Planning one last road trip before winter creeps in? Why not attempt the longest and most beautiful road trip South Africa has to offer? Stretching from Cape Town to Ermelo in Mpumalanga, the N2 paves the way to the best East Coast destinations. The road is long, and we know how important it is for you to stretch your legs, so we’ve picked a few of our favourite pit-stops so that you can give the Wimpy coffee a break.
Peregrine Farmstall
A short drive along from the hair-raising and breath-takingly beautiful Sir Lowry’s Pass, is the popular Peregrine Farmstall. Located in farm country, this essential pit-stop boasts heaps of local produce and unique homemade delicacies. With mouth-watering pastries and dried fruit and nuts on offer, it’s the ideal place to stock up on the car-trip snack stash. Start your trip up the coast with the tasty and affordable all-day breakfasts and coffees served at the on-site cafe. Sit on the deck under cooling misters and enjoy people-watching as travellers stop to stretch their legs.
Open Daily:
Winter – 07h30 to 18h00
Summer – 07h30 to 18h30
Nanaga Farmstall
Somewhere between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown you’ll find the Nanaga Farmstall– a welcome oasis after a long stretch of highway. Browse a wide variety of homemade jams, relishes and chutneys, or take home some straight-out-of-the-oven breads, rusks and the perfect coffee-dipping biscuits. Nanaga is well-known for the flaky, golden deliciousness of their meaty pies and crispy roosterkoek, so make sure to try as many flavours as you can. The charming gift shop is filled with arts, crafts and interesting trinkets, for something to take home that won’t get devoured in the car.
Open Daily: 08h00 – 17h30
Ou Meul Bakkery, Riviersonderend
For years, roadtrippers have been in unspoken agreement. No South African road trip is complete without a stop at the Ou Meul Bakkery in Riviersonderend for a mouth-watering pie. With filling like chicken, bobotie, venison and steak, its flaky pastry is something you can really sink your teeth into. You can enjoy this buttery delight in the Ou Meul courtyard with a coffee, or you can take it to go. Make sure you check out the selection of sweet treats, and nibble on a milk tart or apple crumble, before you start back on the road.
Open Daily:
Weekdays: 06h00- 18h00
Saturday: 06h00- 15h00
Sunday: 07h00– 18h00
Blue Crane Farm Stall
Nestled in the rolling hills, 3km west of Heidelberg, you’ll find the bright blue roof of the Blue Crane Farm Stall. Specialising in fresh handmade goodies and farm bread still steaming from the oven, the Blue Crane is an N2 must. Feeling peckish? The restaurant uses only garden-fresh fruit and vegetable, and local ingredients so you can expect home-cooked meals dripping in farm-style charm. If you’re just stopping by, the bakery churns out fresh muffins and scones for a quick snack to tide you over till the next stop. The Blue Crane also boasts an aromatic Fragrance Boutique where you can buy scents imported from France; meaning you’ll leave The Blue Crane with not only a full belly and a backseat full of homemade pies, but you’ll smell amazing too.
Open Daily: 08h00- 17h00
If you’re going to be venturing out for the best East Coast road trip around, you’ve got to make sure you’ve got accommodation to match. Venues4Africa is the best route planner South Africa has on offer, so let us help you find the best spots to rest your head after a long day’s drive. Choose anything from comfortable Garden Route accommodation, to seaside getaways in Durban. Don’t let summer slip away, start planning now!
Image Credit:
peregrinefarmstall.co.za
bluecranefarmshop.co.za
Masroor Hamid
nanaga.co.za