The Cape, Essential · Friday 12 February 2027
Out of the green and into the Karoo.
Today the coast is left behind. East across the wheat country of the Overberg, then north over the Langeberg by the Tradouw Pass, a narrow road cut through the mountains in the 1870s, and down through Barrydale into the Little Karoo.
By lunch the green has gone and the red earth has begun. It is the most dramatic change of scene in the journey, and it happens through the windscreen.
Rolling wheat country and small farming towns, about two hours, with the mountains always on the left.
Through the Langeberg with the river far below and the road clinging to the side of the gorge. We stop at the top.
Fifty-four thousand hectares of private reserve, and lunch at the lodge. A look at the reserve here.
Out as the heat goes, in the party’s own vehicles. Lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard are all here, and so is the emptiness, which in the Karoo is the point.
No town, no road and no farm light within sight, and the Milky Way comes down to the horizon on every side.
| Trip guide | Russian-speaking, and with the party every day of the journey. |
|---|---|
| John Sparks | Drives into the Karoo with the party, sees them settled at Sanbona, and hands them to the rangers before heading back to Cape Town. |
| Sanbona rangers | Meet the party at the lodge and stay with them for both days. |
| Guests | Up to 12 |
|---|---|
| Driving | About three and a half hours |
| Meals | Full board from lunch |
| Accommodation | Sanbona, night 1 of 2 |
The proposal
Not tours. Living chapters.February · The Cape
The Cape, three waysThe Cape, PrivatelyThe Cape, HostedThe Cape, EssentialApril · For the Families
For the FamiliesApril · Lesotho
Lesotho and the High CountrySeptember · The whales
The Whales, and Deep TimeWhere they stay
21 NettletonTintswalo AtlanticRadisson CollectionLanzeracGrootbosThe MarineHarbour HouseThe Shark BaySanbonaNambiti HillsEsiweni Luxury Safari LodgeCleopatra Mountain FarmhouseWhere they eat
Café CapriceStellenrustTwo Oceans RestaurantLa ColombeBeau ConstantiaCreationAlong the way
Table MountainThe Bo-KaapThe Castle of Good HopeThe Company’s GardenHout BayBoulders BeachGroot ConstantiaKlein ConstantiaBuitenverwachtingStellenboschRustenbergHermanus and Walker BayRiding at Pearly BeachThe Art of the BlendFranschhoekChapman’s PeakCape of Good HopeSnorkelling with SealsGreat White Shark DivingThe whales: the trailerTalk to me
john@visitorstoafrica.comWhatsApp