On rare occasions when finances and time permit, planning a leisurely road trip to Cape Town can be an exciting enterprise. Should one travel via Bloemfontein on the N1, Kimberley via the N12 or Upington via the N14? Perhaps even the N9 via Graaff-Reinet and then Montagu via the R62.
This time a slightly different route prevailed. Initially, via the N12 to Britstown and overnighting at the excellent Transkaroo Country Lodge (main photo). This hotel was operated by the Klass family for 66 years from 1907 until 1973. Then called the Central Hotel it was upgraded in the late 1930s in an attractive Art Deco style, still largely extant. Late-night carousing by wedding guests somewhat disturbed my slumber, but it would have been churlish to complain, especially when merely engaged in travelling and sightseeing.
The following morning after visiting the historic Britstown Cemetery, I discovered a good gravel road directly connecting Britstown to Richmond. Stopping only on three occasions; firstly, when two mule carts of the ‘Karretjie mense’ galloped past, secondly when noticing a distant array of giant wind turbines lazily combing the wide Karoo skies and lastly, at the site of the Imperial Yeomanry Hospital near the defunct Deelfontein Railway Station.
‘Karretjie mense’ in this photo from Carnavon (SJ de Klerk)
Visiting this hospital site of the...
