On the first leg for 2023 we decided to tackle the rest of what South Africa had to offer.
Our route took us through some of the most diverse and varying terrain to date. Seeking out as many backroads as we possibly could from our base in Kruger we headed south to Sir Rider Haggards house before taking a stop at Spionkop and a tour of the battlefields. From here we entered Lesotho for a night before heading deep into the Groot Karoo tracing a route along the Orange River before heading south through Loxton, Fraserburg and Sutherland.
A couple of sweeping mountain passed bought us down to the Tankwa Karoo before heading for the greener pastures of Tulbagh and Franschoek. The brilliant Clarence Drive took us closer to the goal of reaching the southern tip of Africa before turning around and heading North, over the Breede River and to Route 62. After summiting the Swartberg Pass and enjoying the scenic drive through Meiringspoort we headed for the Garden Route to enjoy some last moments along the coast.
The final leg of the trip took us inland once more towards Hogsback and Rhodes, slowly descending down Naudes Nek and onwards to Underberg where the Bentley’s took a well deserved break and the famous Sani Pass was enjoyed in the comfort of the 79 Land Cruiser. A journey through the midlands, up the Natal Coast and one last visit to eSwatini meant 3 weeks on the Bentley’s were safely stored back at Kruger ready for their next leg where they would tackle a flood-hit Mozambique and Malawi before finishing up in Arusha.
To read more from our other legs be sure to visit our blog here.
To plan your very own expedition please be sure to reach out to us at hello@routesrediscovered.co.za.
To discover a little more about the personal journey that led to the creation of Routes Rediscovered then head on over to The Essence of Overlanding to find our two videos there: Episode 6: Tom Sawyer; Lost and Found as well as episode 26: Routes Rediscovered.
Roadside repairs en route to Newcastle.
Crossing the Tugela River at Spionkop.
A scenic drive out of Sterkfontein Dam.
Sunset from Maliba Lodge in Lesotho!
The scenery, and speedhumps, are always breathtaking in Lesotho.
The Gariep Dam in all her glory!
Seeking out gravel roads en route to the Orange River.
Sunset in the Groot Karoo en route to Loxton after a long day of repairs.
The Bentley’s about to tackle the passes down to the Tankwa Karoo.
A welcome pitstop at the Tankwa Padstal.
Vintage Bentley’s meet flying saucers at the Tankwa Padstal.
A view from the passengers seat.
Sweeping views as the Bentley’s enjoy the beauty of Clarence Drive.
The Bentley’s at the southern tip of Africa.
Crossing the Breede River.
The Bentley’s posing in front of Wildehondekloof.
Coffee stops with a view!
Looking down from where we came atop the Swartberg Pass.
The Land Cruiser supporting the Bentley’s up Swartberg Pass.
Taking in the views from the top of Swartberg Pass.
The Bentley’s visit to the Knysna Lagoon.
