A Road Trip from Gqeberha to Joburg: Discovering South Africa’s Charming Padstals

Hey there! Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip adventure in South Africa? Buckle up and join me on a journey from Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) to Joburg (short for Johannesburg). But wait, there’s a twist! We won’t just be driving straight to our destination; instead, we’ll be making numerous stops at unique and charming padstals along the way.

Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is a padstal? Well, think of it as a hidden gem, a delightful rest stop, or a cozy roadside store packed with local treasures. Padstals are scattered all over South Africa, and they offer much more than just a quick break from driving. They are a gateway to the heart and soul of this beautiful country.

So, why choose a road trip filled with padstal adventures? It’s simple, my friend. Padstals are like time machines that transport you back to a simpler era. When you step inside one, you’re greeted by warm smiles, stories of local folklore, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked goods. They are a haven of culture, tradition, and genuine South African hospitality.

As I embark on this road trip, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and curiosity. Each padstal we visit holds the promise of discovery. We might stumble upon a family-run farm stall selling homemade jams and preserves, or find ourselves captivated by the vibrant artwork displayed in a quaint craft store. And let’s not forget about the mouthwatering treats – from biltong (a type of dried meat) to koeksisters (a traditional sweet pastry), there’s something for everyone to indulge in.

As I venture deeper into the heartland of South Africa, I realize that these padstals are not just about satisfying cravings or filling up the car with unique souvenirs. They are a testament to the rich diversity of this country and a showcase of the creativity and resilience of its people. Each padstal tells a story, and with every visit, I feel more connected to the tapestry of South African culture.

So, are you ready to hit the road with me? Let’s embark on this padstal-filled adventure from Gqeberha to Joburg, where we’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. Get your map ready and prepare yourself for a journey that will ignite your senses, warm your heart, and leave you in awe of the beauty that lies beyond the well-traveled highways.

Imagine this: a chance to go on a real South African road trip. It’s not something that happens to me often. Usually, I just fly in, do my thing, and fly back home. But when I was offered the opportunity to hit the road from Gqeberha to Joburg with Ford and their amazing new Everest, I couldn’t resist. Three whole days of pure bliss on the open road.

Now, the adventure actually started two days before we even left Gqeberha. I joined forces with the Ford team and the incredible ladies from Rally to Read for a unique mission. Rally to Read, in partnership with the Read Educational Trust, does something truly special: they provide school books and learning materials to rural and township schools all over the country. And get this, they don’t just deliver the goods and leave. Oh no! They offer ongoing support to teachers for three whole years. How amazing is that?

After receiving our learning materials, we filled up the Everest and set off on a three-day journey back to Joburg along the N2.

Discovering Nanaga Farm Stall

Man, let me tell you about this awesome road trip I went on. We were cruising along the N2 when we decided to take a break and grab some grub at the Nanaga Farm Stall. I had heard so much about it, but for some reason, I had never checked it out before. Boy, was I missing out!

Now, this place has some history. It all started back in 1969 when Lynn Lake, a real go-getter, started selling cabbages out of her car right there on the property. As her cabbage game got stronger, she decided to set up a little stall and started selling pies and pineapple juice too. But let me tell you, things really took off in 2008 when Lynn’s daughter took over and gave Nanaga Farm Stall a major makeover. That place is a sight to behold now!

So, I was told by someone that I absolutely had to try the lamb and mint pie from Nanaga. And you know what? I gave in and oh boy, was it heavenly! It seems like everyone else agrees because they sell a whopping 3,500 pies each day. As I sit here, typing this with a raised eyebrow, I just have to say – you’ve got to try it too! Seriously, what are you waiting for? Make plans to visit Nanaga this weekend and treat yourself to this amazing pie and maybe even have a fresh pineapple juice to go along with it!

If you’re looking for the Nanaga Farm Stall, you can find it where the N2, R72, and N10 roads intersect. Or, if you prefer, you can give them a call at +2741 468 0353.

Now, let’s talk about the Baddaford Farm Stall.

As I hit the road again, I punched in the destination of Fort Beaufort into the GPS of my Everest. It suddenly occurred to me that I should’ve ordered two lamb and mint pies because I was starting to feel hungry in the early afternoon. Thankfully, Baddaford Farm Stall, located on the less-traveled R67, came to the rescue and solved my problem.

Situated in a beautiful flower garden, Baddaford is a place you should definitely make a stop at, even if it means changing your planned route. They have a wonderful selection of homemade goods from the locals in the area. I was especially impressed with their wide range of sauces, chutneys, and preserves. And don’t forget to get some of their amazing shortbread to take with you!

Well, I had a little mix-up with my food order, and ended up getting a vegan lasagne. Now, that wouldn’t normally be my go-to meal, but I decided to give it a shot anyway. To my surprise, it actually tasted pretty good! Who would’ve thought that vegan food could have some flavor? I guess you really do learn something new every day.

If you’re in the area, you should check out the Baddaford Farm Stall. It’s located on the R67, just before Fort Beaufort. Or if you prefer, you can give them a call at +2787 350 4402.

Have You Tried the Ford Pass App?

So, let me tell you about this time when I took a break in Hogsback. It was a much-needed rest during our trip back to Joburg. I had a little secret up my sleeve – the Ford Pass App on my phone. This app was like magic because it let me do all sorts of cool things with my Everest. One thing that really caught my attention was the ability to unlock and start the car from a distance.

I thought it would be funny to play a little prank on my driving buddy, Mike. So, I hid behind a bush and used the app to unlock and start the car. You should have seen the look on his face! It was priceless! He had no idea what was going on. It was all just a bit of harmless fun, you know?

But seriously, isn’t it amazing what technology can do these days? I mean, being able to control your car with your phone? That’s pretty cool if you ask me.

Imagine this: during the winter, you wake up and have the power to warm up your car before you even step out of the house. Pretty neat, right?

Yesterday, I traveled through the Eastern Cape and into the Free State on our next adventure. Our stop for the night? The Royal Hotel Bethulie, also known as the Book Hotel. I had the chance to meet the owner, Anthony Hocking, last year for a feature in MzansiBride. It was great to reconnect with him and experience the magic of this legendary South African establishment.

Discovering Kuilfontein Farm Stall

My last day of travel began when I left Bethulie and joined the N1 national road. The adventure of exploring rural areas was behind me, and now it was time to focus on the journey back home. If you happen to find yourself on this route, I highly recommend making a stop at the Kuilfontein Farm Stall for breakfast. It’s located near the town of Springfontein, just 500 meters from the N1. This charming little store sits on a fifth-generation sheep farm – talk about an authentic Karoo experience!

If you mess up your planning and need a place to crash, Kuilfontein has got you covered with their bed and breakfast options. And if you’re exhausted from the drive, their cappuccinos will give you a much-needed boost. I’ve heard great things about their lamb and mint pie too.

You can find Kuilfontein Farm Stall on the N1, right before Springfontein. If you prefer to call ahead, their number is +2783 283 7522.

Now, if you’re looking for more options along the N1 route from Gqeberha to Joburg, you’re in luck! There are more padstals than meal times, so you’ll have plenty to choose from. Here are a couple of other padstals worth considering:

– Snobs Coffee Roastery in Trompsburg is a small town, but their coffee is famous.

– Jakkalsdrift Padstal just outside Winburg serves delicious Eggs Benedict.

Hope this helps you on your journey! Safe travels!

One of the best things about road trips is discovering unique and hidden gems along the way. You’ll come across quaint little places called padstals, which are essentially small roadside stalls that offer a variety of local products. These padstals are like tiny treasure troves, filled with delicious foods, arts and crafts, and other interesting items that represent the local culture.

I recently stumbled upon a padstal called Wafelhuys in Kroonstad, where they specialize in Dutch stroopwafels. These treats are absolutely mouthwatering, with a crisp exterior and a gooey caramel filling. Trust me, they’re worth every bite!

Padstals are a true reflection of South African heritage and are a great way to experience the local flavor. Each one has its own unique offerings, giving you a taste of the diverse cultures that make up our country. Not only will you find delicious snacks, but you’ll also discover handmade crafts and other souvenirs that showcase the creativity of local artisans.

So, when you’re planning your next road trip, be sure to include some pit stops at padstals. It’s a wonderful way to support local businesses and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of South African culture. Plus, you never know what hidden treasures you might find along the way. Happy exploring!