UNESCO recognised the Swartberg Pass between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert for its heritage value. It is the last pass that Thomas Bain designed and built.
With its many and steep switchbacks, this gravel road pass requires careful driving and attention. And, if you plan to explore Die Hel, also a 4x4.
By prior arrangement, a downhill adventure awaits for groups who would like to cycle down a 12km section facilitated by Swartberg Experiences (visit swartbergexperience.co.za).
As Farmer's Weekly's Garden Route and Klein Karoo Avitourism visit was made possible by BirdLife South Africa (which hosts the GoBirding.co.za platform with support from the Western Cape Department of Tourism and the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve), we were always on the lookout for birds.
Explore the peak (Die Top) in search of Verreaux's eagle, Cape eagle-owl, Ground woodpecker, Cape siskin, Cape sugarbird, Victorin's warbler, sentinel rock thrush, Cape rockjumper, protea seedeater and the orangebreasted sunbird, and keep an ear out for their calls while cycling down.
If telling friends you went careening from the Waboomsberg on the Swartberg Pass on a bicycle doesn't get you sufficient bragging rights, telling them you had breakfast above the clouds cooked over open coals by Kobus and Charman Lategan and their team from Kobus se Gat certainly will.
Perhaps it was the crisp early morning air or the staggeringly vertiginous views below but, whatever the reasons, that breakfast of pillowy roosterkoek, still warm and smoky from the coals and packed with bacon, scrambled eggs and a sweet and spicy tomato smoor tasted Michelin-star worthy.
Drinking moerkoffie from an enamel cup while doing so was equally stellar.
CALITZDORP
After a delightful lunch under a canopy of grapevines at De Krans in Calitzdorp, the next stop reached via the Rooiberg Pass was a tiny Karoo village.
Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
