News / 5 June 2020
Gear Up to Get Back On the Road with Us
Here are a few of our favourite small towns and accommodation spots we’re adding to the post-lockdown, road trip itinerary…
There are few things more exciting than discovering a delightful, previously unknown (to you) dorpie tucked away in a remote corner of the countryside.
With level three restrictions in place and having just launched our ‘get back on the road’ travel deals, plans for a road trip are almost within touching distance.
Until that time comes, here are a few of our favourite locales to add to the #localislekkerafterlockdown itinerary:
If you’re in the Free State…
Dorpie to drop by: Clarens
Although now a popular weekend destination (pre-lockdown days), the stunning sandstone cliffs and a main street lined with dozens of quaint restaurants, shops and galleries makes Clarens a reliably good destination. With its bounty of pristine dams, rivers and streams, it also ticks all the right boxes for fly fishing enthusiasts.
Place to bed down: Little Switzerland Resort, KwaZulu Natal
From Clarens, head south along the R712 turn, left onto the R72 and you’ll soon find yourself within the KwaZulu-Natal Province and on the doorstep of Little Switzerland Resort. Since Clarens was named after the original town of the same name in Switzerland, it’s only fitting that you book a few nights at this Alpine-style resort, complete with wood fires, mountain views and horses roaming out front.
If you’re in Mpumalanga...
Dorpie to drop by: Kaapsehoop / Kaapschehoop
This tiny village is set among a forest of rugged rock formations on the edge of the Highveld escarpment – and there’s a herd of wild horses, too. What more do you want? While you’re in the area, keep an eye out for the incredibly rare blue swallows.
Place to bed down: Mjejane Bush Camp, Malelane
Kaapsehoop is not far from our bush camp, Mjejane, set on the edge of the Crocodile River. This is just the place to get your post-lockdown wildlife fix: falling asleep to the sound of hippos snuffling in the grass and waking to the ‘dawn patrol’ of large and lovable ellies ambling through the surrounding bushveld.
If you’re in the Western Cape...
Dorpie to drop by: Citrusdal
Citrusdal will never lose its authenticity thanks to its beautifully remote location just over the Piekenierskloof Pass. It boasts plenty of quirky features such as the Kom Proe farm stall and Sandveldhuisie country shop and deli. For some local history, head to the Citrusdal Museum, housed in an old stone church.
Place to bed down: Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort, Citrusdal
Known locally as ‘Piekies’ for short, this family-friendly resort is an effortless choice, located a stone’s throw from Citrusdal and it’s endless citrus fruit orchards. There is plenty of outdoor space for the little ones to stretch their legs, but if it’s just you and your loved one, zip across the road to the Hebron padstal to dabble in some locally-sourced rooibos, wine and gin tasting.
If you’re in KwaZulu-Natal...
Dorpie to drop by: St. Lucia
Head north on the N2 from Durban, drive a little further past Ballito and Salties (Salt Rock) and you’ll eventually reach St. Lucia. This gem of a town provides access to the southern part of iSimangaliso – a wondrous wetlands park filled with rivers, lakes and a bounty of birdlife, hippos, and beady-eyed crocs!
Place to bed down: Nibela Lake Lodge, Hluhluwe
Take a break from behind the wheel and spend a few nights at Nibela Lake Lodge. This self-catering accommodation is quietly set along the shimmering shores of Lake St. Lucia in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and offers the perfect base from which to experience the wonders of this World Heritage Site.
When travel restrictions lift for local travel and you’re ready to get back on the road, we’ll help get you started. Contact our reservations team here for an idea of what’s available along with a run-down of our flexible booking policies.
