The reservoir above Swellendam makes an ideal starting point, as it offers an excellent view south towards the countryside through which this drive leads. From the reservoir, drive down to Voortrek Street and turn left. Turn right at the fork into Swellengrebel Street.

Cross the N2 for the Bontebok National Park (the road surface changes to gravel within 100m). 3,7km from the start of the gravel, the road takes a sharp right-hand bend, and 1,2 km later you reach the entrance to the park.

Bontebok Park to De Hoop

After your visit to the park, return to the N2 and turn left. The road crosses the Bree River after about 7km. 1,4km beyond the bridge, turn left for Malgas and Infanta, noting your kms (the surface changes to gravel within 100m).

The route now passes through rolling wheat- lands, with particularly broad vistas as you crest the appropriately named Aalwynkop (aloe hill) 15,8 km after turning off the N2. About 5 km later you pass the equally appropriately named Witklipkop (white stone hill) on your left. Roughly 22 km after turning off the N2, turn right for Ouplaas and De Hoop. About 13 km further, turn right at the T- junction, pass the tiny settlement of Ouplaas on your left, then 2,1 km later turn left for De Hoop Nature Reserve.

After 1,5 km, as the road crosses the cattle grid, you pass an immense and laboriously con

Structed stone farm-wall stretching away over the hill ahead of you — a relic of the days before fencing wire had reached the country. You reach the entrance to De Hoop Nature Reserve just short of 5km later (small entry fee).

Follow the main road into the reserve. Turn right after 4,3 km, following the signs to the administrative ‘office’. The administration of the reserve is housed in the old De Hoop homestead overlooking the De Hoopvlei.

There is an attractive walk leading from the homestead along the vlei towards the sea (this outing allows time to walk only a short distance along it). Another walk leads along the beach for 5km on both sides of Koppie Alleen — a 14 km drive from the homestead. Near the homestead there are picnic sites (braai places, toilets, water).

De Hoop to Witsand

Drive out of the reserve and turn right at the T- junction. A short distance beyond Ouplaas you pass on your left the road on which you entered from Swellendam — note your kms here. After 2,3 km turn left for Malgas and Infanta. (The road from which you have turned reaches the old homestead and environment centre of Pot- berg after some 9 km.) After a further 11,9km turn right at the T-junction, and 1,4 km later turn left for Malgas.

The road that winds down the short distance to the pont at Malgas is tarred. Cross the river on the pont (small fee). Sound your hooter if the operators are not visible.

On the east bank, after just under 3 km, turn right for Heidelberg. Note your kms as you turn, and after 3,7 km turn right again. At the inclined T-junction with the main SwellendamWitsand road, turn right again.”

Keep straight on this road for 24,4 km through several intersections until you reach a parking area at Witsand beach. (To reach the old jetties and hotel, drive back from the beach for about 3km, and after passing the lone- standing church turn left towards the river.)

Retrace your route to the junction just under 3km from the pont, and turn right, away from the pont, towards Swellendam. Note your kms as you turn. Pass a road to Michielskraal on your left and keep straight past a number of other roads on your left and right. After 27,8km turn right at the T-junction.

Soon after crossing the railway, turn left onto the N2 for Swellendam