Seasons come and seasons go, and after a long winter we (the good ol’ SA) finally welcome spring-going-on-summer. Now the real fun starts! We get to plan new wardrobes, enjoy sun-filled days at the beach or alongside a pool, and all sorts of other fun social events and activities. One of my favourite summer activities are road trips, and the next few months will provide the perfect ambience to do just that.
Being a born and bred Capetonian, I rarely drive farther than my comfort zone, and my comfort zone usually extends no farther than Oudtshoorn, in die Klein (small) Karoo. Basically, I rarely drive beyond the Western Cape border. And if you’re a hardcore road ‘tripian’, I’m sure you’re kicking the dirt at that statement. But, let’s be candid; there really is so much to see and do locally, and nothing but road and few mountains between the here and there.
This year I plan on spending about a week along the West Coast with a chock-full itinerary, dedicating at least one day to all the little dorpies (towns) and its hidden treasures. And because it’s also the season of sharing and caring, I’d like to share some of the hidden treasures with you.
Fun things to do on the West Coast…
Sand-boarding at the Lost City Reserve in Atlantis – Woo hoo!!!
Sand-boarding in Atlantis.
If you were my PC screen you’d be able to see the BIG grin on my face right now. Sand-boarding! Seriously, how cool is that? And it gets even better! You can do a half-day sand-boarding package or really juice your adrenalin and sign-up for a combo deal, by adding quad biking or skydiving to your super-charged adventure.
Pieter Dirk Uys dressed as Evita at Evita’s se Perron in Darling.
Evita se Perron in Darling – this should be interesting…
I remember watching Pieter Dirk Uys’ shows on TV with my folks as a child, and although I almost never understood his humour, I was always fascinated by his transformation. Right before your eyes – from the lipstick to the wig – he would transition from Pieter to Evita Bezuidenhout, an internationally renowned alter-ego / comedian. So fascinating! And thanks to Evita se Perron in Darling, I get to experience her awesomeness in all its glory, whilst enjoying a traditional Afrikaner meal from Evita’s Kombuis (kitchen).
One of the many wild flower fields in Hopefield.
Hopefield – all the pretty flowers
There are actually quite a few places that I’d like to visit in Hopefield; not to my surprise, considering that it’s the oldest town on the West Coast. Established as a smallholding in 1953, it has since grown to a population of 6460 (2011). Places that I must see include the Hopefield Museum, the Elandsfontein archaeological site (known for excavations of Stone Age fossils), and its never-ending fields of fynbos and wildflowers.
Crayfish Diving in Elands Bay – keeping it real
Go crayfish diving and enjoy a deliciously, fresh seafood meal afterward.
If you’re a seafood lover like me, or if you just want to experience the world below the surface, then sign up for a crayfish diving expedition and relish in your catch, with a lekker (nice) crayfish braai (barbeque) afterward.
Now, this is a very tiny to-do list in comparison to all the places I’d like to see and do on the West Coast. For now, let’s call it a work-in-progress.
And if you’re planning a road trip of your own, Google is a great ‘tour guide’ for planning these excursions. Experiencing your local surroundings, and enjoying all that it has to offer can be so much more rewarding, way more relaxing, and so much more cost effective than an international one. Oh, and don’t forget to take lots of photos, too!
See you at the crossroads 🙂
