We left Port Elizabeth behind at 7am on Sunday the 23rd of June. We travelled through the Karroo, Namaqualand, Richtersveld to the Namibia border at the Orange River Mouth. On the way we Visited many exiting places like the Niewoudtville Waterfall (60m high), Namaqualand National Park to see the Daisies and too many more to mention in a blog.
On Thursday the 27th we crossed the border and turned our clocks back one hour. We drove on through the desert past Rosh Pinah to see the beautiful displays of rocks and minerals, and to see the wild horses en route to Luderitz. We then booked in at one of the Original Luderitz Houses at Doeka’s and visited Felsen Church to see the stained glass windows.
The next day we explored the area around Luderitz and visited the Diaz Point Lighthouse and Cross and the deserted mining town of Kolmanshoop. After lunch at the Nest Hotel, we explored Shark Island at the start of the harbour.
On Saturday the 29th we started our diamond tour at August Stauch house where the first diamond was found and then entered the Sperregebiet via Rooikopf Gate. We the visited the world famous Bogenfels Arch. After a lovely day exploring the area and seeing may interesting sights, we returned to Luderitz to watch the rugby (Stormers vs Cheetahs).
Bogenfels Arch in the mist.
The next day we continued our desert journey to visit Seeheim and the Fish River Canyon and then started our journey back south to Ai Ais to visit the hot springs and revitalise the body.
A Lovely View of the Fish River Canyon.
On the morning of Monday the 1st we left for the border at Ariamsvlei and then on to Riemvasmaakplek. The next morning we crossed the Orange river again and travelled to the Augrabies Falls. We overnighted at the Augrabies Falls Lodge. A truly beautiful place.
On Wednesday the 3rd we moved to Upington along the longest wine farming area in the world. In Upington we visited the Camel and Donkey monuments and overnighted near Groblershoop at Kheis Riverside Lodge after we explored Boegoeberg Dam.
After an early breakfast on Thursday the 4th, we left for Kimberley via Griquastad. In Kimberley we enjoyed the Big Hole, Mine Tour and many more sights. Next we stopped at Hopetown where the first diamond in South Africa was discovered, and moved through the old Boere Homeland of Orania.
After a super breakfast on Friday the 5th, we travelled through the cold and rain back towards Port Elizabeth. We stopped near Hanover to see Barry Naude’s renowned Rugby Museum and in Cradock to have lunch at Tuinhuise. We arrived back in Port Elizabeth at around half past six in the evening.
Our total distance travelled was 4706km.
SA GUIDED TOURS 