DustBugs Travel

We were so disappointed when we saw that the Bainskloof Pass was closed, but we had the opportunity to visit Wolseley because of that, which was fantastic. What a lovely town! We also were very lucky to see the blockhouses the British built close to the railway bridges. It was very interesting to see the history of these structures. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #blockhouse #wolsley #renaultkwid Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

Discovering the Forgotten Highway on our way to Ceres, having breakfast and then driving through the town. What a busy place with beautiful streets lined with huge trees in the suburbs. After leaving Ceres we stopped at the Hillbilly Farm Stall and the Creative Hub. Now that was a treat! Both places are unique and have such a beautiful setting and so many interesting items to look at. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #ceres #renaultkwid Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

As we left Zwartkop Guest Farm, we immediately caught up with some of the hikers doing the Tankwa Camino. After talking to two of them, Tanya and Kate, you can see they thoroughly enjoyed this experience. 256 km from Calvinia to Ceres, amazing! The organisers set up camp every evening, provide water every 5 km and the evening meal, but the hikers pitch their own tents and make their own breakfast and lunch. This is going on my bucket list for sure! #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #karoo #tankwakaroo #zwartkop #renaultkwid #tankwacamino #calvinia #ceres Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

Driving through the gate at Zwartkop Guest Farm after a long day on the gravel roads through the Tankwa Karoo was fantastic. Overnighting in such a tranquil setting was just what we needed. The next morning, we were up early enough to enjoy the beautiful Karoo sunrise with a steaming cup of coffee and a few rusks. It was time to hit the road again, heading for our next destination. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #karoo #tankwakaroo #zwartkop #renaultkwid #tankwacamino Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

After descending the Gannaga Pass we came across the amazing abandoned mud buildings in the Tankwa Karoo National Park at a place called Uintjiesbos. I had to stop and explore these beautiful old structures. I really do hope that they get a second lease on life. There was a back-and-forth conversation with a donkey on this gravel road too. Further down the trail we came across the Tankwa Farm Stall which was rather unique. It even has its own giant flying saucer! Then, we saw some hikers doing the Tankwa Camino Hiking Trail before arriving at our accommodation for the evening. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #karoo #tankwakaroo #uintjiesbos #renaultkwid #tankwacamino Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

Going down the Gannaga Pass was absolutely fantastic and so exciting! This pass is in the Tankwa Karoo National Park and is a must visit if you are in the area. Driving down was a real treat, especially with all the rain that washed out the gravel road. It was slow going, but the views from this pass were stunning. I must say the Renault Kwid was amazing on this road, we even passed a large 4x4 which had a flat tyre, but we arrived at the bottom with no casualties whatsoever. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #karoo #tankwakaroo #gannagapass #renaultkwid Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

After leaving Middelpos, we travelled on a stunning gravel road which headed to the Tankwa Karoo National Park. This road took us to the beautiful view at Gannaga Lodge. Then into the National Park, where we finally reached the Gannaga Pass. We did not even know this pass existed. The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking. What an experience we had and so much fun. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #middelpos #karoo #tankwakaroo #gannagapass Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

What a fantastic welcome to Oupoort by the donkeys! Also the history about the original farmer was very interesting, but also very sad. We ended up spending the night with a stunning braai of authentic Karoo lamb chops. Oupoort is just outside of Middelpos, so the next morning we headed into town, after preparing jaffels for breakfast. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #middelpos #karoo #oupoort Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

Turning off the road from Williston to Middelpos was exciting. This area had so much rain over the past few months and we never knew what the condition of these gravel roads were like, but we took the chance and what a successful trip we had. Coming over the hill and seeing the beautiful vast expanse of the Great Karoo appear in front of us was stunning, not to mention the dams of water everywhere. The Karoo is a dry area and to see so much water is amazing. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #middelpos #karoo Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

When we returned from the corbelled houses, we drove through the streets of Williston. It was interesting to see the large stands and loved that some roads between the houses were still gravel. Then we checked into our accommodation at Karoohuis. We just relaxed that evening, so that we could get an early start. The next morning. we had breakfast and bought some famous Karoo lamb for the braai that evening. Then it was time to look for gravel roads heading in the direction of Middelpos. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #williston #mannarestaurant #southafricavlog #amandelboom #karoohuis #corbelledhouse #middelpos Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

We spent a wonderful evening on the farm at Sonnevleg Self-catering, but the time came to hit the road through the Great Karoo to Williston. It was really awesome to see how much rain they've had recently in the district. The farm owner was understandably very happy and relieved. Not to mention all the little lambs we saw as we were leaving, really cute. Crossing the Sak River as we entered Williston, previously known as Amandelboom, was amazing, especially seeing how much water was flowing. We filled the car up with fuel and then realised we also needed fuel and had a wonderful meal at Manna Restaurant. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #williston #sonnevleg #sakriver #mannarestaurant #southafricavlog #amandelboom Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

Driving out of Calvinia, we spotted the Akkerendam Nature Reserve and decided we had to go and explore. It has a really beautiful landscape, especially those rugged edge on the mountain tops. After that it was off to our farmstay at Sonnevleg Self-catering. The farm owner came to meet us and we followed him to our house and WOW, what a beautiful old house. The stay on the farm was absolutely stunning and we enjoyed every second. It was so quiet and peaceful, all we heard were the sheep, birds and wind blowing. It was a fantastic stay. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #calvinia #akkerendamnaturereserve #sonnevleg Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

When we left the Englishman’s Grave, we went over a gravel road pass called the Botterkloof Pass. It was a short, but very steep pass. We then found a monument just before we reached Calvinia on the R27 which commemorated the end of the Anglo Boer War. Our tummies were rumbling by the time we arrived in Calvinia, so we stopped at Die Hantam Huis for a quick bite to eat and then just took a slow drive through Calvinia. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #calvinia #hantamhuis #botterkloofpass Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

Travelling along the N7, we needed a pitstop. We saw this farm stall called the Desert Rose and decided this was the place. It was such a cool experience. All the amazing sculptures made of steel were a real treat to look at. Such talented artists! Then just over the Pakhuis Pass we found the “Engelsman se Graf” or the Englishman’s Grave. The story behind this was really fascinating. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #desertrose #engelsmansegraf Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

The stay at Kroo Guest Farm was awesome. They have an animal sanctuary for those injured out in nature. The house was built in such a manner that it blends perfectly into its surroundings. I loved it there. Then it was time to head back home. We took a very long gravel road but what an incredible road it turned out to be! We saw giraffe, kudu, gemsbok, eland, springbok and horses. The absolute highlight was a group of donkeys we could interact with close-up. What an awesome experience! #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #anysberg #krooguestfarm Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

Driving through Seweweekspoort was truly an awesome adventure. I always thought it was a pass, but as its name says, it's actually a gateway through the mountains and not over the mountains. It has amazing natural beauty. We stopped at a small stream to taste the spring water and it was so cold and fresh. Then we saw an old ruin which actually is the old toll house, similar to the one at Montagu Pass. What a stunning drive! #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #seweweekspoort Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

Waking up after a great night’s rest at Hillside Guest Farm we had to hit the road for our next destination, although we would've loved to stay longer. We were fortunate to see ostriches along the road again and we had to stop to take a closer look. Coming into Oudtshoorn we saw a shop / restaurant with an awesome, playful vibe. Smitswinkel has a unique style and we were so happy that we stopped there for brunch. It is really worth taking a pitstop at this place. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #smitswinkel #oudtshoorn #brunch Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

The road down from the old British fort just outside Uniondale was really exciting to drive down. The views of the Little Karoo landscape as we travelled down were stunning. Not to mention the tarred road all the way from Uniondale to the turn-off to the farm. What can I say about Hillside Guest Farm? Absolutely gorgeous! The tranquil setting gives you the time and space just to relax and recharge. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #uniondale #hillsideguestfarm Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

The small town of Uniondale in the Little Karoo was formed in 1856. The church in this beautiful town was built in 1886 and overlooks the entire town. When you stand in front of this church you can feel the sense of grandeur with its sandstone structure. What an architectural masterpiece! From the church we went looking for the British fort on the outskirts of town. It was amazing to see this structure, still standing today and to just imagine what happened there over 100 years ago. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #uniondale #britishfort Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

Prince Alfred’s Pass is known as Thomas Bain's greatest work. This pass takes you from Knysna to Uniondale and is the longest pass in South Africa at 68,5 km. We had an amazing adventure up to the Spitskop viewpoint high into the clouds. The road was washed out by the recent rain they had in the region but our little car had no problem dealing with this. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #princealfredspass Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

Leaving Plettenberg Bay and backtracking to Knysna we found a gravel road which took us through the heart of the Outeniqua Forest on the Garden Route. As we were driving we saw many massive trees and then realised they were yellowwood trees. In the Garden Route National Park was the King Edward VII big tree. This tree is over 800 years old and is more than 40 meters high and has a circumference of seven metres! On our map we saw a museum and decided to visit. What an experience it was to see an entire elephant skeleton which was found in the forest and is now on display. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #outeniquaforest #elephant Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

As we went around the circle as we turned into Plettenberg Bay, we could sense the vibe in the air that this is a major holiday destination. This seaside town on the Garden Route of South Africa is very popular. We were here many years ago and knew that the beach was a beautiful location. Arriving down at the beach right by the Beacon Island Hotel we remembered why. It is a really clean and fun beach where holidaymakers come to relax and soak up the sun. We took a slow drive through the town and then knew it was time to hit the road to our next stop. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #plettenbergbay #vacation #beach Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

You will find Masescha Country Estate on your way to Plettenberg Bay and what a wonderful place to spend the night. We heard baboons and birds amongst the trees in the forest. This place is really a paradise on the Garden Route. Then it was off to Plettenberg Bay. Along the way, we stopped at the Hen House Eat Out Café for breakfast. Here we met Tinashe, a wire and bead artist. What a talented and amazing young man! He creates beautiful pieces of art. After breakfast we headed for Plett. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #Masescha #plettenbergbay #henhouse Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

We left Thesen Island and decided to visit Leasure Island. We were really blown away by the Steenbok Nature Reserve. What a beautiful place to take a walk and enjoy nature. What was amazing to see, was that this is the only place in the entire world where you find the estuarine seahorse species. Found only in this lagoon. From here we went to the Knysna Heads and what spectacular views we saw there! #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #knysna #knysnaheads Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel