Eat, drink and be merry
DO OR DAWDLE
• Cool down at the Kouga Dam
This key player in the fertility of the valley is well worth a visit. You can drive right onto the dam wall, and the views are quite something. The last bit is a tame stretch of gravel road that takes you through the heart of the natural beauty of the Gamtoos. Around dusk, romantic couples flock to the dam. Where? 20km out on the R331 towards the Baviaanskloof. There’s a sign on the left showing the last 7km of gravel road. Price Entry is free. Contact 042 283 0437
• Into the wilderness
baviaans.net The Baviaanskloof is not to be missed. The roads are known to be challenging, but you don’t necessarily need a 4x4: with a normal car you can easily drive about 50km into the reserve, as far as Poortjies; only after that does it get more rough. Look out for game and fish-eagles and, if you’re going to pull over for a picnic, also for baboons. Where? Take the R331 west and then turn onto the R332; signs point the way to the Baviaanskloof. The first gate is about 40km outside town. Price R20 per vehicle for day outings Contact 044 923 1702 baviaans.co.za
“MA, I’M HUNGRY!”
• Tolbos Country Shop and Restaurant
Here at Toska Joubert and Hetsie Scheepers’s place there’s always plenty on the go. Cool off under the trees with a coffee or tuck into traditional favourites such as venison pie and bobotie (there’s even tripe). But no one will look at you funny if you ask for a burger and chips. (It’s only open for breakfast and lunch.) The farm stall is packed with delicacies for the boot, plus stoneware, clothing and crafts. It’s a popular stopover for bikers, especially on weekends. Where? On the corner of Fred Ferreira ( There he is again… – Eds.) and Charlie Malan streets Contact 042 283 0437
tolbos@baviaans.net
• Padlangs Country Restaurant and Shop
Heidi Müller is clearly doing something right here – this spot made the shortlist for the best farm stall in the country in our sister magazine go!’ s contest in 2011. The shop is reminiscent of an old-time general dealer’s store, and the food at the restaurant is excellent. They’re only open for breakfast and lunch. Big hits are the Leeuloop breakfast (eggs, a lamb chop, boerewors, chips and roosterkoek) and traditional chicken pie. Where? Fred Ferreira Street (the R331), 7km out of town on the Baviaanskloof side Contact 042 28 30798
baviaans@padlangs.net
• Ripple Hill Hotel
The Ripple is the only place in town where you can get dinner. Owner John Moore makes an effort with the menu. Pizza and fish dishes are the specialities, and he recently hired an Indian chef. The hotel bar is also the only watering hole that is open after sunset. The kitchen and bar are closed on Sundays. Where? Paul Ferreira Street, near the Kwikspar Contact 042 283 0625
ripple@telkomsa.net patensieaccomodation.co.za
ACCOMMODATION
• Gamtoos B&B & Self-catering
This lodge has two spacious self-catering units, each with its own entrance. You share the yard with the residence and its people, yet it’s completely private. You have views of the valley and are within walking distance of the centre of town. A generous breakfast is available on request. Where? Alexander Avenue Contact 042 283 0907
radie@gamtoosbb.co.za gamtoosbb.co.za
• Retadi Guest House
This is a nice spot on a farm on the outskirts of town with three rooms that can sleep up to 12 guests. It’s equipped with all the basics, including a fully equipped kitchen. Breakfast and dinner are available on request. Where? The farm Dankbaar, on the R331 towards Hankey. Contact 082 728 0234 retadi.co.za
• Ripple Hill Hotel
Old-world décor takes you back to the time when country hotels were in vogue. You find the only bar in town here, and the rooms are spacious and well equipped (but without televisions). The bar is far enough from the rooms so the noise won’t bother you. Where? Paul Ferreira Street, next to the Kwikspar. Contact 042 283 0625
ripple@telkomsa.net patensieaccommodation.co.za baviaans.net