DustBugs Travel

It would've been great to see Shelly Point, but it's a security estate and we couldn't enter. Britannia Bay was easily accessible though and, as we sat overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, we realised again how powerful and imposing it was. Really something to behold. We left the town of St Helena Bay and made our way to Port Owen, which is in Velddrif. We were going to spend the night there. This is an estuary where the Berg River flows into St Helena Bay. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #velddrif #portowen Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

After our visit to Tietiesbaai, we went to Paternoster which is a small village on the West Coast of South Africa. Now this was a real touristy place! The beach at Paternoster was beautiful, such a clean and pristine place. After driving through the village, we headed to St Helena Bay. We found a stunning gravel road which took us all the way to Stompneusbaai, Shelly Point, Britannia Bay and St Helena Bay. There are so many holiday destinations all along the West Coast that we weren't even aware of and it was fun driving along this route. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #paternoster #sthelenabay Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

Finding out that Tietiesbaai was a caravan park and campsite in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve was an awesome surprise and we were determined to make the most of it and got to have a good look. It's as close to the ocean as one can get for a campsite! The Sea Shack was also a real treat to see, the little houses were so cute, but unfortunately one can only go in to see them by appointment only. The rest of the Nature Reserve was wonderful, especially the huge boulders and the stormy sea. It would've been awesome to go in at the lighthouse but due to COVID, it was closed. #DustBugs #dustbugstravel #southafrica #tietiesbaai Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

After a good night’s rest and driving through the beautiful village of Jacobsbaai where we spent the night, we hit the road to Tietiesbaai. We have heard many anecdotes and seen many bumper stickers about Tietiesbaai but we have never been there ourselves. Very excited about seeing this place, we arrived and to our surprise Tietiesbaai is in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve! We always thought it was a small village and there were actually no houses or shops in sight! It was a pleasant surprise and we loved driving through the reserve. #DustBugs #dustbugstravel #southafrica #jacobsbaai #tietiesbaai Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugstravel

The Seeberg lookout point in the West Coast National Park is my social media banner. I took the picture in 2010 and it is one of my favourite places and such a joy to visit it again after so many years. We drove through Langebaan and Saldanha to reach Jacobsbaai which is a small village on the West Coast of South Africa. It was so peaceful there as we sat watching the sun set over Africa. The Jacobsdaller was a great place to end the day. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #westcoastnationalpark #jacobsbaai #langebaan #saldanha Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugs

It was very hard to leave behind the white sands of the beach at Yzerfontein, but we had to make our way to the West Coast National Park. We hadn’t been there for many years and were super excited to see it again! What a welcome we had! A tortoise right at the entrance gate and six more within the next 3 kilometres. Abrahams Bird Hide was an interesting stop. The amazing colour of the lagoon in the park was brilliant to see. Then of course we had to get back to the little cottage on the rock with so much history. Make sure you watch to the end! #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #westcoastnationalpark Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugs

After leaving the Darling church, we had to stop off at Evita se Perron. Sonia found two cats on the stoep she had to cuddle while I went through Evita’s Museum. What an interesting place! Lunch was great and then it was off to the white beaches of Yzerfontein. It was raining all the way to Yzerfontein, but someone waved a wand and the blue skies appeared only over Yzerfontein. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #eviteseperon #yzerfontein Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugs

Diane at the Darling Museum took time out of her schedule to give me a guided tour and show me the fascinating items and artefacts in the museum. It was really awesome to walk through and see the history of the town with all the treasures which were donated to the museum by the residents of Darling. I recognised many of the items from my grandparents' houses. Watch this video to learn a few interesting things about Darling. Enjoy! #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #darling #museum Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugs

It was awesome to learn about the history of Dassenheuwel farm and to meet the more than a century-old tortoise. Now with the farm in our rear-view mirror and the small town of Darling in our sights we hit the road. There were some interesting gravel roads and not to mention the very cute Christian Centre with classrooms under the trees. It is so typically African. Enjoy this journey with us. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #darling #dassenheuwel Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugs

After our search for Paardeberg Nature Reserve, which unfortunately ended in disappointment, we travelled through Malmesbury which is in the heart of the Swartland. It was sad to see the state of that old damaged thatched building. We were happy to hear that the Town Council is planning on renovating it sometime. Dassenheuwel Farm Stay was fantastic. The history of the place, the tortoises, springbok, zebra and reindeer were a real treat and we enjoyed every moment! #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #malmebuy #dassenheuwel Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugs

When we left Spier Wine Farm we headed to the House of JC le Roux in Devon Valley, Stellenbosch. JC le Roux is our favourite sparkling wine and has been for many years. It was great to visit them again after a long time. After searching for a way to enter the Paardeberg Nature Reserve we finally found out that it was not open to the public, but a private nature reserve. That was a real pity because I think the view from the top would've been awesome. Babylon's Peak was a huge stony outcrop which was very impressive to see! #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #paardeberg #jcleroux Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugs

We decided to visit Spier Wine Farm as one of our first stops. We saw some owls in their bird enclosure, but unfortunately it was closed for the day. What really messed with my brain was the interactive sound sculptures which were formed 260 million years ago from fossilised volcanic ash. I still don’t quite understand how that works! Jenna Burchell, the artist, found 12 of them as she walked along this extinction horizon. Definitely worth a visit and will enchant young and old. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #spier Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugs

After breakfast in Gansbaai, we started on the road back home. But we had to stop off at Hermanus which is such a beautiful town! So many changes over the years, especially the Waterfront which was beautiful to see on a busy bustling Sunday. We had ice cream at the Kleinmond Harbour and took a scenic drive all along the spectacular coastline all the way to Gordon’s Bay. We passed through Betty’s Bay and Rooi Els. These are all very cool places to visit with beautiful beaches and quite a few interesting shops and eateries to support. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #hermanus #kleinmond #gordonsbay Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugs

There is a wonderful sanctuary for big cats along the way to Gansbaai. Unfortunately for us, one can only get to see the cats by appointment. We did drive past it though to see what it looked like and you can see the passion the owners of this sanctuary have for what they do! It seems to be an incredible facility and well worth a visit if you're in the area. There was no expense spared to make these cats comfortable, which was so heartwarming to see. From the cat sanctuary we made our way to our campsite at the Gansbaai Caravan Park. WOW! This campsite was a really lively and festive place, filled to the brim with holidaymakers having a whale of a time! #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #gansbaai Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugs

Driving on the road from Vloedbos Holiday Resort delivered real beauty. The drive over the Akkedisberg Pass was great and then we drove up the mountain to Phillipskop Mountain Reserve. I would love to do the hiking trails there one day, especially the trail which leads to the waterfall. The chalets were built so as to take nature into consideration and so they blend into the mountainside, which was amazing to see. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #phillipskopmountainreserve Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugs

This is the reason we love doing what we do! We left DeSkaap and started our journey looking for places on gravel roads which were interesting and special. We had some beautiful dirt roads we travelled on which is always a bonus. I saw a camping site on Google Maps along the route we were travelling on and decided to take a look. Spectacular! Vloedbos Holiday Resort was an amazing discovery and a huge surprise! Never heard of it before, but guaranteed we will visit it again and make sure we spend a few days. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #vloedbos Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dustbugs

The rural village of Napier was an interesting checkpoint before we reached our final destination for the day which was DeSkaap. The church in Napier is really a majestic sight as it stands so impressively in the center of the village. What a wonderful place! DeSkaap is on a working farm just outside Napier. We love farmstays, they make our evenings so much more relaxing. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #agulhas Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel

I didn’t expect us to find quite a few long stretches of gravel road to travel on to reach Elim and Baardskeerdersbos. But I am super excited and happy to report that we did! An added bonus was the short trip through Baardskeerdersbos also known as B-bos. We didn't plan it, but have always heard the name and thought it is the perfect time to drive through. Enjoy! #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #elim Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel

The wind was blowing for days, but we had to accept it and carry on! The road from Die Dam to Pearly Beach was without incident or sighting, but the highlight was arriving at Castle Beach and seeing how beautiful it is. Not much gravel road was travelled on, but at least there was some small sections we could do, which always makes us happy! #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #pearlybeach Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel

We had quite a few obstacles on the road from L'Agulhas to Die Dam Holiday Resort because of the amount of rain which had fallen the previous week. But then again, we did see some beautiful places and wildlife. Strandveld Vineyards was a real surprise in the middle of nowhere and is known as the southernmost vineyard in Africa. I would've loved to have gone onto the beach at Die Dam Holiday Resort, but unfortunately the wind was just too strong when we arrived there. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #agulhas Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel

When our fish-and-chips were finished in Struisbaai, we made our way to the southernmost point of Africa which is on the outskirts of the town of L’Agulhas. We saw the picturesque Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, which is located within the borders of the Agulhas National Park. It was quite surreal standing on the southernmost point of Africa while looking at the map of the vast continent close by. Afterwards, we went to see the shipwreck of the Meisho Maru No. 38, a Japanese fishing vessel. From there, we went to Suiderstrand and went into a part of the National Park we later realised we were probably not allowed to, but at least we got out safe and back to our accommodation at The Gift in L’Agulhas. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #agulhas Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/dustbugstravel/ X.com https://twitter.com/dustbugstravel

On our way from De Mond Nature Reserve we saw two heron flying in front of us for a while and landing in the road. Andrews Field Nature Reserve turned out to be Tsaba Tsaba Nature Reserve and there was not much happening there. I suppose that is to be expected from time to time. But we discovered Earth on our way to Struisbaai, very interesting place to visit for a meal and to browse around. JJ’s Takeaway turned out to be a huge success at the Struisbaai Harbour. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #struisbaai Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/dustbugstravel/ X.com https://twitter.com/dustbugstravel

After the crazy night of wind and rain at the campsite in Arniston / Waenhuiskrans, we set off to L’Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa. Our first stop on this route was on the gravel road to De Mond Nature Reserve. It was a beautiful road to travel. We saw Duiker which are small antelope and which amazingly pair for life, Blue Cranes which are really large and impressive birds, massive stud Bulls at a cattle embryo transfer centre and of course our trusty Falcons on the fence posts as we drive by and which we see on nearly every road. We were very disappointed when we were not allowed in at De Mond Nature Reserve with our vehicle. I can just imagine how beautiful it must be there. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/dustbugstravel/ X.com https://twitter.com/dustbugstravel

When we started exploring the Bredasdorp and Arniston area, little did we know that we would find so much to see. Like the beautiful church in Bredasdorp which was built in 1911, the very interesting Shipwreck Museum and not to mention driving up the very badly-maintained and steep road at the Heuningberg Nature Reserve. We also saw the stunning location of the Arniston Hotel, the Arniston Harbour which was established in 1936 and of course the beautiful Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve. We also found it super interesting that Arniston / Waenhuiskrans is the only town in South Africa which has two official names. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/dustbugstravel/ X.com https://twitter.com/dustbugstravel

Travelling back-and-forth on the Malgas Pont was really fun and I can’t believe they allowed us to do that. Unfortunately our plans changed and we headed for Arniston because the place we were going to camp at, was not what we were looking for. We camped in Arniston for two nights, even though we knew it was going to rain. #DustBugs #dustbugstravel #southafrica #travelsouthafrica #travelongravel Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dustbugstravel Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DustBugstravel Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/dustbugstravel/ X.com https://twitter.com/dustbugstravel