The perfect braai spot on your Tankwa road trip.
The Tankwa has many routes that are perfect for day trips. Being only 90 minutes from Cape Town, Ceres makes the perfect starting point for visits to the Tankwa. It’s also a good place to stock up on fuel, firewood, food and anything else you might have forgotten.
One of my favourite day drives includes a breakfast at the Tankwa Padstal and a leisurely morning of bird and landscape photography in the Peerboomskloof area. There are braai spots (firepits) in the picnic area at the foot of the pass, so pack your meat, braai goodies and gadgets. The picnic area does however become very busy in summer, so, it’s best to arrive early.
There are many other places of interest along this route and the view from the top of Katbakkies Pass extends into the valleys of the Koue Bokkeveld along the Rietriver. There are many bird species that can be found in the river alongside the road making for easy birding and bird photography.
There are a number of routes to reach Peerboomskloof from Cape Town. The N1 can be driven through the Hexriver Valley, joining the R46 shortly before Touws River and turning right into the Tankwa at the T-junction. Alternatively travel via Ceres and follow the R46 straight into the Tankwa both these routes have a left turn 3 kms before the Tankwa Padstal before reaching the picnic area.
The alternative and my preferred route travels from Ceres via Prince Alfred Hamlet and Gydo Pass into the Koue Bokkeveld. Turning right at the tiny village of Op-die-Berg onto the R355 Ceres Karoo Road. Shortly after Morester Farms turn right onto the gravel road and continue to the picnic area after Katbakkies Pass. This route is fantastic for birding, landscape photography and just enjoying the scenery.
GPS: 32º52’57.8″S – 19º44’19.0″E
