JAN/FEBRUARY 2025
THE GREYTON POST
15
Chasing the Stars: A Greytonian Adventure in the Wild
From the Karoo to the Cederberg – A Landscape Transformation After a quick pit stop at the Tankwa Karoo Farm Stall (an experience all on its own - the Tankwa can also be explored by air and overnight stay with African Sky Runners - see page 22 ), we bid farewell to the dry, rugged terrain and began our climb over the Cederberg Mountains. The landscape transformed before our eyes—from the harsh, arid Karoo to
be both beautiful and slightly terrifying. To Infinity and Beyond—Sutherland Style Next stop: Sutherland, the coldest town in South Africa and home to some serious stargazing business. First, a visit to the Sutherland Planetarium, where we reclined in ultra-comfortable chairs for a 3D show about SALT (Southern African Large Telescope) and the mysteries of the universe. The visuals were so
Dee De Kock
N ow, let’s get one thing straight—I am not a camper. Bugs, no hairdryer, and sleeping under the stars? Not exactly my idea of a five-star experience. But when Paula turned on the charm (and a little peer pressure), I found myself yanking up my big girl panties and signing up for the Suzuki 4x4 Club’s CHASING THE STARS adventure.
the lush, green embrace of the Cederberg. Our next destination: Moon River Bush Camp, a 400-hectare slice of untouched paradise. Here, nature truly spoiled us. Hidden kloofs (untouched for 150 years!), sparkling rock pools, a waterfall, and a cool, refreshing river awaited. We swam, we lounged, we basked in the sun, and for a moment, we questioned whether we ever wanted to return to civilization. The Final Leg – Homeward Bound With the sunrise painting the sky in breathtaking hues, we packed up, folded away our trusty rooftop tents, and set
Armed with enthusiasm (and a slightly nervous stomach), we Greytonians rolled into Piketberg, looking the part in our brand-new, specially designed 4x4 Art Box T-shirts (available at the Saturday market with a donation to local animal charities from every sale). We may not have been seasoned overlanders, but we certainly looked like serious contenders. Seven cars, all radio-equipped and ready to roll, set off in convoy toward the Northern Cape. Come in, Number One!
mesmerizing that after a day of off- roading, we had to fight the urge to drift off into another galaxy. Then came the real magic—the Astro Amphitheatre, featuring state-of-the- art computerized telescopes and a stargazing session with the legendary Willem. Under the clearest skies imaginable, we were treated to an awe- inspiring tour of the Milky Way. The stars were dazzling, the night was crisp, and our minds? Completely blown.
off for home. Our route took us through Ceres, Tulbagh, and finally back to our beloved Greyton—tired, dusty, but absolutely exhilarated. New friendships were forged, epic memories were made, and the Jimny Convoy is already gearing up for the next great adventure.
Mountains, Canyons & Rooftop Tents Our first challenge? Tackling a 9km pass that led us 825m above sea level to the stunning plateau of Nieuwoudtville— famous for its breathtaking wildflowers (not that the Jimnys appreciated them). From there, we headed to Papkuilsfontein Eco Camp, where we popped our rooftop tents and bravely prepared for a night under the stars. But first—a visit to the canyon with its jaw-dropping 100m waterfall. A little reminder that nature can
“Copy that. Over and out.”
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