{"id":305,"date":"2016-11-18T12:30:24","date_gmt":"2016-11-18T12:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/?p=305"},"modified":"2018-04-11T11:45:02","modified_gmt":"2018-04-11T11:45:02","slug":"rev-up-your-engines-discover-the-r326-and-the-akkedisberg-pass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/rev-up-your-engines-discover-the-r326-and-the-akkedisberg-pass\/","title":{"rendered":"Rev up your engines: discover the R326 and the Akkedisberg Pass."},"content":{"rendered":"<p>For those of us addicted to roads, roadtripping and stupendous scenery, we\u2019re privileged to be able to enjoy various mountain passes in the Western Cape. It\u2019s total roadcandy.<\/p>\n<p>Driving through a mountain pass carries with it a certain symbolism. More than just the exhilarating sense of freedom that being on the open road evokes, it\u2019s the physical act of passing from one place into another. It\u2019s almost as if the lie of the land echoes the state of your mind\u2026 heading towards something new and leaving something else behind\u2026<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_311\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/AkkedisbergPassTracks4Africa2.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-311\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-311\" src=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/AkkedisbergPassTracks4Africa2-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Picture: Tracks4Africa\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/AkkedisbergPassTracks4Africa2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/AkkedisbergPassTracks4Africa2.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-311\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Picture: Tracks4Africa<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Interestingly enough, there\u2019s the southernmost mountain pass \u2013 Akkedisberg \u2013 right on our doorstep (R326). The pass is one of the oldest in South Africa, dating back to 1776. Detouring on the R326 to Napier\/Bredasdorp\/Arniston, the raw features and breath-taking views of the Akkedisberg are simply jaw-dropping!<\/p>\n<p>This small, scenic pass is almost worth planning your entire holiday around, that\u2019s how stunning it is. There is so much to see and do on the R326 and the Akkedisberg Pass. Here are some top tips (just too mention a few. Wording abridged from their websites)\u2026<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_313\" style=\"width: 227px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/boschrivier.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-313\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-313\" src=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/boschrivier-300x214.jpg\" alt=\"Picture: Boschrivier Wines\" width=\"217\" height=\"155\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/boschrivier-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/boschrivier.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 217px) 100vw, 217px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-313\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Picture: Boschrivier Wines<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Boschrivier Wines<\/strong><br \/>\nBoschrivier Wines is located on two farms that lie at the foot of the Klein River Mountain range on the R326 near Stanford. The first farm, Remhoogte, hosts the vineyards from which Boschrivier wines are produced and a manor house turned into a wine house\/coffee shop that is open to the public for wine tasting.<br \/>\nThe manor house on the second farm, Boschkloof, is available for guests to rent. Home to blue cranes, takbokke, fynbos and other wildlife, the Boschkloof manor house makes for a true farm getaway.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_314\" style=\"width: 416px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/image2.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-314\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-314\" src=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/image2.jpg\" alt=\"Picture: Raka Wines\" width=\"406\" height=\"95\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/image2.jpg 940w, https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/image2-300x70.jpg 300w, https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/image2-816x191.jpg 816w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 406px) 100vw, 406px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-314\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Picture: Raka Wines<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Raka Wines<\/strong><br \/>\nThe Raka brand was named after Piet Dreyer&#8217;s black fishing vessel. Piet&#8217;s first love has always been the sea. For some 36 years he braved the storms and challenges of the coast, ever in search of the best catch. It is with this same passion that the Dreyer family now pursue the art of winemaking. With the rich blessing of earth and elements, the help of a dedicated workforce, the enthusiasm of winemaker Josef Dreyer and the advantages of a modern gravity flow cellar, Piet Dreyer produces his award-winning Raka wines.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_315\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/StanfordValley.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-315\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-315\" src=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/StanfordValley-300x183.jpg\" alt=\"Picture: Stanford Valley Guest Farm\" width=\"300\" height=\"183\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/StanfordValley-300x183.jpg 300w, https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/StanfordValley.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-315\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Picture: Stanford Valley Guest Farm<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Stanford Valley Guest Farm<\/strong><br \/>\nStanford Valley Guest Farm nestles in the valley of the Klein Rivier, 10km outside Stanford village. They offer comfortable accommodation as well as conference facilities. Enjoy upmarket country cuisine, prepared by renowned chef Madre Malan and her team at the Manor House Restaurant whilst soaking in the glorious scenic landscapes.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_316\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/KleinRiverCheese.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-316\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-316\" src=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/KleinRiverCheese-300x214.jpg\" alt=\"Picture: Klein River Cheese\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/KleinRiverCheese-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/KleinRiverCheese.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-316\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Picture: Klein River Cheese<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Klein River Cheese<\/strong><br \/>\nKlein River Farmstead offers an array of exceptional, high-quality and award-winning South African cheeses. The farm is open to the public and you can taste and purchase cheese as well as a variety of gourmet products in The Cheese Shop; enjoy a delicious picnic on the banks of the river; all while the children enjoy the extensive playground or pet and feed the many farm animals.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_317\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/whitewater.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-317\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-317\" src=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/whitewater-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Picture: White Water Farm\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/whitewater-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/whitewater.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-317\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Picture: White Water Farm<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>White Water Farm<\/strong><br \/>\nHistoric White Water Farm is a welcoming rural haven with magnificent mountain scenery in the Klein River valley. This historical venue is the ideal place to escape \u2013 whether it is for a much needed rest, an adventure, a business conference, a wedding or a private retreat. White Water has its own \u201cchapel\u201d as well as restaurant on the premises.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_318\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/BlueGum.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-318\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-318\" src=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/BlueGum-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Picture: Blue Gum Country Estate\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/BlueGum-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/BlueGum.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-318\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Picture: Blue Gum Country Estate<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Blue Gum Country Estate<\/strong><br \/>\nNamed after the 140-year old Blue Gum tree that grows on our front lawn, the estate is both a working farm dating back to 1839 and a private, family-run guest house. Whether you stay in the old Manor House suites, the more private Mountain View Cottages or our Blue Gum Family Rooms, you\u2019ll discover a tranquil retreat that offers something for everyone from honeymoon couples to solo travellers and large family groups. With this in mind there is also two restaurants on the estate.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_319\" style=\"width: 192px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Phillipskop.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-319\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-319\" src=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Phillipskop-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Picture: Phillipskop Mountain Reserve\" width=\"182\" height=\"243\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-319\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Picture: Phillipskop Mountain Reserve<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Phillipskop Mountain Reserve<\/strong><br \/>\nUnwind, explore and discover at this mountain reserve that occupies the southerly slopes of the Klein River Mountains just to the east of Stanford. They offer spacious chalet-style self-catering cottages, perched on the slopes of the Klein River Mountains with sweeping views across the Overberg, as well as opportunities for guests and day visitors to explore the reserve and discover more as they do\u2026 Various hiking trails on offer as well as guided botanical walks.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_320\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/boeredans.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-320\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-320\" src=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/boeredans-300x119.jpg\" alt=\"Picture: Boeredans Cottage\" width=\"300\" height=\"119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/boeredans-300x119.jpg 300w, https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/boeredans.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-320\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Picture: Boeredans Cottage<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Boeredans Cottage<\/strong><br \/>\nThe \u201cBoeredans Cottage\u201d is 2.5 km from the village and is an easy drive for city vehicles. It is also only 30 meters from the Klein River and sleeps 5. The cottage is located on a working farm; sheep, Nguni cattle and Emu\u2019s roam freely and which adds to the farm style atmosphere.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_321\" style=\"width: 151px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/walkerbay.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-321\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-321\" src=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/walkerbay-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Picture: Walkerbay Estate\" width=\"141\" height=\"212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/walkerbay-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/walkerbay.jpg 266w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 141px) 100vw, 141px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-321\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Picture: Walkerbay Estate<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Walkerbay Estate includes Birkenhead Brewery<\/strong><br \/>\nThis is the first wine and brewing estate in the Southern Hemisphere. Visit their vineyard and winery where they produce Walker Bay Vineyards wines, and enjoy their delicious food and freshly home-brewed beer.<\/p>\n<p>And then it\u2019s so true: here in Stanford, we\u2019re really quite proud of all the cool stuff our village and surrounds has to offer. You\u2019ve heard us wax lyrical about our river, mountains, our wine, our wildlife, our heritage, our cape floral kingdom and just gush in general about Stanford\u2019s natural beauty (not to mention its world-class accommodation, restaurants\u2026)<\/p>\n<p>Just remember the following tip when revving up your engines for a scenic trip:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHere\u2019s the secret to a good mountain view: leave your camera behind. You\u2019ll never see all the beauty of the landscape through your lens, and when you upload your photos at home you\u2019ll be disappointed in the pale colours which only hint at the gorgeous rock hues you\u2019ve witnessed. Drink the view with your eyes and remember that when you need another look you\u2019ll be better off taking another drive than paging through an album. The lofty mountain heights will be there to enjoy long after your photos fade.\u201d<br \/>\n<em>-Jen Hoyer, Getaway Magazine: October 17, 2012<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_310\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/AkkedisbergPassTracks4AFrica.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-310\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-310\" src=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/AkkedisbergPassTracks4AFrica-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Picture: Tracks4Africa\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/AkkedisbergPassTracks4AFrica-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/AkkedisbergPassTracks4AFrica.jpg 550w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-310\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Picture: Tracks4Africa<\/p><\/div>\n<p><em>Toodles<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For those of us addicted to roads, roadtripping and stupendous scenery, we\u2019re privileged to be able to enjoy various mountain passes in the Western Cape. It\u2019s total roadcandy. Driving through a mountain pass carries with it a certain symbolism. More than just the exhilarating sense of freedom that being on the open road evokes, it\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":309,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true},"categories":[3,9],"tags":[104,65,95,103,100,102,52,78,42,44,35,41,60,48,37,40,49,98,92,93,101,96,54,91,94,6,97,76,58,99,72],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/akkedisberg-passRoamAfrica.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/305"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=305"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/305\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":322,"href":"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/305\/revisions\/322"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/309"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=305"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=305"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stanfordinfo.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=305"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}