Drifting Pensioners

[ READER TRAVEL ] DURBAN TO CAPE ON ROUTE 62

Bob and I are in our 70s and recently retired. We decided to go on a “drifting pensioners” camping trip to Cape Town to visit our children. We did some research on what route to take, as our aim was mainly to stay in farm parks we hadn't visited before. Then, after reading the article on Route 62 by Richard Van Ryneveld in the October 2016 edition Caravan & Outdoor Life, our decision was made.

1 March

We set off early from Westville, Durban, heading up the N3 to Fouriesberg. We took the Ladysmith/Bergville R616 off ramp, then the R74 past the Sterkfontein Dam to head through the beautiful Golden Gate Reserve and on to Meiringskloof Resort, where we spent our first two-night stay.

This is a lovely park set in a gorge, with plenty of shade but not much grass, so the sites and park road became very muddy after rain. The ablutions are old but were always clean and with plenty of hot water. (There is talk of the ablutions and sites getting an upgrade in July). we did a lovely walk up to the large overhang cave and waterfalls

3 March

We took the R26 for a lovely quiet drive past Ficksburg, Ladybrand, Wepener and Zastron, then at Rouxville, down the N6 to Aliwal North. We passed farmlands of mielies and bright yellow sunflowers.

Just before going over the bridge into Aliwal North, we turned right onto the dirt farm-road to Badfontein Guest Farm, on the banks of the Orange River.

They had experienced a lot of rain prior to our visit, which had caused the little stream to overflow onto the lowlying bridge up to the farm. Bob got out to wade through it to see how deep it was, before we attempted to cross. All was well, and over we went.

The 6 campsites are cut into the bush for privacy, so it’s quiet and peaceful. There are two spacious family ablutions, which are very clean and have plenty of hot water.