There is nothing like ending an overland adventure on a high note. True overland adventures are not for everyone. If you do not mind camping, traveling long hours in an overland truck, and lending a hand with the cooking and cleaning details then maybe overland travel is for you. Still, all good adventures must come to an end. It was the last night of our African overland adventure from Nairobi, Kenya to Capetown, South Africa. Earlier that day we had left Noordoewer, on the north bank of the Orange River, Namibia and crossed into South Africa. When we arrived at Highlanders, a South African wine farm, we were ready for a little celebration.
Off to Cape Town We Go
Before we left Namibia we said goodbye to Simon and John, two of our Kenyan based crew, and continued onwards towards Cape Town with our overland guide Ingwee. Our first stop after crossing the Namibian South African border was a brief stop for a casual lunch.
Our overland truck took us along highway N7. I watched as the landscape outside my window transitioned from desert to a semi-arid.
Further along highway N7 the landscape transitioned into agricultural lands.
Soon we passed canals carrying water to fields that were irrigated for farming.
Soon we were passing through Olifants River Valley wine farms. I was seeing through the truck window, for the first time, one of South Africa's wine growing regions.
It was exciting to get my first glimpse of South African wine farms.
Later we turned off the main highway and headed towards Highlanders Campsite, a working wine farm. There we pitched our tents on a grassy field overlooking the nearby vineyards. Yes, it was our 45th night on the road and our last night camping.
Tasting South African Wines
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| Overlanders Toasting #ThinkPink © Spaswinefood |
Before we left Namibia we said goodbye to Simon and John, two of our Kenyan based crew, and continued onwards towards Cape Town with our overland guide Ingwee. Our first stop after crossing the Namibian South African border was a brief stop for a casual lunch.
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| Travels with Ingwee © Spaswinefood |
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| Leaving Namibia's Southern Desert © Spaswinefood |
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| Through the Truck Window © Spaswinefood |
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| Semi-Arid Landscape © Spaswinefood |
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| Farmlands © Spaswinefood |
Soon we passed canals carrying water to fields that were irrigated for farming.
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| Farmland Canals © Spaswinefood |
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| Trellised Vineyards, Olifants River Valley © Spaswinefood |
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| Expansive Vineyards, Olifants River Valley © Spaswinefood |
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| Wine Farming, Olifants River Valley © Spaswinefood |
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| Highlanders Campsite, Namaqualand © Spaswinefood |
That afternoon, just before dinner, we did a
wine tasting of Klawer Cellars wines.
The lineup included whites, reds and sparkling wines.
Each time I sit down to taste wines I learn something. In this case the wines from a local cooperative, Klawer Cellars was my first introduction to Olifants River Valley wines.
The wines included:
1. Klawer Cellars, Travino Blanc de Blanc
2. Klawer Cellars, Chenin Blanc Olifants River 2013
3. Klawer Cellars, Shiraz, Olifants River 2012
4. Klawer Cellars, Pinotage, Olifants River 2012
5. Klawer Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Olifants River 2011
6. Klawer Cellars, Rooibos Infused Ruby Vermouth
Included in the lineup were South African Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. For some it was their first introduction to these two wines for which South Africa is so well known.
There was a platter of cheese and crackers to accompany the wine tasting.
But of course it is always fun to taste wines with others. For us it was a great break from our usual overland routine.
It was indeed special to enjoy that last evening with fellow overland travelers. We did not forget to toast to future travels ahead. Tomorrow we would finish our journey in Cape Town. There we would say goodbye. Yes, twas time to toast with a South African wine.
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| Overlanders Wine Tasting © Spaswinefood |
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| Let the Wine Tasting Begin © Spaswinefood |
The lineup included whites, reds and sparkling wines.
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| Klawer Cellars, Wine Tasting © Spaswinefood |
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| Highlanders Wine Tasting © Spaswinefood |
1. Klawer Cellars, Travino Blanc de Blanc
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| Klawer Cellars, Travino Blanc de Blanc © Spaswinefood |
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| Klawer Cellars, Chenin Blanc, Olifants River 2013 © Spaswinefood |
3. Klawer Cellars, Shiraz, Olifants River 2012
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| Klawer Cellars, Shiraz, Olifants River 2012 © Spaswinefood |
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| Klawer Cellars, Pinotage, Olifants River 2012 © Spaswinefood |
5. Klawer Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Olifants River 2011
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| Klawer Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Olifants River 2011 © Spaswinefood |
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| Klawer Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon, Olifants River 2011 (back label) © Spaswinefood |
6. Klawer Cellars, Rooibos Infused Ruby Vermouth
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| Klawer Cellars, Rooibos Infused Ruby Vermouth, Olifants River © Spaswinefood
7. Klawer Cellars, Michelle Vin Doux Sparkling Wine
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There was a platter of cheese and crackers to accompany the wine tasting.
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| Wine Tasting Snacks © Spaswinefood |
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| Wine Tasting © Spaswinefood |
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| Wine Tasting Klawer Cellars Wines © Spaswinefood |
It was indeed special to enjoy that last evening with fellow overland travelers. We did not forget to toast to future travels ahead. Tomorrow we would finish our journey in Cape Town. There we would say goodbye. Yes, twas time to toast with a South African wine.
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| Wine Tasting Pose © Spaswinefood |
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| Let's Toast #ThinkPink © Spaswinefood |
Our stay at the Highlanders Lodge and Campsite was the perfect introduction to South African wine country. Next morning it was onto Cape Town. There Spaswinefood would pick up our rental car and spend a week exploring wineries in the Cape Town area. Then, a week later we picked up a sprinter camping van to tour South Africa for a month. I invite
you to join me in my travels in Africa and elsewhere in search of the best
in Spaswinefood.
Sharon
March 2014
South Africa
© Spaswinefood
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Note: #ThinkPink is used by #winelover community to promote cancer awareness. In reflecting on that day it was indeed appropriate to toast with rosé wine. We later learned that our guide, Ingwee died shortly after this trip from an aggressive cancer. This came as a shock because Ingwee was so fit. My fondest thoughts of our Kenyan friend are of him running effortlessly up and down the sand dunes in Namibia. #ThinkPink
Note: #ThinkPink is used by #winelover community to promote cancer awareness. In reflecting on that day it was indeed appropriate to toast with rosé wine. We later learned that our guide, Ingwee died shortly after this trip from an aggressive cancer. This came as a shock because Ingwee was so fit. My fondest thoughts of our Kenyan friend are of him running effortlessly up and down the sand dunes in Namibia. #ThinkPink
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