The month was December, and the mission was clear: Dodge the bustling crowds of Cape Town before Christmas. The plan? Hide out on the tranquil riverbanks of Parys, Free State. But with Luna in tow, a bundle of energy border collie mix (rescue dog, so who really knows?) I had to plan my trip carefully. No hopping on a quick flight this time. Plus, I would need regular pit stops and dog-friendly accommodation along the way.
Here’s how we pulled it off.
Travelling alone and with a Ford Figo, I stuck to main roads.
Leg 1: Cape Town to Hanover via N1
Distance: 705km
Time travelled: 9 hours, including two coffee stops and one lunch stop
Stay over:
Budget- Karoo Uitsig Guesthouse
Luxury – Boutique Guesthouse Hanover
Highlight: The Three Sisters hills near Victoria West are a lovely landmark, and the Travalia farm stall next to the road was a welcome respite for driver and co-pilot, with a lawn to stretch the legs on.
Picture: flowcomm/Flickr Commons
Leg 2: Hanover to Parys via N1
Distance: 607km
Time travelled: 8 hours, including two coffee stops and one lunch stop
Stay over:
Budget – The French Affaire
Luxury – Parys Golf & Country Estate, Unit 3003
Highlight: Arriving in Parys! This quirky town just grows more charming every year. Here, I spent my days browsing through antique stores and buying too many second-hand books.
The Vaal River offers soothing summer hangout spots. Picture: Getaway gallery
Leg 3: Parys to Graaff Reinet via N1 and N9
Distance: 730km
Time travelled: 9 hours, including two coffee stops and one lunch stop
Stay over:
Budget – De Graaff Manor
Luxury – Onbedacht Cottage
Highlight: The Karooroos Farmstall is the perfect spot to grab some jams, tasty pickled foods and unique dips and sauces.
READ: Stoep sitting in Graaff Reinet
Leg 4: Graff Reinet to Plettenberg Bay via N9 and N2
The shortest route would be via Uniondale, but the pass is known to be in bad condition and with recent heavy rains potentially making it even worse, I decided to take the longer way over George.
Distance: 465km
Time travelled: 7 hours, including two coffee stops and still-standing holiday traffic in Knysna
Stay over:
Budget – Masescha Country Estate
Luxury – The Plettenberg Hotel
Highlight: The Outeniqua Pass is especially green this year, and as dazzling as ever. Be sure to pull over at a lookout point.
READ: 7 fun things to do in pretty Plettenberg Bay
Picture: Konstantin’s Europe/Flickr Commons
Home run: Plettenberg Bay to Cape Town via N2
Distance: 520km
Time travelled: 6 hours 30 min, including one lunch stop
Highlight: Peregrine Farm Stall has delicious eats and treats. Oh, and getting home and sleeping in my own bed.
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