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.
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin Farmer's Weekly 14 June 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.
