Continuing our day tripper series using Villiersdorp as a base to explore the Overberg.
FROM BOSSIEVELD TO BRANDVLEI
If you drive the R43 to Worcester and turn right to Koppies about ten kilometres from Villiersdorp you are in for a visual delight as the well maintained gravel road wends its way through the valleys.
If you’re into bird watching you’re in for a avian treat. Blue cranes forage across the recently harvested wheat fields that stretch to the blue mountains on the far horizon. Stately Stanley’s bustards stalk the virgin bossieveld under the watchful gaze of Steppe buzzards that perch like sentinels on the telephone poles. Waterfowl abound in the farm dams and wetlands where Little bitterns lurk in the reed beds that are festooned with bobbing weaver and bishop nests.
The hamlet (if you can call a lone trading post a hamlet) of Doornrivier nestles in the Doorn River valley and boasts some fine old homesteads dating back to the 1700s surrounded by vineyards and a flock of feral peafowl raucously live in the river bush.
The road eventually rejoins the R43 near Brandvlei about thirty kilometres from Villiersdorp so grab your camera and binoculars, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy…
Contact VILLIERSDORP TOURISM on 028 840 0082 for info on where to stay in Villiersdorp.
Text and Images Les Bush

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