Wild South Africa road trip

After several South Africa travels, it is now time to explore the hinterland with all its beautiful national parks. By a 4x4 vehicle and a rooftop tent we're going to hit the road. Read more

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Trip start
May 12, 2021
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Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 4:00 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 22 m
South Africa Bothasig -33.86667, 18.5433333°52’0” S 18°32’36” E
Tent testing Cape Town
May 11, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
While we were preparing for the tour we used the nights to test out our rooftop tent. All is packed and ready. Let's hit the road...😃
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Day 3
Friday, May 14, 2021
🌙 10 °C
Altitude: 528 m
South Africa Bergrivier -32.82248, 18.6802932°49’21” S 18°40’49” E
West Coast National Park
May 14, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ 🌙 10 °C
After a stopover at Granskraal campsite we head up to the West Coast Nationalpark for a nice chilled bike ride. Ostriches in front of me stopped me by blocking the road. I am very cautious of those birds. 😬 Lucky a coming car from behind chased them away. Our next stop will be Langebaan campsite.Read more
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Day 4
Saturday, May 15, 2021
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 5 m
South Africa Dial Rock -33, 17.95533°0’0” S 17°57’18” E
Saldanha
May 15, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Spontaneous decisions are often the best. After stocking up with food and a coffee stop at Saldanha beach we decided to stay two nights at the campsite next to us before going to the mountains. We knew we will get rain the coming day. And yes, we got heavy rain. That was a test if we're equipped for a weather like this....🌧️
And I must say we survived but we got wet.Read more
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Day 6
Monday, May 17, 2021 at 10:14 AM
☀️ 10 °C
Altitude: 515 m
South Africa Bergrivier -32.82167, 18.6832°49’18” S 18°40’48” E
Januariesfontain
May 17, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C
We arrived at a privat land where we're going to stay a few days to help an elderly couple with maintenance and gardening. In return we can camp at their land and get meals and fire wood. These guys are so lovely.... They cooked an extra vegetarian meal for us and shared some nice experiences of their life. Straight from there you can hike or go for a mountain bike ride. And yes, we took the chance to get our bedding dried.🙈Read more
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Day 9
Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 4:24 PM
🌧 11 °C
Altitude: 528 m
South Africa Bergrivier -32.82274, 18.6804932°49’22” S 18°40’50” E
A shelter from the storm
May 20, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ 🌧 11 °C
After three days of sunny weather a storm pulled up. Heavy wind gusts and rain are predicted. We moved to an empty-standing old cottage. After two days of hard work Ciorsdan can finally rest. With muscle power to built rain gutters can really break your body . I could use the day to finally bake my first bread and cook some yummy food. 😋Read more
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Day 12
Sunday, May 23, 2021
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 557 m
South Africa Bergrivier -32.82167, 18.6766732°49’18” S 18°40’36” E
Project successfully finished
May 23, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Another two days of hard work until the way to the upper campsite was passable. The rain has washed out the path and formed sand hills which made the path inaccessible . It has been a while since the elderly couple could visit this beautiful place. Ciorsdan gave everything to made it possible for them to enjoy the stunning view of the mountains from this place . Amazing what he has achieved in such a short time. 🙏
I kept myself busy with washing, cooking and cutting bushes. With this tools, however, it would take months to cut all bushes on the edge. It is as if you are cutting the hooves of a horse with a nail scissors. 😂
Tonight we got invited by them for a lekka dinner. 🤗 Thank you, the pizza was amazing.🤗

https://youtu.be/7EYhXoR40l4Read more
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Day 25
Saturday, June 5, 2021
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 530 m
South Africa Bergrivier -32.82316, 18.6805432°49’23” S 18°40’50” E
Work away for a while
June 5, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
We have decided to stay longer at this place and to help the older couple with maintaining their land. Within a short time you could see how much they appreciate our help. They laugh much more and are happy with every change we create. Above all, they enjoy our company, sharing stories at dinner and especially our appreciation living in such an amazing place. Yes, we have got some projects wich will keep ourselves busy for the coming weeks. For this we enjoy the more our evenings at the fire, cooking and baking in an approximately 100 years old oven, frequently hikes, mountain biking, music and especially a simplistic lifestyle. Is there any more beautiful than a peaceful life while helping people?Read more
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Day 29
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 524 m
South Africa Bergrivier -32.82228, 18.6803132°49’20” S 18°40’49” E
Community work
June 9, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
After two weeks of Workaway in Januaresfontain, we feel responsible for integrating us into the community. Nicky, a native Workawayer took us in touch with people from Goedverwacht, the next village in the valley, to operate an old water mill which was standing still for at least 90 years. A true highlight for all villagers, seeing that life is back in the old mill. Especially because tourism has been asleep for some years. In a sociable coffee party I was able to get to know the nice ladies from the village. They told me how they grew up here and how life has changed with the years. After I told them the way I grew up in Germany, they were excited to hear how we live in their area. To live without electricity and warm water is not everyone's lifestyle.Read more
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Day 58
Thursday, July 8, 2021
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 6 m
South Africa Rietvlei -34.35833, 21.5266734°21’30” S 21°31’36” E
KaniMambo Lodge Stilbaai
July 8, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
Oh yes, winter can be cold in the mountains.😬 Especially if you're going for camping. Therefore we decided to take a break and go back to Mossel Bay for a certain time. But who would have thought that we get the opportunity to camp at a lonely farm right at the beach? So we grabbed our things and made us on the way to the KaniMambo Lodge near Stilbaai. A rural area with private beach is awaiting us. Sitting at the campfire under an amazing starry sky....🤗 What else is needed for a perfect camping spot. We spent the second night in a lodge which is far away from the lifestyle we lived the past month. A freestanding bathtub with sea view, an outside rain shower and an open kitchen in which I kept myself busy. 😇Read more
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Day 178
Friday, November 5, 2021 at 11:10 AM
☁️ 17 °C
Altitude: 409 m
South Africa Swellendam -33.98755, 20.8361933°59’15” S 20°50’10” E
Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve
November 5, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Yay, after a four month break we're back on the road.😃 From Mossel Bay our first stop was in Grootvadersbosch campsite. From there we did a very muddy 3h hike in the breeding heat of South Africa, the grysbock trail. I rather call it the spider trail. I never saw so many spiders in such a short time as on this hike. In the middle of the path was a tarantula sitting.😬 I never saw such a creature in wild nature. On our second day we enjoyed a walk to the redwood trees and a nice uphill cycle to the view point. 💪Read more
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Day 179
Saturday, November 6, 2021
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 1,043 m
South Africa Swartberg -33.56833, 19.9833333°34’6” S 19°58’60” E
Leeuwensboschfontain
November 6, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Our next stop should have been at Simonskloof campsite. Unfortunately they don't accommodate campers anymore. We drove along a remote road looking for a spot to wild camp. We came to a lonely farm which is also a nice campsite with many hiking and biking opportunities. So we climbed up the Swartklip mountain and enjoyed a very steep cycle up the 4x4 road.Read more
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Day 182
Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 8:39 AM
☀️ 12 °C
Altitude: 892 m
South Africa Cederberg -32.49333, 19.2466732°29’36” S 19°14’48” E
Cederberg mountains Oasis campsite
November 9, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
Now we head up to the cederberg mountains. Again the campsite we wanted to stay is closed. It seems in SA they do not see a need to update their websites. Anyway.... A very friendly guy at Oasis campsite welcomed us to stay there. We cycled the challenging truitjieskraal pass and rewarded us with an ice cold beer from the bar.😋Read more
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Day 182
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 886 m
South Africa Cederberg -32.49333, 19.2532°29’36” S 19°15’0” E
Lot se vrou
November 9, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
Not far away from our campsite we took the challenge to cycle the lot se vrou mtb trail. A definitively not a technically easy trail with some up and downs. But the view is breathtaking. We forgot about the 35 degrees today. And yep, I fall when I looked back to Ciors. and my front wheel came into the thick sand.....🙈Read more
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Day 183
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 1,552 m
South Africa Wolfberg -32.44333, 19.2533332°26’36” S 19°15’12” E
Wolfberg Arch
November 10, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
This morning the heat was extreme. It felt like 40 degrees. But anyway, we planned to go for the Wolfberg Arch hike. Said and done....🥵
After every 20 m up I needed to have a sip of water not to dehydrate.
The first section is a very steep climb up to the summit where you do the most of the elevation. In total 700 m and 500 m in the first 3 km. Once at the top you forget about the heat and the strenuously climb. The view is just breathtaking. The walk to the arch is long, yet easy. We had enough time for a nice picknick and photo session as we only needed two hours to get there.Read more
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Day 184
Thursday, November 11, 2021
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 631 m
South Africa Cederberg -32.55167, 19.3616732°33’6” S 19°21’42” E
rusdag
November 11, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Today is a chilled rest day. Or as Afrikaans would say: rusdag....
We give our muscles time to recover from the last days activities and use the nice weather for washing and cleaning. It is like camping in someone's garden and enjoying to watch the colourful birds while a tortoise is crossing the meadow. 🤗Read more
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Day 185
Friday, November 12, 2021
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 988 m
South Africa Grootrivierhoogte -32.61, 19.3666732°36’36” S 19°22’0” E
Matjesrivier Cycle
November 12, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Again a very hot day and we can still feel that our muscles have been active the last days.🙈
So we switched our plan to go to the shops today and postpone our hike for the next day.
I don't really know why, but I think the stories of a few extreme cyclists at the campsite made Ciors.forcing me to jump on my bike on the way back.

No, he just knows how much I love to cycle in such an beautiful area.😊

The view was just picturesque.⛰️😃

After long descents very intense climbs were awaiting me.

It was fun when a car passed me and the guys in there cheered me on. 😅Read more
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Day 186
Saturday, November 13, 2021
⛅ 24 °C
Altitude: 922 m
South Africa Cederberg -32.52167, 19.3183332°31’18” S 19°19’6” E
Stadsaal rock art and cave
November 13, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C
It seems it is getting more and more hot with every day. Maybe not very wise being too active in this heat. I could already feel this morning how my body slowly dehydrates. We found a nice cool spot in a cave at Stadsaal for some coffee and lunch and a quick afternoon nap.🤗
Why not just enjoying the vastness of nature away from civilization.🤔Read more
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Day 187
Sunday, November 14, 2021
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 824 m
South Africa Dwarsrivier -32.495, 19.2832°29’42” S 19°16’48” E
Maalgat
November 14, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
We spent the last day in the cederberg mountains at the water. There is a nice pool called Maalgat wich is part of the Matjesrivier. Perfect to cool down in the ice cold water on hot days like today. There are three rocks hanging over for jumping. Five, seven and thirteen meters. Ciors.did the seven meters.
😅Read more
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Day 189
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 13 m
South Africa Platklippunt -30.345, 17.2830°20’42” S 17°16’48” E
Namaqua national park
November 16, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
As always, plans change daily, so we just changed our route. The heat of the last few days really bothered us and made us doubt whether we really want to go to the hot and dry tankwa national park. So we decided to simply skip this one and head north instead. Our destination is the Orange river. Let's see if we really make it by then ...😅

So we headed for a campsite in Kamieskroon. On the way on the cape namibia road, the landscape was getting drier. I almost had the impression that I had arrived the desert. That was what awaited us the next day when we drove to the namaqua national park. My goal was to cross the park by bike. The landscape is just amazing. There you just get to see all the colours. After about 25km bumpy ups and downs, I was through.
After almost two weeks in the mountains, we are looking forward to sitting by the sea again for a picnic.☀️🌊Read more
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Day 191
Thursday, November 18, 2021
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 168 m
Namibia Nuwe Modderdrif -28.68667, 17.5583328°41’12” S 17°33’30” E
Orange river Namibia
November 18, 2021 in Namibia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
After a long drive through dry desert we actually made it to the Orange River .....😇

We have made a good choice with the rustic Ouwerbos river camp. And if only a river separates us from Namibia, why not just paddle to the other side of a cool Windhoek?
🌊☀️😅Read more
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Day 194
Sunday, November 21, 2021
☀️ 32 °C
Altitude: 687 m
South Africa Kai !Garib -28.56333, 20.1128°33’48” S 20°6’36” E
Augrabies Falls National Park
November 21, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
It was a very long drive from Oewerbos to Augrabies Falls. A straight road through the desert.

After a sleepless night near a very noisy place at a private farm we entered the park the next day.

It is really worth to stay overnight in the park. The view of the waterfall and Namibia's mountain in the background are magnificent.

The gravel roads are nice to cycle even in the heat of the desert. Hilly but not that steep.

I didn't know about what animals are living in this park. I was even more excited passing a herd of giraffes with my bike 😊🤗😇Read more
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Day 196
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 457 m
South Africa Witzenberg -32.42, 20.0816732°25’12” S 20°4’54” E
Tankwa
November 23, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
It was a full day transit down to Calvinia. We unfortunately couldn't find a nice campsite. So Ciors' wish to go wild camping came true. We stopped at waterhole in the middle of the mountains where we got a picturesque sunset.🤗

We started early today driving to the Tankwa Karoo via the magnificent ganagga pass. The Tankwa itself is dry and there is just nothing. Only a few thorny bushes survive here. I am wondering how the animals survive here. We took a very interesting 4x4 route through the park..... I was just hoping we won't stuck in this deep mud. 🙈
Thank to Ciors' driving skills we made it.

When you think the most difficult part is done, it's getting better....

We had enough of boring straight roads that's why we decided going to Sutherland via the Ouberg pass. I was sweating taking Lady Landy up this extreme vertical gravel road. 😵

Very tired we arrived Sterland campsite in Sutherland.

So we traveled from the hottest area of South Africa to the coldest spot which is Sutherland.Read more
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Day 197
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
⛅ 18 °C
Altitude: 636 m
South Africa Laingsburg -33.47, 20.7133°28’12” S 20°42’36” E
Anysberg
November 24, 2021 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
Our last stop was Anysberg Nature Reserve. I cycled all the way to the campsite inside the park. Funny that our last campsite was the cheapest. There we baked our last bread on the fireplace. 🤗

After three weeks on the road we're going back to Mossel Bay.

I am sure we'll continue our tour soon. Who knows.😅😉Read more
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Trip end
November 25, 2021