Well, I might as well share this quick 10 day trip to the Namakwa…..
Frans aka Hou da nou da from Groblersdal contacted me (as he does every holiday….. ) for a quick trip he has been looking forward to for some time…..
So we agreed and quickly made bookings for April 2012 with Namakwa District Municipality (Tourism Office) Email: marikag@namakwa-dm.gov.za
Website http://www.northerncape.org.za
Private Bag X 20
Springbok
8240
Tel.027 712 8035
Fax.027 712 1421
Cost of the 5 day trail is R150.00 per vehicle (bargain…. ) however you need to be self sufficient during this period
Map info:
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Vehicle / occupants:
Myself / wife (Danelle 0000DS) – Hilux Vigo DC 2.5 D4D – Crysten (14) & Kiara (6)
Frans / wife Denise – Hilux Vigo 3.0 D4D – x4 kids – 2, 9, 11, 13y
Round trip Jhb / Jhb 2746km’s
Day 1 was to push through to Upington approx. 800km’s via Koster, LIchtenburg, Vryburg, Kuruman and then Upington. There Cobus aka Kaspaas recommended we stay over at Oranjerus Camp site (S28 38.350 E21 07.107) and we were not disappointed one bit Nice green grass with shaded camping area, pool, bar, restaurant, braai facilities and immaculate bathrooms. (Rate 80.00pp kids U13 R40.00) And on the bank of the Orange river
That afternoon Khalahari Seun & Kaspaas came to visit as we had not met before…..What nice guys Please do contact them if you are in the area, they know it well and will gladly to assist
Cobus had kindly invited us on a tour of Oranjerivier Wine Cellers which we obviously agreed to just before Keimoes Was an interesting tour to say the least and some……wine was drunk……only a little
And obviously we had to take some home
After a nice tour we had to say our goodbuy’s and headed for Kakamas. But first lunch @ Vergelegen Restaurant, also recommended and not disappointed at all S28 45.105 E20 38.626
Expect some of these on route……
From here we headed to the recommended farm Raapenskraap S28 37.454 E19 30.550 (via the Onseepkrans road) and the campsite was wonderful and rustic!!! We were the only people there and had the place to ourselves Bit of a bush camp, next to the Orange river, with a donkey, nice fireplace and wood for Africa What more could we ask for For R100 per vehicle per night, not bad !
There are also a few guest houses available, should you not want to camp.
The campsite
Oh yes carefull the thorns……
Supper, hamburgers and chips on the fire, kids favourite
They farm here mainly with grapes and lemon’s and is part of Karstens Boerdery !
The following day we headed S/E towards Pofadder S29 07.509 E19 23.796
Pella here:
Campsite view
Kids enjoying the pool….
Afternoon nap for some……
Such a relaxing place we decided to stay for 2 nights
Once you get to Pella follow these co-ordinates which will take you through Charlies Pass Ask the locals for directions should you get lost, absolutely worth the drive Follow these co-ordinates S29 01.319 E19 10.432
Stunning scenery
The pass eventually takes you to the banks of the Orange river
Time to cool down
Frans almost getting into a bit of a situation…..
Luckily he managed to get out……but later it would be my turn…..
From there it’s another hour drive to the farm Klein Pella, where we would overnight again
Break
Some more date plantations
Pickers still at work at the end of the season
O….K, where was I….. The older girls slept outside as the weather is still pleasant
While the younger one’s felt better in the tent
We left Klein Pella or shall I say the kids left KP with heavy hearts, towards Grootmelkhoutboom
Witbank, a small settlement on route
Ruins
Almost at Groothoutmelkboom and I was getting hungry…… For a sarmie and some coffee……However when we got there the group ahead of us were still chilling there…..
So we stopped and said our hello’s…just passing through…won’t stay long and disturb the peace……
Danelle said ‘lets leave rather….’ Me not happy agreed and pulled away in a huff….not far and……..damm, STUCK
Front wheel….
Back wheel….
All wheels…..
Frans quickly deflated his tyres and came to assist with a tug Tx Frans
Back to he Klein Pella camp site
And that was that We decided as we have no further bookings we would stay here, no further
What more can one ask for
Some more pics
Kids even managed to catch some fish, this entertained them quite somewhat
If you like loud music, malls and crowds….this is def. not for you….
Here I must add the awnings came in pretty handy, there is little shade in this area
Sunrise
Easter some easter eggs for the kids, which they enjoyed! Another advantage of having x2 fridges – they come in quite handy
Frans trying for the big one….
The following morning waking up to this was awsome, pic from RRT
Packed and ready to rumble……
We could not exit the way we came in as the water was rising, so found an alternative
Back on the road again
We found this fella crossing the road….3 inches long!
From here we headed towards Augrabies, Khamkirri