Route from Cape Town You can view a strip map of the route from Cape Town by clicking on the image below, or print the strip map here (.pdf file format) We give a short description of the route from Cape Town to Springbok, the main commercial centre of the Namaqualand region. Roads along this route are generally in good repair. If time is of the essence, one can drive straight to Springbok. Various scenic alternative routes are available. The direct route is a tarred road. Although some of the alternate roads suggested are not tarred, they are suitable for a normal sedan type vehicle. As weather and maintenance scedules are out of our control, we suggest that you enquire locally on the condition of roads. CAPE TOWN TO PIKETBERG (127km) From Cape Town, follow the N1 North to Paarl for about 10km and then take the turnoff onto the N7 to Malmesbury. Enjoy the views of wheat fields dotted with yellow Canola fields. From Malmesbury you have 2 options: Option 1: (65km) Continue on the N7 past Moorreesburg to Piketberg. Option 2: (min 230km. May require one or two overnight stays) Take the R315 towards Darling. Just past Darling will bring you to a Flower reserve right next to the road on the left. Worth a stroll. Continue on the R315 and at the intersection, turn right onto the R27 towards Velddrift. About 15km on, take a left into the West Coast National Park. This park is situated around the Langebaan Lagoon. Spectacular flowers to be seen on the southern (left) side and worth the slow drive to the end of the road into the Potberg Flower Reserve. Retrace your way back and, still in the park, turn towards the town of Langebaan. If you have time, spend some at the bird hides on the lagoon. Past Langebaan (known for water sport) and the unsightly SaldanaSteel plant towards Vredenburg, where you may want to stock up with provisions. Next stop is the lovely fishing village at Paternoster where you are bound to spend more time than you planned. Try the Hotel for some of the best crayfish (lobster) on the coast. Be prepared to wait as the catch may still be on the boat. Just outside Paternoster, take the gravel road to the left towards St Helena Bay and then right, back onto tar, past the various fish processing plants, towards Velddrift. Recent development of this area really spoiled a beautiful coastline. From Velddrift, follow the R399 to Piketberg. If time permits, enjoy lunch with Helmut in Aurora (a small farming village just off the R399) and see the colourful historic homes at the Wittewater mission station. Other attractions along this scenic route include water sport and boat rides on the lagoon, a fossil site, lots of birding opportunities and many more. PIKETBERG TO CLANWILLIAM (97km) Option 1: (97km) Continue north on the N7. Notice the change in topography once you cross the Piekenierskloof Pass. Enjoy the citrus available next to the road near Citrusdal. Option 2: (175km) Follow the R365 towards Elands Bay (part gravel road). Follow the (gravel) toll road next to the railway line to Lambertsbay. A visit to Bird Island (you can reach it on foot) is a must. Follow the R364 to Clanwilliam. CLANWILLIAM TO VANRHYNSDORP (75km) Option 1: (75km) Continue north on the N7. Enjoy views of the Olifants River and intensive agricultural activity on terraced fields along the river. If you need to stock up with provisions, turn left at Klawer onto the R363 to Vredendal, the last major town on the route. Option 2: (125km - This is mainly a gravel road, and due to trafic volumes, it may not be in a very good condition, yet worth every minute you spend on it.) From Clanwilliam, follow the road over the Pakhuis pass. Enjoy the spectacular rock formations in the foothills of the Cederberg. You will find old rock paintings above the grave of Afrikaans poet CL Leipold. Cross the narrow bridge over the Doringriver and continue straight towards Calvinia. At the top of the Botterkloof pass turn left towards Nieuwoudtville. In season, you may spend a lot of time in this area as it is known for the abundance of wildflowers. From Nieuwoudtville, follow the (tarred) road down the Vanrhyns pass to Vanrhynsdorp. VANRHYNSDORP TO SPRINGBOK (275km) Officially, the southern border of Namaqualand is the Olifants River. You cross the river into Namaqualand near Klawer. Our route still continue to Springbok via Nuwerus, Bitterfontein (it is granite blocks waiting for export next to the railway line), Garies and Kamieskroon.