The Loneliest of Lonely Roads
Yup, for loneliness you just can't beat Namaqualand and Bushmanland. Some have tried to find the most isolated road in South Africa, and Namaqualand might just be it — a 320 km stretch with nothing in the way of food, petrol or water (of any kind) and there's just about nothing growing.
The journey starts at Loeriesfontein, 63 km northeast of Nieuwoudtville, which most people would already consider the end of the road (don't forget to see the Windmill Museum). From there you backtrack about 2 km on the R357, and turn right onto the scary-looking track that goes north-northeast at the bend in the road.
It passes through mainly nothing and you wonder just what it is that the farmers in places like Granaatboskolk are farming. Sand maybe, or granite, or maybe lime (kalk). After a long, long way you'll reach the N14, somewhere near Kakamas. Whatever you do, don't forget padkos, fuel, water, a spare wheel and a jack.
Namaqua 4X4
Avoid the N14 and R382 by taking the Namaqualand 4x4 trail which starts at Pella and stretches for 614 kilometers to Alexander Bay. It is well signposted and has camping and hut facilities along the way. The route requires only limited 4x4 skills, but some parts traverse harsh terrain and are very isolated making it somewhat hazardous for the unprepared.
If you're going to do the Namaqualand 4x4 route make sure it's in the springtime when the monochromatic landscape bursts into a riot of orange, yellow and white daisies. Pack your bikes, give your vehicle a break and cycle through the Goegap Nature Reserve when the flowers are out.
By David Bristow