Tread gently wherever your journey takes you

When I embark on a journey, I always keep one important mantra in mind: tread lightly. It may seem like a simple phrase, but its meaning is profound.

Traveling is an adventure that introduces us to new places, cultures, and people. It broadens our horizons and expands our knowledge. But we must remember that every step we take has an impact, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that impact is a positive one.

So, how can we tread lightly as we explore the world around us? It starts with understanding and respecting the places we visit. We must take the time to learn about the local customs, traditions, and laws. By doing so, we show respect for the people and their way of life.

Moreover, we should make conscious choices to minimize our ecological footprint. This means being mindful of our use of resources, such as water and energy. We can choose to support eco-friendly businesses and opt for sustainable modes of transportation. By doing so, we protect the environment and help to preserve the natural beauty of the places we visit.

When we travel, we also have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the communities we encounter. Instead of just being passive observers, we can engage with the local people, learn from them, and support their businesses and initiatives. By doing so, we contribute to their economic and social development.

Lastly, we should always be mindful of our actions and the way we present ourselves as travelers. By being respectful, kind, and conscientious, we can foster positive relationships and leave a lasting impression.

In conclusion, treading lightly is not just a phrase, but a way of life for the conscientious traveler. By taking these principles to heart, we can ensure that our journeys are not only enjoyable for us but also beneficial for the places and people we encounter along the way.

The Lexus UX 250h SE is a super cool hybrid car that makes the earth happy when you take it on a road trip.

What does it mean to travel in a way that takes care of the planet? It means going on adventures and exploring new places while also thinking about how our actions affect the environment, both big and small.

I was driving up Du Toitskloof Pass, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and I couldn’t help but ponder on this. The Lexus UX 250h was the perfect choice for me because it’s a hybrid car. That means it has a special engine that uses both electricity and gas to move forward.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the energy monitoring system on the dashboard. It was like being handed a shiny new gadget and I became completely absorbed in the fascinating information it displayed. I had to remind myself to focus on the road ahead. As I drove, the system cleverly analyzed the driving conditions and battery levels and made decisions on the best power source to draw from. It would switch between the battery, a combination of electric and petrol power, or the familiar fuel-air-spark process, all depending on what was most efficient at the time. The real-time power-usage graphic was like a gentle nudge, encouraging me to drive in a more eco-friendly and fuel-efficient manner.

I had a dilemma when it came to sustainability. It seemed like such a complex issue that could overshadow my vacation plans. But after some careful consideration, I realized that finding a balance is the key. That’s why I decided to go with the Lexus for my trip to the beautiful Slanghoek Valley in the Western Cape. While full electric cars may be the future, we still have some challenges to overcome, like limited battery range and a lack of infrastructure in certain areas. So, if you want to explore remote locations like Southern Africa, compromises have to be made.

Driving through the Slanghoek Valley is an incredible experience for my eyes.

I love driving on winding mountain roads, so it was an easy decision to take the route up Du Toitskloof Pass. The other option, the N1, has a 3.9km-long tunnel called Huguenot Tunnel that goes through the Klein Drakenstein Mountains. However, if you take the R101 over Du Toitskloof Pass, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Limietberg Nature Reserve. This road has a rich history, as it was partially built by Italian prisoners of war in the 1940s. The original farm track in the mountains dates all the way back to the 1730s, but the road we drive on now was completed in 1949. It’s an old road, but it’s truly a marvel of this region.

As I rejoined the N1 on the Worcester side of the pass, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the massive mountain buttresses that lined the valley. They towered above me like the Wall from the popular TV show Game of Thrones. The road ahead was a dual carriageway, and as I cruised along, I couldn’t help but be pleased with how little fuel I was using, with my consumption registering less than 5 liters per 100 kilometers. It was a smooth and efficient ride.

Soon, I made a right turn back onto the R101, also known as the ‘Old N1 Road’. This road took me into the breathtaking Breedekloof wine district. The scenery here was nothing short of picturesque. The whole area was devoted to agriculture, with vineyards, fruit orchards, and lush fields stretching out as far as the eye could see. It was truly a feast for the senses.

In this valley of 28 wineries, Chenin Blanc reigns supreme as the most sought-after grape variety. As I explore the world of sustainable travel, I’ve come to realize that it’s not only about how I get there, but also where I stay. I find myself asking important questions about the materials used in the construction of the buildings, how the usage of water is managed, and whether guests are encouraged to conserve electricity. Additionally, I’m curious about the sourcing of the food that is served.

It was these questions that led me to discover Picardi Place, a serene oasis nestled in the heart of endless vineyards near Slanghoek Road. This one-hectare sanctuary caught my attention for its commitment to sustainability. Owner Jaco Brand explains that he purchased this plot of land in 2007 when his parents relocated to Rawsonville. He has always felt a strong connection to this area, appreciating its Mediterranean-like climate and its less commercialized nature compared to Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.

When I saw the ‘Tree of life’ mural, made up of 366 tiles on the outside of Bosjes Kombuis, I was immediately captivated. The artwork added a touch of beauty and charm to the place.

And let me tell you, Jaco was absolutely right about the atmosphere here. From the moment I arrived, I could feel a genuine warmth emanating from the locals. There was an authenticity to the area that I found refreshing, as if everything was being shared with me, a visitor, in its truest form.

In the past 13 years, Jaco has completely transformed Picardi Place. Among the many accommodations he offers, the Chamomile Cottage stands out as a true gem. It is a standalone cottage located on the western corner of his property, built mainly from rugged timber. Inside, it can comfortably sleep six guests, with two bedrooms downstairs and two separate loft spaces upstairs. The bathrooms and kitchen are furnished with a gas-heated water system, sourced from a borehole, ensuring crystal-clear water for everyone.

One of the highlights of my stay was the wood-fired hot tub in front of the cottage. It was pure bliss to soak in the warm water, gazing up at the starry night sky and the beautiful Milky Way above.

Hey there! It’s me, Jaco Brand, and my awesome friends.

Guess what? I recently hosted my 600th pasta-making class right here! That’s just one of the many reasons why people love to come and stay with us. Oh, and did I mention that we grow lots of the ingredients for our courses in our very own organic vegetable gardens?

Now, let me tell you about this incredible place called Slanghoek Road. It stretches for 22 kilometers through a valley with the same name. When you drive along this road, you’ll be surrounded by towering mountains. These mountains are like natural fortresses, sculpted over thousands of years by rivers and streams.

At the end of Slanghoek Road, you’ll come across a little bridge. Be careful though, because when the Breede River gets high, this bridge can get flooded. But don’t worry, it just adds to the adventure! Once you’ve explored this area, turn left onto R43 and drive for another 3 kilometers. Then, take another left onto R301 Bain’s Kloof Pass road. This route will take you through some of the most breathtaking mountains in the Cape, making it a perfect circular trip.

When it comes to the wonderful world of hot tubs, Chamomile Cottage’s wood-fired oasis stands out from the rest.

Motor Showdown

On the Road

Lexus UX 250h SE

This fresh release from Japan is a cross-over dream, combining a unique design with top-tier features. Though the 2.0-liter engine can feel a bit sluggish on its own.
135kW @ 6 000r/min
180 Nm+e @ 4 800r/min
R756 200

Choice 1

Jaguar I-Pace EV400 AWD HSE

Wow! This car is truly something else. It may be a bit pricey, but let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. They even named it the South African Car of the Year in 2019. Now that’s impressive!

Let me give you a rundown of the amazing specs on this bad boy. It rocks a powerful electric drivetrain that gives it a whopping 294kW and 696Nm of torque. That’s some serious power right there.

But wait, there’s more! This beauty comes with a price tag of R1 854 200. Yeah, it’s not cheap, but you know what they say, you get what you pay for.

Now, let’s move on to our next contender, the Volkswagen e-Golf.

Volkswagen e-Golf

Have you heard of electric cars? They’re pretty cool! They have instant torque, which means they can go from 0 to 60 in no time. Plus, they’re comfortable, so you can enjoy a smooth ride. Driving an electric car is also a lot of fun! You’ll never have to worry about stopping at a gas station again because electric cars are affordable to run. And the best part? They’re super quiet, so you won’t have to deal with any loud engine noises.

But there are a couple of downsides to electric cars. One of the biggest issues is the limited range. When you’re driving on the highway, the range of an electric car can drop significantly. So if you’re planning a long road trip, you might have to stop and charge your car more often than you would with a regular car.

Another problem with electric cars is the charging infrastructure. Finding a charging station can be a real headache, especially if you’re in a remote area or traveling through unfamiliar territory. Some places don’t even have any charging stations at all!

And finally, one of the biggest drawbacks of electric cars is that you can’t actually buy one. That’s right, you can’t just walk into a dealership and drive away in an electric car. They’re not widely available yet, so you’ll have to wait until they become more popular.

Despite these challenges, electric cars are still a great option for anyone who wants to reduce their carbon footprint and enjoy a more eco-friendly way of getting around. So if you’re interested in electric cars, keep an eye out for advancements in technology and infrastructure. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be driving an electric car of your own!

So, if you’re looking for a car that’s fast, comfortable, and environmentally friendly, an electric car might be the perfect choice for you. Just be prepared for the range limitations and the challenges of finding charging stations. But don’t let that discourage you – the benefits of driving an electric car far outweigh the negatives. Go ahead and give it a try!

Here are some key specs to consider:

– Power: 100kW

– Torque: 290Nm

– Price: Unavailable

Now that you know a bit more about electric cars, let’s take a look at a couple of places where you can stay and enjoy some amazing experiences.

Picardi Place

If you’re looking for a cozy getaway, Picardi Place is the perfect destination. Located just off Slanghoek Road, this place offers a peaceful and picturesque setting. You’ll be surrounded by wine farms and restaurants, so there’s plenty to explore nearby. And if you’re in the mood for some hands-on fun, you can even take a pasta-making course with the owner, Jaco Brand.

When it comes to accommodations, you can’t go wrong with Chamomile Cottage. It’s beautifully decorated with a rustic charm that will make you feel right at home. The front stoep and wood-fired hot tub are perfect for unwinding and enjoying the tranquil surroundings. And if you’re a fan of outdoor showers, you’re in for a treat – they’re one of the highlights of the cottage.

Weddings are also hosted at Picardi Place, making it an ideal venue for a romantic celebration. Whether you choose to exchange vows on the lush lawns or inside the old barn, your special day will be truly memorable.

Prices at Chamomile Cottage start at R1 900 for two people sharing, while rooms are available from R450 per person sharing. So why wait? Plan your visit to Picardi Place and create lasting memories in this enchanting setting.

For more information, visit their website at picardiplace.co.za.

Bosjes

Hey there! I want to tell you about this incredible place called Bosjes. It’s located right off the R43 Mitchell’s Pass Road at the foot of Waaihoek Peak in the Hex River Mountains. Let me tell you, Bosjes is a truly special place with a fascinating history that goes all the way back to 1790.

You won’t believe your eyes when you see the beautiful indigenous gardens on the property. They are absolutely gorgeous and impeccably maintained. It’s like stepping into a natural paradise! And that’s not all, Bosjes has so much more to offer. They have a fantastic bistro-style restaurant called Bosjes Kombuis. The food there is absolutely delicious! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Now, if you’re looking for a place to stay, Bosjes has got you covered. They have a stunning Manor House with five luxury suites. Each suite is designed with elegance and comfort in mind, you’ll feel like royalty during your stay. And speaking of royalty, Bosjes also has a one-of-a-kind wedding chapel. It’s made entirely of glass, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely breathtaking. Whether you’re getting married or just visiting, you have to see it for yourself!

So, next time you’re in the area, make sure to stop by Bosjes. Whether you’re hungry for a delicious meal, in need of a cup of coffee and a snack, or simply want to admire the beauty of the chapel, Bosjes is the place to be. You won’t be disappointed! Check out their website at bosjes.co.za for more information.