Hofmeyr

Hofmeyr is an ideal place to stop over, if you are driving from Johannesburg, via Bloemfontein to the Addo Elephant Park, Port Elizabeth or even Graaff-Reinet.  This little town, only 60km from Cradock and 40km from Steynsburg, has the beautiful Bamboes Mountain Range as a backdrop – part of the Drakensberg escarpment. As a photographer you will be intrigued by the beautiful changing colours of the mountains.

Hofmeyr is also closely tied to the discovery of the Hofmeyr Skull, a 36 000 year-old homo sapiens skull found in a dry channel bed of the Vlekpoort river, just outside Hofmeyr. The skull supports the hypothesis that humans evolved in Africa before 200 000 years ago.

Hofmeyr boasts restored farmhouses, wide open spaces, clear star studded skies and access to an incredible variety of succulents. Make a turn at the Karoobos farm stall for some wonderful goodies to eat on the trip, a farm-style breakfast or lunch. 

From Bloemfontein, you will take the N6, and when you reach the R56, turn right towards Middelburg and after 138km turn left on the R390 (there was a previous left turn onto gravel, the R391, but this route is only 18km shorter and is gravel).

For a great route from Johannesburg to the Garden Route area, visit Showme Self Drive Routes. For more information on the Eastern Cape, visit ShowMe Eastern Cape or ShowMe Port Elizabeth.