Beyond the homestead
Explore what lies beyond the De Kruis homestead
Much of the magic of being at De Kruis involves not doing very much and not in any hurry.
If you allow yourself to be lured away from the homestead and the pool, there is walking or biking along the simple 4×4 tracks that will take you deep into the kloofs branching off the main De Kruis Valley road (taken together, these extend to more than 50km).
In addition, there are miles of dry riverbeds to be explored. In the colder months, these can be transformed when winter rainfall fills the occasional deep rockpool with crystal clear water – and suddenly gives renewed life to the surrounding veld. For many, August and September are the special secret season, when spring bulbs burst open on the rocky hillsides, dazzling us with their geometric forms. De Kruis is blessed with a high proportion of south-facing slopes, and these enjoy a particularly rich plant life, including the rare and endangered sterboom (Cliffortia arborea).
De Kruis is also a bird watchers’ paradise. In spite of the semi-desert environment no fewer than 60 species have been identified since 2020, ranging from the tiny malachite sunbird to the mighty Verreaux’s eagle. There are sure to be many more: the nearby Tankwa Karoo National Park has recorded over 180 species.
Further afield
The closest town is Sutherland (45km from the homestead, via the Verlatenkloof Pass): there you will find grocery stores, cafes and restaurants (including our favourite, the Blue Moon), and also a walk-in clinic and a petrol station (the owner lives across the road, in case you arrive at an odd time); as well as, of course, stargazing facilities catering to every level of interest and experience.
The Hokaai Padstal is much closer (18km, part-way up the Verlatenkloof Pass): here Helga sells home-made pies, jams, honey & drinks, as well as locally produced luxuries. And if the thirst takes you, there is Tjol se Gat, a single-roomed and very characterful pub halfway up the Verlatenkloof Pass (25km) where you can catch up on local news. In the opposite direction, you will find Matjiesfontein at 75km from the tar road turnoff – handy for any overflow guests or a night on the town.
For longer excursions, consider the Tankwa Karoo National Park (the nearest entrance is about 60 km from the homestead), or circular drives involving the Ouberg, Gannaga or Komsberg Passes; or else look in on Middlepos or follow the lovely, lonely roads of the Moodenaars Karoo. Always think water, fuel and at least one spare wheel on any journey of any distance – and, in winter, spare bedding in your vehicle in case of a breakdown. It is worth bearing in mind that farmsteads are few and far between and may well be unoccupied in certain seasons of the year.
Above: Tankwa Karoo National Park
Below: De Kruis, entrance to the Two Dimensional Kloof