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From Deep House to Deep Routes: A Nostalgic SA Road Trip in the Jeep Wrangler
BY PHUTI MPYANE
Knight SA’s (and I stand to be corrected) real name is Edwin Cornelius Fortune. He is among a mob of exciting young DJs blazing the SA deep house scene. The striking difference about the selections of this powerhouse versus the glut of sub-genres that denote the modern deep house genres, such as amapiano, is the lineage of midtempo house popularised during the 2000s by a number of legendary DJs, including one Glen Lewis.
It was a time when cars played a central role in the lifestyles of black middle-class youth fuelled by a burgeoning hope that the country was well and truly entering an era of equality, not just in the employment and entrepreneurship stakes, but the prospects of new-found living experiences; such as travel for pleasure instead of the mandatory and traditional check-ins with rural relations entrenched by our immediate fore-bears.
Knight SA’s silky mixes initiate the nostalgia when many still had dreams of saving up for their first Golf GTI, and that story ends with today’s wrecked economy, job losses, and unexpected hate from the US of A through an IT and car manufacturing mogul (Musk) who grew up in SA, weirdly. In a twisted way, a person that today’s Gen-Z root for his cars (Teslas) to be sold in SA.
Many of my Gen-X peers have also woken up from the nightmare of our children’s love for amapiano and the disgust towards personal transportation. They prefer Uber, if not the controversially launched Wanatu. Those who entered full adulthood unscathed with the desire to travel intact, whether by plane, train or automobile, still welcome the road trip. The less travelled the better, and, have you tried the drive from Cape Town and George via back routes instead of the commonly used N2 Garden?
If you have done the now ho-hum land seaside drive, would an alternative route that takes you into the dry heartland of the Khoikhoi tickle your fancy? I recently went on such a drive.
Knight SA’s (and I stand to be corrected) real name is Edwin Cornelius Fortune. He is among a mob of exciting young DJs blazing the SA deep house scene. The striking difference about the selections of this powerhouse versus the glut of sub-genres that denote the modern deep house genres, such as amapiano, is the lineage of midtempo house popularised during the 2000s by a number of legendary DJs, including one Glen Lewis.
It was a time when cars played a central role in the lifestyles of black middle-class youth fuelled by a burgeoning hope that the country was well and truly entering an era of equality, not just in the employment and entrepreneurship stakes, but the prospects of new-found living experiences; such as travel for pleasure instead of the mandatory and traditional check-ins with rural relations entrenched by our immediate fore-bears.
Knight SA’s silky mixes initiate the nostalgia when many still had dreams of saving up for their first Golf GTI, and that story ends with today’s wrecked economy, job losses, and unexpected hate from the US of A through an IT and car manufacturing mogul (Musk) who grew up in SA, weirdly. In a twisted way, a person that today’s Gen-Z root for his cars (Teslas) to be sold in SA.
Many of my Gen-X peers have also woken up from the nightmare of our children’s love for amapiano and the disgust towards personal transportation. They prefer Uber, if not the controversially launched Wanatu. Those who entered full adulthood unscathed with the desire to travel intact, whether by plane, train or automobile, still welcome the road trip. The less travelled the better, and, have you tried the drive from Cape Town and George via back routes instead of the commonly used N2 Garden?
If you have done the now ho-hum land seaside drive, would an alternative route that takes you into the dry heartland of the Khoikhoi tickle your fancy? I recently went on such a drive.
There are more than 2,000 vehicle choices in SA. A rental 4x4 is the route I’d recommend for the trip, but yours is just fine, too. The route includes long stretches of gravel, and I had the privilege to use the new Jeep Wrangler; a robust thing that was apt for the route and some of the specific activities we ended up enjoying.
Before you say ‘whooa, fuel consumption,’ your concern is acknowledged. The new model uses a 2.0l four-cylinder engine instead of the old 3.6l V6. I’ll entertain the worrisome aspect later, plus I’d hope you are prepared financially for this undertaking.
The Route
Reviews of the Cape Route 62 say it lends itself well for a self-drive holiday, and it’s where a deeper sense of the hardships of the early man in SA starts to manifest considering the arid conditions. Thankfully our cars have efficient air-conditioning, and we are happily cool inside the confines listen to more of Knight SA. All Jeep Wrangler models have the option to remove panels, including the roof plus more but we dare not invite the brutal sun rays into the cabin at this juncture. Temperatures are at roast duck levels.
The Route
Journey 1: From anywhere in Cape Town take the N2 and head for Swellendam. The vast tracts of farmland on this undulating section of the route are picturesque. They vary from golden to green. Schedule lunch at Tredici; a quaint restaurant with a European aesthetic along the N2E. The food isn’t bad, with light and heavy meals offered. It’s also the perfect launch point for Journey Point 2, which starts approximately 30km from the eatery.
Journey 2: From the N2 lookout for a left turn to the R322 to Suurbraak. This settlement in the Overberg District Municipality was established in 1812 by the London Missionary Society to serve as a station for the Attaqua Khoikhoi. Some sections of the road are narrow and meander past majestic vistas with epic drops on the sides. With the new Jeeps comfy ride sizzling, the sheer size of the mountains will have you questioning your significance as a human being.
The next hallmark point is the R324 to Barrydale where modern road engineering meets wild Africa through a twisty mountain pass road. The natural splendour continues unabated through the Zuurberg nature reserve in the sunny and dry Klein Karoo valley that’s known for its wines and ostrich farming. The flightless birds are a common sight here, and if you have to ask, the tender steaks are best served with brown gravy on a bed of sweet potato.
Journey 3: The route takes you away from Barrydale and empties you onto the famous R62 – SA’s version of the US Route 66. It’s a similar theme comprising magnificent views of the landscape and vegetation, with plenty of lifestyle places dotted along, including hiking trails, 4x4 routes, museums and more, and the legendary Ronnie’s S*x Shop (Google the story.)
The next hallmark point is the R324 to Barrydale where modern road engineering meets wild Africa through a twisty mountain pass road. The natural splendour continues unabated through the Zuurberg nature reserve in the sunny and dry Klein Karoo valley that’s known for its wines and ostrich farming. The flightless birds are a common sight here, and if you have to ask, the tender steaks are best served with brown gravy on a bed of sweet potato.
Journey 3: The route takes you away from Barrydale and empties you onto the famous R62 – SA’s version of the US Route 66. It’s a similar theme comprising magnificent views of the landscape and vegetation, with plenty of lifestyle places dotted along, including hiking trails, 4x4 routes, museums and more, and the legendary Ronnie’s S*x Shop (Google the story.)
Reviews of the Cape Route 62 say it lends itself well for a self-drive holiday, and it’s where a deeper sense of the hardships of the early man in SA starts to manifest considering the arid conditions. Thankfully our cars have efficient air-conditioning, and we are happily cool inside the confines listen to more of Knight SA. All Jeep Wrangler models have the option to remove panels, including the roof plus more but we dare not invite the brutal sun rays into the cabin at this juncture. Temperatures are at roast duck levels.
Journey Point 3
Continue on the R62 until you reach Ladismith, no relation to Ladysmith, though. The agricultural town forms part of the R62. Continue heading for Calitzdorp, a point where you’ll appreciate my advice to take a 4x4 car. A gravel road that stretches 44km slices through and zig-zags inside the Rooiberg mountain catchment area to our targeted night stop - Rooiberg Lodge.
Continue on the R62 until you reach Ladismith, no relation to Ladysmith, though. The agricultural town forms part of the R62. Continue heading for Calitzdorp, a point where you’ll appreciate my advice to take a 4x4 car. A gravel road that stretches 44km slices through and zig-zags inside the Rooiberg mountain catchment area to our targeted night stop - Rooiberg Lodge.
Rooiberg Lodge
Well rested, you are faced with more gravel, some 120km odd to reconnect the N2 to George. But then again, if like us you are in Jeeps it’s perhaps worth it to head towards Vleesbaai for some sand dune activity. From Rooiberg the route takes you further into the Khoikhoi territory now known as the Klein Karoo. Agribusinesses is the way of life here in remote villages such Bland’sDrift.
It’s a haven of much needed rest and tranquillity, and tucked away inside a valley with pretty enough mountain views. It’s a got a pool and the digs are more three-star. The beds are large and comfy, the lamb chops tasty and large.
The next morning
Well rested, you are faced with more gravel, some 120km odd to reconnect the N2 to George. But then again, if like us you are in Jeeps it’s perhaps worth it to head towards Vleesbaai for some sand dune activity. From Rooiberg the route takes you further into the Khoikhoi territory now known as the Klein Karoo. Agribusinesses is the way of life here in remote villages such Bland’sDrift.
Vleesbaai
The place we visited was curated for us, but Vleesbaai is a stunner with a vantage point that overlooks beachside properties in a bay. The ocean lapping on the sand isn’t the only highlight. Right next door is a maze of sand dune roads that can empty you onto private beach land.
This area is best explored bare, with the scenery and cool winds blowing. Everyone has their Jeep roofs peeled off, but we choose to go further and have the doors removed as well.
The place we visited was curated for us, but Vleesbaai is a stunner with a vantage point that overlooks beachside properties in a bay. The ocean lapping on the sand isn’t the only highlight. Right next door is a maze of sand dune roads that can empty you onto private beach land.
This area is best explored bare, with the scenery and cool winds blowing. Everyone has their Jeep roofs peeled off, but we choose to go further and have the doors removed as well.
Trip Verdict
Sand dune play is optional, and the road to George airport is short and straight forward on the N2. Road trips remain the best way to explore this beautiful country. Airplanes should be used to cut away long and arduous freeways from a great road trip.
The Wheels
The new Jeep Wrangler was the ideal partner for the trip. It uses a similar 15l/100km on the open roads but ensure you budget well. We can’t allow the relative great thirst of an engine to channel us away from discovering unknown corners of our country.
It’s got robust tyres that won’t get easy punctures, and all the new age multimedia systems to keep you in contact with the outside world. The vehicles are designed to handle much sterner terrain than what this trip offered, while some models come with a thumping new sound system to stream Mr Knight SA’s line of dream beats.
Sand dune play is optional, and the road to George airport is short and straight forward on the N2. Road trips remain the best way to explore this beautiful country. Airplanes should be used to cut away long and arduous freeways from a great road trip.
The Wheels
The new Jeep Wrangler was the ideal partner for the trip. It uses a similar 15l/100km on the open roads but ensure you budget well. We can’t allow the relative great thirst of an engine to channel us away from discovering unknown corners of our country.
It’s got robust tyres that won’t get easy punctures, and all the new age multimedia systems to keep you in contact with the outside world. The vehicles are designed to handle much sterner terrain than what this trip offered, while some models come with a thumping new sound system to stream Mr Knight SA’s line of dream beats.
- Phuti Mpyane is a South African motoring journalist with over 16 years of experience in the automotive industry. He is currently a senior motoring writer at Business Day, a prominent South African publication. Mpyane has contributed to various South African automotive and lifestyle publications, such as Sowetan, The Sunday Times, and Cars In Action, where he previously served as editor. He is also recognised as a member of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) and has experience as an advanced driving instructor and accredited vehicle performance tester. Follow him on X (Twitter) @TPetrosexual
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| Seasoned motoring journalist Phuti Mpyane |
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