Recce the Western Cape by rail
What better way to evoke a sense of nostalgia and classic adventure than by taking a trip on a train? From ‘Forgotten Routes’ to a stream train voyage through a lush, green valley, you will get enjoy a remarkable journey by boarding something once thought to be left in the past, which has thankfully been granted a new lease of life.
Steam train to Elgin Market
Brought to you by the Ceres Rail Company, travel from Cape Town through lush valleys and the rolling green hills of the Cape Overberg to the beautiful Elgin Valley, stopping at the steam-punk themed Elgin Railway Market. Enjoy live music, a huge selection of food and drink, clothing stalls and art. The whole trip – including your time at the market – will last around 9 hours and you’ll be back in the Mother City by 5.30pm.
Cost: R750 per Adult / R500 per Child / Infants under 2 – FREE
The Forgotten Route
Start your journey by bus from Cape Town to Worcester, before boarding the Trans Karoo train for the wonderful town of Matjiesfontein in the Cape Karoo. The train ride is only two hours, but the journey lasts two days, with activities including guided walks, a braai under the clear Karoo sky and a wine-tasting experience at a local olive estate. This route was once used by adventurers seeking their fortunes during the late 19th Century Gold Rush.
Cost: R1950 p/p/sharing with a maximum of 13 guests, bigger groups will be quoted on enquiry.
Diaz Express
Not so much a train trip, than a rail experience, the Diaz Express is still a spectacular journey. The coaches run through the gorgeous landscapes of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo. Starting in Mossel Bay, the train’s first stop is Seeplaas, a boutique coffee shop and art gallery with stunning views, and then it trundles on to either the Maalgate Bridge or the Glentana viewpoint (depending on your choice of route), where the train turns around. On the way back, the coach stops at the Great Brak River, where you can enjoy lunch at the award-winning Trans-Karoo Restaurant or the Opispoor Pub & Grill before heading back.
Cost: R150 for return ticket / R120 for children 12 and younger
#ReclaimTheRoadTrip via the Cape Karoo
Road-tripping the Western Cape is like no other place on the planet. This festive season go off the grid away from the hub of the cityscapes and explore the majesty of the Cape Karoo. Capture the joys of this regions with its open roads and many hidden stops and treasures in this 3 day journey of discovery.
Day One
Head out along the N1, towards Matjiesfontein, your first stay-over on this road trip, but make sure you break up the drive with a pit-stop in the lovely town of Worcester, a gem of the Cape Winelands and the perfect place to stretch your legs.
Quick detour: Shop at the Fairhill Craft Co-operative
Around 15-20 minutes outside of Worcester is Rawsonville, home to the Fairhill Craft Co-operative. Shop for a variety of edibles and treats, gifts and locally handmade crafts.
There are also a number of great restaurants to choose from while in Worcester, with all offering something different:
The Barn Gallery and Café: If you have a taste for art and delicious food, this restored barn from the 1790’s is a must. The café is also child-friendly.
Opstal Restaurant: For a gorgeous view of the valley – and a cracking fireplace if you make the trip in winter – Opstal is a fantastic venue to recharge before hitting the road again.
Website: http://www.opstal.co.za/restaurant/
Continue on to Matjiesfontein:
Whether you are on a family road trip or a getaway for two, the charm of this beautiful old Karoo town manages to infect all that visit. Kids – and adults – will love the ‘tour’ of the town in the old London Double Decker bus (hint: it’s known as the shortest tour in the world), while the historic buildings and Lord Milner Hotel speak to an age gone by. Enjoy a dinner of Karoo lamb and chase it down with a couple of brandies in the Laird’s Arms Pub
Day Two
Next up on your whistle-stop tour of the Cape Karoo is Prince Albert – another gem of the region and a must-visit for all intrepid road-trippers. It’s just under two-hour’s drive, so plenty of time to enjoy an idle breakfast at the Lord Milner before departing.
You’re going to want to spend the day in Prince Albert, so make a bee-line for town, enjoying the drive along the way. Once in town grab early lunch at:
Gallery Café: A local favourite, with some lovely dishes, we recommend the pork and pear starter, oxtail and lamb curry and the malva pudding.
Website: http://www.princealbertgallery.co.za/
Or
O for Olive: Fresh breads, light lunches, tapas and tasting sessions, O for Olive is a great stop for a light lunch. The newly added patio and outdoor area, complete with manicured garden and water features, is complemented by a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains.
Website: http://www.oforolive.co.za/
Catch a movie / show at the Showroom
This art deco gem is the last thing you would expect to find in the Karoo, but make sure you check the website before you head out and you could catch a movie or a show at this gorgeous theatre.
Website: https://www.showroomtheatre.co.za/
Dinner at:
Simply Saffron: Tuck into freshly-made samosas, lamb breyani and more at this incredible gem of a restaurant. The menu is made predominantly from locally source produce and leans towards plant-based cuisine.
Website: http://princealbert.org.za/simply-saffron/
Karoo Lodge: Traditional comfort food from the Cape and Karoo – the speciality is the lamb. The menu changes regularly, with aged Grade A steak, natural lamb, ostrich and vegetarian dishes permanent features.
Website: http://www.karoolodge.com/
Star Gazing:
Stargazing is a must when visiting anywhere in the Cape Karoo it only takes you to look up and view stars pinned against a black canvas. From open vast landscapes, to sunsets following open starry night skies. There are few place better to enjoy this than Prince Albert. Wrap yourself in some blankets and take in the majesty of the moment.
Day Three
Pack some food for the trip home and hit the road early. Take the scenic route via the Swartberg Pass – the historic pass built in the 1800s. With its highest point at 1585m above sea level, you will be blown away by the breath taking views of the Klein, and Great Karoo.
Quick detour: Ostriches
If you have the time, stop-over in Oudtshoorn for a Tractor Tour on Safari Ostrich Farm. This hour long activity allows for an “insiders” view on a working ostrich farm and replaced the Ostrich riding experiences aligning with international Responsible Tourism practises. It’s something different and a great way to get the kids some fresh air before continuing on with the trip.
Website: http://safariostrich.co.za/
Lunch in Barrydale:
Diesel and Crème
This vintage diner and motel (The Karoo Moon Motel) in Barrydale is a feast for the eyes, with an eclectic look and feel to it, but more importantly it is a feast for the taste buds with its gourmet milkshakes reaching near-legendary status amongst road-trippers.
Website: http://dieselandcreme.co.za/
Ronnie’s Sex Shop
Ronnie’s Sex Shop is iconic on Route 62 and the story of how it came to be is equally so. Originally planned as a farm stall, Ronnie’s friends changed the name from Ronnie’s Shop to Ronnie’s Sex Shop, and despite being initially upset with the prank, it didn’t take long for the name to stick - a favourite pit-stop on Route 62.
Website: http://www.ronniessexshop.co.za/
