A good old South African Road Trip in times of Corona

A good old South African Road Trip in times of Corona

After months of being at home while waiting for the world to kind of get back to normal, nothing was quite as welcome as the suggestion by a friend to go away for a weekend! He found a beautiful farm house just outside Calitzdorp, about 3,5 hours from Greyton, where we live. The road to get there is one of my favourites, the R62, also known as the longest wine route of South Africa! The views, passes and surroundings are absolutely amazing!

So off we went, bags, food and masks packed! Our town is about 35 kilometres from the highway. The dirt road to the N2 is a magnificent road, we have driven it many times and the views of the Sonderend mountains, fruit orchards and fields with cows never ever get boring! First stop is a standard one: Diesel & Crème in Barrydale. It’s a cute, unique vintage coffeeshop/restaurant who make the best gourmet milkshakes in the country! From there is wasn’t all that long to get to Calitzdorp. We did a quick last shop for things we forgot (as per usual) at the Spar in Calitzdorp and then we drove the last few kilometres on a dirt road to Danielskraal Farm. A unique farmhouse, set on a remote farm a few kilometres outside of Calitzdorp.

The place is absolutely stunning, it is an old renovated farmhouse with beautiful rooms, abundantly equipped with everything you may need and surrounded by a green, lush lawn and amazing views. There is a pool, place to play boules, you can walk, cycle, hike or just relax on the very comfortable couches on the patio and enjoy the peace and quiet. Social distancing is not a problem here at all, as there is plenty of space to scatter around!

Calitzdorp is well know for its wines and port. A visit to winehouses like De Krans, Boplaas and Axe Hill proved that they really know what they are doing here when it comes to making wine! It was good to see that COVID protocols are adhered to everywhere and we never felt uncomfortable.

A place like Danielskraal is perfect to just relax, braai, swim and let the solitude of your surroundings sink in. Two nights was actually too short, it always is, but we will definitely be back and feel invigorated after this weekend!