Taylored Trips – WTF

That’s (Worcester, Tuskers, Fairy Glen), before you get the wrong idea. WTF could have been BBB. (Bain’s Kloof, Breede River Valley, Bosjes) for that matter. But I liked the ring of WTF.

If anyone thought that Worcester and surrounds was boring, please read on.

As we stay in Wellington the most scenic way to get to Worcester is over Bain’s Kloof Pass. Actually, no matter where you stay, the most amazing route to anywhere is through Bain’s Kloof.

Bain's Kloof Pass

There is a straight line running through the middle of the picture just at my friend’s butt, that’s the road. This pass was completed by Andrew Geddes Bain in 1853 and that road is theodolite straight. His son Thomas’ nickname was Theodolite Bain. Wonder where he got that eye from?

Bain in the rain

Once you get through the pass and the Calabash Bush Pub, turn right at the T-junction onto the R43 and head towards Worcester.

Calabash Bush Pub

The road takes you past the turn-off to the Slanghoek valley. A worthwhile detour if you have time on your side. Shortly after the turn-off you cross the Breede River over a low-level drift and then the valley gets prettier and prettier as it winds its way towards Goudini. Along this road you pass the Opstal Estate and Restaurant on your right. We went there for lunch recently and it was most enjoyable.

Opstal Slanghoek

Getting back to the R43, turn left opposite the Botha Cellars. At the brand-new state-of-the-art school, take note of the neat little church hall which has just been restored while they were building the school. When Donna took us to Bosjes for my birthday in 2017, the hall looked a bit worse for wear. It is great to see that the renovation fell in with the building of the school and that it is encompassed into the school premises.

Annazaal today Annazaal in 2017

Bosjes is directly after the school and they have a chapel that went viral in all the architectural, fashion and venue magazines and social media when it was built sometime around 2016 or 17. It is a very unique and eye-catching building in an extremely beautiful setting.

Bosjes Chapel

About as eye-catching as the chapel is an amazing layout of gardens, paths, a cemetery and a little koppie which you climb in a non-tiring spiral until you get to the top where you have a stunning view of the chapel, gardens, coffee shop and the manor house and restaurant in the distance.

Gardens and chapel from koppie

Coffee shop in foreground, restaurant and manor house in the distance and a huge new development being built behind the coffee shop. Watch this space for updates as to what it is

Coffee shop Restaurant

Back on the R43 again, carry on towards Worcester and turn left where you see the back of the Fairy Glen Big 5 Safaris sign board. This is a lovely little back road which takes you around to the back of Worcester. Turn left at the T-junction and carry on until you get to the Fairy Glen gate. They offer what I believe is an amazing big five game drive, right up into the majestic mountains. They also offer accommodation and their visitors that are usually couriered in on tour busses from Cape Town get meals as well.

Up at the lodge

We got a little sneak preview of some of their game on one of our visits here.

These guys were just lazing around on the open plains below the restaurant/pool/lodge complex.

Back down at the main gate is Tuskers Pub and Grill.

Here they have some very interesting artefacts – such as a beautiful old Roll Royce and some very impressive animals, one being an elephant behind the bar – hence the name Tuskers. Don’t miss the three Chevy Impalas at the gate.

Rolls ElephantRhino and leopard

The bar is extreme to say the least and once you’re there it’s very difficult to leave. They have a pool outside, a dance floor, restaurant, another satellite bar for the outside area and of course that bar.

Probably the biggest bar I've seenYummy

If you take what is almost a service road back to Worcester through some lovely rolling hills, turn left into the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden. These gardens were near Matjiesfontein when they were established in 1921 but they moved here in 1945 due to the re-routing of the N1 and a lack of water. The main focus of these gardens is on succulents. Besides the beautiful gardens, they also have three hiking trails, a tea room/restaurant/ function centre and two picnic areas.

Go see it, walk it and enjoy it.

And you thought I had forgotten about Worcester! Ha, I was saving the best for last. Just look at this magnificent church.

Worcester common

There is a mall, the Mountain Mill Mall and a casino/hotel, the Golden Valley Lodge and Casino in Worcester as well.

Golden Valley Lodge

At the mall is a food court with a multitude of restaurants to choose from. I particularly like the Dam Diner, Best of Asia and the Ocean Basket so far.

Dam Diner Ocean BasketBest of Asia

So next time you plan a trip up the N1, add in a day or two and discover the enchanting Breede River Valley.

Until next time, “Keep on Tripping!”