DE RUST — THE PASSPORT TO MANY DESTINATIONS
The quaint village of De Rust, situated on the N12 (known also as the R62) might only be a dot on the map but it has one great advantage. It is just the right place for an overnight stop en route to one of many destinations.
Nestled between the Swartberg and Kammanassie mountains, the village is the gateway to the Great and Little Karoos — the Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern Cape, Free State, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
For many years De Rust was just a small village on the way from Beaufort West to the beautiful Garden Route. Apart from stopping for the essential bite to eat, no one took much notice of their surroundings. But things have changed. Recently De Rust became the home of “different visitors” — radio and TV broadcasts, film producers, magazine and newspaper reporters writing articles, a photographers’ conference and many more.
MEIRINGSPOORT – THE BIG ATTRACTION
In November 1996, after torrential rain in the Karoo, flooding in Meiringspoort caused almost the entire road and every little drift to be washed away. On reconstruction of the roads and drifts, beautiful picnic spots were added as was the resting place at the waterfall, and the area has become one of the most visited spots in the Little Karoo.
Meiringspoort is probably our biggest draw card.
This incredible passageway of towering sandstone cliffs that pierce the heart of the Swartberg Mountain range will leave you breathless and the plant diversity is unbelievable. Some plant species are known all over the world. The world famous geranium (Pelargonium Zonale) originates from this area. During 1689 Hendrik Oldenland collected wild geranium here. Seeds and cuttings were later sent to Europe where it was cultivated by the Duchess of Beaufort in England during 1710. This plant is still acknowledged as one of the important parents of the massive geranium industry in Europe and America. (Because of its origin, you can find a geranium in almost every garden in De Rust).
A variety of birds and small animals can be seen — you might even spot a black African eagle hunting dassies or find baboons guarding the road side.
Halfway through the gorge you can stop at the Information Kiosk where the history of Meiringspoort is displayed as well as samples of some of the different plant species growing in the Poort. Take a walk up to the impressive waterfall well hidden in the deep ravine, and visited in 1925 by the then Prince of Wales. The water drops some 60 m into a deep pool. Legend has it that a mermaid hides here — you may be lucky enough to see her! Enjoy the quietness and beauty of this undisturbed spot.
DE RUST — GATEWAY TO
PINCE ALBERT AND SWARTBERG PASS -The very popular circular route through the Meiringspoort gorge takes you to Klaarstroom (Clear Stream) – a neat village with a shop where you can still buy groceries directly over the counter and candy in a paper cone. The century old police station is a well-maintained historic building. In the Anglican Church yard a number of Anglo Boer War graves can be seen. Continue your journey to Prince Albert, famous for their olive products. Spend some time roaming the streets and shops, then begin your trip over the Swartberg Pass. This 52 km pass is one of the most beautiful creations on earth and with its spectacular cliffs and majestic views is really something to experience. On top of the pass is the turn off to Die Hel (Gamkas Kloof — Valley of the Lion). It will take about 2 hours to drive down the road, as it is quite steep, but with all the small buck, veld animals, plants and flowers and its natural beauty, you won’t even notice the time. On the Oudtshoorn side of the pass, are the Cango caves with its columns, staligtites and fairy like crystal pools. If you haven’t been there, do visit.
Returning on the winding Oude Muragie farm road, you will pass the Rust and Vrede waterfall. Take a walk on the pathway which leads to the crystal clear pool at the bottom of the waterfall. Magnificent! Savour the beautiful mountains and farmlands as you meander back to De Rust.
UP AND DOWN THE MOUNTAIN PASSES
SWARTBERG PASS (gravel road)– built by Thomas Bain more than 100 years ago, links Prince Albert in the Great Karoo with Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, and reaches an altitude of 1585 m above sea level. Its breathtaking scenery demands that you get out of your car and experience the real beauty of mother nature — about 1 hours drive from De Rust.
MEIRINGSPOORT (tarred road)– The fantastic 21 km gorge of towering sandstone cliffs links the Great and Little Karoo and starts 2 km outside De Rust.