The Marvel that is Matjieskloof
Before you set out try to get a detailed map from the info office and ask around to find out where the flowers are blooming at the moment. First, drive south on the gravel road out of town towards Matjieskloof farm. Then continue on the road until you come to Matjieskloof (about 20 km from Nieuwoudtville).
Matjieskloof is a marvel. In a good year, the fields are literally blanketed in flowers of every shape, size, colour and description. Apart from the sheer number of plants in bloom, get close to the ground and see how many different species you can identify. It’s a mind-boggling display of biodiversity at its most rampant.
To facilitate your exploration, the farm owners have established a series of gravel roads that lead through the property. This circular route is suitable for all types of vehicles and you will happily spend several hours driving slowly through the fields, stopping constantly to take pictures. Unfortunately, you won’t be alone and the road can get quite congested with all the rubbernecking going on.
North Towards Loeriesfontein
Be patient and careful where you drive. There aren’t too many places where you can pull over and you don’t want your tyres to crush the flowers (or a crouching photographer). If it’s been raining, be especially cautious as the gravel tracks get churned up by the heavy traffic and it’s easy to get stuck in the muddy patches.
Entrance to the Matjiesfontein farm is about R10 per person. They also have a farm stall and a restaurant, which is housed in the historic buildings at the entrance gate. Charming tractor-drawn wagon trips through the farm are also on offer. When you’re done, turn around and head back to town.
It is suggested that you chill for the rest of the day as the flowers start to close around 3 pm and it’s pointless to try and cram too much into a single outing. Wander the streets, check out the church, grab a bite to eat, enjoy sundowners on the stoep of your guest house – that sort of thing. Around 10 am the next morning, once the flowers have started opening, leave town and drive north towards Loeriesfontein on the tarred R357.
About 7 km along this road, you’ll see the turn-off for the Nieuwoudtville Waterfall. This is a spectacular sight, where the Doring River cuts through a sandstone rim to drop 100 m into a huge natural amphitheatre.
The Quiver Tree Forest
Continue north until you see the sign for Gannabos (about 20 km from Nieuwoudtville). Turn right onto this gravel road and drive for about a kilometer until you reach the Quiver Tree Forest. This is a remarkable colony of kokerbooms that grow up the craggy, north-facing slopes of a koppie.
The farmer who owns this land says he doesn’t mind the tourists coming to visit, but does ask that they stick to the demarcated roads and clean up after themselves. You can now either turn back or keep driving on this gravel road for another 20 km until you see the turn-off to left marked for ‘Loeriesfontein and Cavinia oor Naressie’ (going straight will take you back to Nieuwoudtville via Nuweplaas).
Follow the Naressie road and try not to gawp at the millions of flowers that you’ll see sprouting from the roadside and up the mountain sides.
A Detour Through the Mountains
About 15 km further along the Naressie road, you’ll come to an intersection with the gravel R355. Left will take you up to Loeriesfontein, right will take you down to Calvinia. Turn right and drive for about 5 km until you see the turn off for the AP 2286 to Toren.
This is quite a long detour that leads through some very rugged mountains to the farm of Groot Toren, which often has excellent flower displays. You will then have to turn around and drive back to the R355 before continuing on to Calvinia. The entire detour, including a drive around the farm, is about 45 km but allow for a couple of hours. Once you’re back on the R355, drive for another 20 km to reach the lovely Hantam Karoo town of Calvinia.
Do note that there is nowhere to get food or drinks between Nieuwoudtville and Calvinia, so stock up before you leave on your trip or prepare to arrive in Calvinia parched and hungry. When you’re done exploring this historic town, turn right on the tarred R27 and return to Nieuwoudtville (a distance of about 70 km). The total distance of this round trip is about 200 km and the route will take you most of the day, but you won’t be disappointed. So grab your camera and all the memory cards you can find, and get out there.
By David Fleminger