Namaqua Lodge, Vanrhynsdorp - Friday 31st March to Saturday 1st April 2023

Namaqua Lodge, Vanrhynsdorp – Friday 31st March to Saturday 1st April 2023. (Link to video at end of report)

This trip I planned months ago, and for one reason or another I’ve just not been able to get away….. Until now!

Friday up early and on the road at 7am. Quick run through the rush hour traffic towards town and onto N7 to fuel up at Engen Swartland.

A couple of hundred kilometres of tar to get out of the way before arriving in Citrusdal. Tar soon turns to gravel and a beautiful scenic ride up along side the Olifanfs river to Clanwilliam. The river is looking in great shape after the recent rains.

From Clanwilliam onto the R364 tar road and the Pakhuis pass. A quick stop to pay respects at the Englishman’s grave, Graham Vinicombe Winchester Clowes. Killed during the Boer War in 1901 whilst on a scouting mission. Rumour has it this is not actually where he is buried but as his sister commissioned the headstone and came from England every year to lay flowers on the grave it was thought best not to say otherwise.

Continuing onwards the tar soon turns back to gravel and I’ve crossed into the Northern Cape. My next pass is the Botterkloof pass which offers more spectacular views and scary drop offs at the summit. I have a fear of heights so carefully I proceed on my way.

Gravel all the way now to Nieuwoudtville where I call in at Protea Motors hoping to see the owners collection of vintage motorcycles. My luck is out as he is not there today so I have to make do with a peek through the windows.

With time now to spare I opt to take a 140kms tar road round trip to Loeriesfontein where I’ve been told there is a windmill museum worth a visit. The route is stunning and windmills are awesome to see. Also I get to see some Quiver trees.

Back down to Nieuwoudtville and my last 50kms on tar to my accommodation for the night. The Namaqua Lodge in Vanrhynsdorp. The Van Rhynspas offers the most amazing views but demands the utmost concentration to negotiate its many hairpin bends.

The Lodge is very nice. Everything you want. Safe parking. Clean and comfortable room with a hot shower. Supper was also great. A perfectly cooked medium rare 400g rump steak washed down with several of my favourite Windhoek draughts. Lekker…

Saturday and I woke around 5:30am after a really good nights sleep. No one to play an April fools trick on me this morning. All packed and bike loaded I set off at 7am.

A quick 25kms down to Klawer with the sun low in the sky but temperatures hitting an astonishing 25c. Fuel up at the Engen one stop and straight back onto the N7 for another hour to Citrusdal.

From Citrusdal it’s a mixture of tar and gravel for another hour through to Op Die Berg. This route takes in a trio of passes. The Elandskloof (tar), Middleberg and Buffelhoek (gravel). The gravel passes include some steep rugged sections and plenty of hairpin bends. The views from the Middleberg mountain range are incredible and a must stop for a photo opportunity.

From Op Die Berg it’s tar all the way home now. Another 45mins to Ceres with a rest and photo stop on the Gydo pass.

From Ceres I take the Tulbagh Road to meet up with the R44 and down to Wellington onto the N1 and my first proper break at Engen winelands. A welcome coffee and Wimpy breakfast see me revitalised and ready to complete the last 50kms through the heavy N1 traffic and home.

A great trip and another two Bains passes ticked off my list.

Namaqua Lodge