the ancient places and people.
Khoza also suggests that travellers visit the Mandela Capture Site in the Midlands on their journey. The site where Nelson Mandela was arrested ahead of the Rivonia Treason Trial is marked by a sculpture of the former South African president. There is also an on-site exhibition to learn more about the role Nelson Mandela played in South Africa's liberation. The KwaZulu Natal Midlands has a host of galleries, coffee shops, and craft outlets.
En route to Mozambique
Tom Vorster, Social Media & Marketing for Kruger Lowveld Tourism, says there are various backroads and byways in Mpumalanga that visitors who have the time should consider rather that heading to Mozambique on the N4 highway.
He describes the Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail as “must see, must do”. The roadside panels at the various geological formations and viewpoints make it an easy self-guided, self-drive option for travellers. “While geology may not be everyone’s passion, the spectacular views and the abundant birdlife in summer won’t disappoint.”
Barberton Heritage Walk takes visitors on a walk through the town, visiting different historic points of interest. The walk begins at Barberton’s Local History Museum and visits the Lodge of St. John in the South, Blockhouse Fort, Bellhaven House Museum, amongst others. The walk ends at the Garden of Remembrance and Regimental Badges.
