The month was December, and the mission was clear: Dodge the bustling crowds of Cape Town before Christmas. The plan? Hideout on the tranquil riverbanks of Parys, Free State. But with Luna in tow, a bundle of energy border collie mix (rescue dog, so who really knows?) I had to plan my trip carefully.
Also read: The road trip that visits every national park in South Africa
No hopping on a quick flight this time. Plus, I would need regular pit stops and dog-friendly accommodations along the way.
Here’s how we pulled it off:
Leg 1: Cape Town to Hanover via N1
- Distance: 705 kilometres
- Time travelled: 9 hours, including two coffee stops and one lunch stop
- Stay over:
- Budget – Karoo Uitsig Guesthouse
- Luxury –Boutique Guesthouse Hanover
- Highlight: The Three Sisters hills near Victoria West are a lovely landmark, and the Travalia farm stall next to the road was a welcome respite for driver and co-pilot, with a lawn to stretch the legs on.
Leg 2: Hanover to Parys via N1
- Distance: 607 kilometres
- Time travelled: 8 hours, including two coffee stops and one lunch stop
- Stay over:
- Budget – The French Affaire
- Luxury – Parys Golf & Country Estate, Unit 3003
- Highlight: Arriving in Parys! This quirky town just grows more charming every year. Here, I spent my days browsing through antique stores and buying too many second-hand books.
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Leg 3: Parys to Graaff Reinet via N1 and N9
- Distance: 730 kilometres
- Time travelled: 9 hours, including two coffee stops and one lunch stop
- Stay over:
- Budget – De Graaff Manor
- Luxury – Onbedacht Cottage
- Highlight: The Karooroos Farmstall is the perfect spot to grab some jams, tasty pickled foods and unique dips and sauces.
Leg 4: Graaff Reinet to Plettenberg Bay via N9 and N2
The shortest route would be via Uniondale, but the pass is known to be in bad condition and with recent heavy rains potentially making it worse, I decided to take the longer way over George.
- Distance: 465 kilometres
- Time travelled: 7 hours, including two coffee stops and still-standing holiday traffic in Knysna
- Stay over:
- Budget – Masescha Country Estate
- Luxury – The Plettenberg Hotel
- Highlight: The Outeniqua Pass is especially green this year, and as dazzling as ever. Be sure to pull over at a lookout point.
Also read: Plettenberg Bay receives prestigious Whale Heritage Site status
Home run: Plettenberg Bay to Cape Town via N2
- Distance: 520 kilometres
- Time travelled: 6 hours 30 minutes, including one lunch stop
- Highlight: Peregrine Farm Stall has delicious eats and treats. Oh, and getting home and sleeping in my own bed.
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Also read:
Peregrine Farm Stall: An idyllic road trip stop for recharging
Picture: Paul Rysz / Unsplash
Words: Getaway Magazine
