Day 2: Sanddrif to Nieuwoudtville

We wanted to stay two nights but given the cold we push on north. We took the gravel road all the way to Clanwilliam. We stopped at the Agri mark to get a new tent for Jaco as the one we packed in had a broken zip. We also got a braai tong and a new gas plate. At the Spar we refilled our gas bottle as the gas was extremely slow last night, but it turned out it was 2/3rds full. The new plate and full bottle however did work better this evening.

From Clanwilliam we drove on the N7 to Van Rhyn’s dorp and then over the Van Rhyns Pass to Nieuwoudtville. We stopped at the magnificent church and asked about camping options at the information center in the church hall. There was also a little ‘cafe’ with tables in the hall, so we ordered pancakes with mince, chicken and milk tart filling. All around Nieuwoudtville the flowers were in full bloom and we made several flower stops.

We drove to the campsite in town, but they were fully booked. Each site had its own ablution, so they couldn’t just let more campers in. The friendly lady however phoned a fried at Groenberg who has two camping sites 13km north of Nieuwoudtville.

She had one space open and so we went. First, we however stopped at the Nieuwoudtville waterfall. It’s easy to miss as there is no big signs or anything. Just a small parking area for about 5 cars and a small brick building where a lady collected R20 entrance fee per person. After a short walk the river suddenly drops into a deep canyon forming a magnificent waterfall. It is ‘unknown’ gems like this that makes exploring back roads worth it.

After the waterfall visit we went to Groenberg, but both sites were already occupied. Since we had a ‘booking’ we just stood next to an older couple from Chintsa who slept in the back of their 1970s Land Cruiser.

It was still ice cold and it looked like it was going to rain soon. Caro made mince pasta for dinner and we could at least take a hot shower afterwards.