Where is Bredasdorp
All roads lead to Bredasdorp in Cape Agulhas. With the R319, R317 and R316 running right through Bredasdorp coupled with the fact that the town is the main economic hub of the Agulhas region, one could say it is the beating heart of the surrounding area. With Arniston to the East, Struisbaai and Agulhas to the South and Napier to the West it truly is the centre of everything this side of South Africa.
There are two routes you can take when driving from Cape Town. You can take the inland route that journeys over mountains or the Whale Coast Route. The inland route takes approximately two hours and leads you over the Hottentot-Holland Mountains (Sir Lowry’s Pass) along the N2. The road winds past iridescent lakes, ripe vineyards, vast rocky spaces, verdant valleys and mountain ranges. Descend Houwhoek Pass and continue through Caledon and continue your journey onto the R316. From there you will follow the winding path that will take your through small holdings, farms and the endless sea of rolling meadows. Don’t be surprised if you have to slow down for a herd of sheep crossing the road as you will now be entering the genteel pace of Cape Agulhas. Drive through Napier past its contemporary galleries and traditional church until you reach Bredasdorp.
The coastal route takes approximately 3 hours and also has its beginnings with the N2, but soon after Somerset-West you will take the R44 heading towards Gordon’s Bay. The R44 will take you through the postcard-worthy coastline of looming cliffs to your left and the captivating crash of ocean against the rocky outcrops on your right. With the brilliance of the ocean a permanent fixture you will pass through the small towns of Rooi-Els, Pringle Bay, the famous Hangklip Mountain in Kleinmond and the colony of penguins at Stony Point in Betty’s Bay. This stretch of coast is renowned for its natural beauty and for being the official Whale Coast Route. Between July and December the Southern right whales frequent the coastline to mate and calve. So keep a keen eye on the horizon as you stand the possibility of spotting a mother and calf frolicking in the water. Stay on the R43 and pass through
Hermanus (which claims to have the best land-based whale watching in the world) towards
Stanford. As you enter Stanford you will turn left onto the R326 which is just across from the town petrol station. Pass through the valleys and farms until you reach a four-way stop where you will turn right onto the R316. All you have to do now is follow the winding path past the canola and fig farms until you pass through Napier and reach Bredasdorp.
If you are coming from the Garden Route and traveling along the N2 then you can carry on past Mossel Bay and Riversdale until you get to Swellendam. Once you reach Swellendam then you turn left onto the R319 and carry on all the way straight until you reach Bredasdorp. Simple as that!
No matter the route you decide on, the drive is made easy with the stunning scenery. From whales emerging from turquoise waters or cows roaming the endless sea of green valleys, you will struggle to decide upon the best route.