Our next destination is the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve in the east of the country. (I hope there aren’t too many baboons there, because ever since they stole our yogurt from the breakfast table at the Third Bridge in Botswana many years ago, I’ve hated these critters!) But back to the topic.

On September 26th, 2024, at 10 am., we left the pretty Ladismith and headed east to Calitzdorp. There a gravel road branches off over the Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert. We had travelled there a year ago – at that time with Orapa on board – in the opposite direction. The second crossing also thrilled us. The proteas were not yet in full bloom, but they were very beautiful. The pass is at 1,560 meters and from up there we had a great view of the surrounding area. The track then descended into the valley where the pretty village of Prince Albert lies. (On this trip we crossed the stream where Brigitta had baptized Orapa a year ago. We observed a minute’s silence in memory of this unforgettable cat that we had saved from starvation in Orapa, Botswana.)

It doesn’t get much more idyllic than Prince Albert. One pretty little house is lined up next to another. It is also touristy, but that also has its advantages because there are some good restaurants. At one called Local Roots, we treated ourselves to Chicken Liver Piri. It tasted great, as did the craft beer and the brownie for dessert anyway.

 PS:  If you want to know more about the Swartberg Pass, read here.