Flower Power - Camping Around Namaqualand

September 2, 2021 Posted in Review / Travel / The Honey Badger Diaries

TOP OF PIEKENIERSKLOOF - KARDOESIE CAMPSITE AND ON TO CLANWILLIAM. My best childhood holiday memories are of waking up reluctantly at 4h00 on the morning of our departure. Then we could get away with travelling the first bit in our PJs, squashed up against my brothers, who complained incessantly about one of us “breathing” on him. Now, very impatient and my own boss, I can often persuade Butch to leave the afternoon before our intended departure. One sleepie less at home and one sleepie more on holiday! Win-win.

Shortly after a light lunch, we set off on our Namaqualand expedition, with the promise that we would stop at the Rietdakkie Farm Stall on the R43 en route to Wolseley. Our first pit stop was to fill our mugs with a latte and, this time, a tube of rainbow macaroons. They were textbook. The meringue was smooth and crisp, with the exact gooeyness—the filling—sandwiched in with flavour.

Spring, with blue skies and fluffy cotton-ball clouds, made our journey all the more pleasant. On either side of the road, we had rolling fields of buttery lemon. Kilometres of canola had come into bloom. We rolled on, drenched in green and gold.

Kardoesie Campsite, at the top of Piekenierskloof, was our intended destination. The miles flew by as our narrator, Hugh Bonneville, read Peter James’s intriguing novel Absolute Proof. (Remember, he was Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, in the historical drama series Downton Abbey.)

“Absolute Proof is a thriller that grips from the outset, but it’s also deeply thought-provoking, asking some of life’s biggest questions about science and faith and setting big pharma and high church on a collision course that could change the world. I was thrilled when Peter asked me to narrate his latest, most compelling book.”– Hugh Bonneville.

Early campfires were already alight when we stopped at reception to enquire about a camping spot for the night. We were able to park the Honey Badger just two spots away from our previous visit, close to the ablution facilities.

Once again, we were impressed by the pristine condition of the campsites and the cleanliness of the ablutions. We didn’t receive the customary bushel of wood this time, but the owner, who remembered us, welcomed us heartily!

The sun was still sitting pretty, and I decided to take a walk to enjoy the last rays, the fynbos and the wheat fields brushing up to the foothills. Butch unpacked our table and chairs, mixed our sundowners and lit the fire.

We highly recommend the Kardoesie Campsite, ideally situated for a one-night stop en route to Namibia or, like us, to Namaqualand to enjoy the flowers. Its location promises a memorable and enjoyable stay.

Unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to visit Kardoesie Farm Stall, a beloved stop on many road trips, known for its hang-glider launch pad and stunning bird's-eye views of Table Mountain, which might inspire readers to explore it themselves.

We enjoyed brunch at the Clanwilliam Veldskoendraai Farmer's Market and Restaurant, which offers easy access and a lively atmosphere, making it a safe and enjoyable stop for visitors seeking fresh produce, dried fruit, or a quick shop.

Clanwilliam is a destination. The Main Road is festooned with fynbos hanging baskets, the Dutch Reformed Church hosts its annual flower festival, and the Ramskop botanical garden offers a feast for the eyes. These sights inspire awe and appreciation of local culture and nature.

Although there was still a chilly nip in the air, our thermometer in the Honey Badger was edging towards 18°C. The blossoms were opening, and we had to get moving. We pulled over to photograph our first flowers. It would be a good day.

As we’re all aware, the past 18 months have been stressful for all business owners in the tourism industry. Therefore, we're pleased to recommend these establishments, hoping to inspire gratitude and a sense of community among our readers. I salute you all.