Geriep Dam to Graaff Reinet

Today's Route: Geriep Dam to Graaf-Reinett 191 miles


Today was a fabulous day - it was everything I wanted in a Ghosttour of South Africa. We left Geriep Dam, which is in the northeast of the Cape Province and headed south west for Graaf Reinett.

The drive wound it's way through the Karoo Desert - vast open plains of veld, with scrub brush and mountains on either side. Huge sky. Blue sky. Warm weather. And a great running car. What more could I ask for?

Our first stop was for tea in Steinberg - a very small Karoo town and quite typical. The tearoom was owned by an Afrikaaner who was very sweet. Tea or coffee, sausage rolls, apple strudel and of course, melktert. The cars caused quite a sensation - even the Chief of Police came out to see them.

We then pressed on to Middleberg for lunch - at the only hotel in town. Once again, the cars drew a very large crowd in this very small and dated town. Time has stood still in the Karoo.

After lunch we set off on the final leg for today - passed sheep farms, windmills and desolate dwellings. Two passes to climb - the highest to 5400 feet. Fantastic driving but very windy. Vervet monkeys all over the place. We arrived in the historic town of Graaff Reinet in the late afternoon to the Drosty Hotel. The hotel is charming, Cape Dutch architecture.

Graaff Reinet was settled by the Dutch very early in South African history. Like many Karoo towns, it too has changed little. Many wonderful buildings. We will be here two days as tomorrow is a rest and service day