The Western Cape is a region of variety, where mountain passes, vineyards, historic towns and rugged coastlines create a changing landscape. Cape Country Routes is a collection of owner-managed accommodation and activity establishments located across the Western, Eastern, and Northern Cape.
Now in its fourth year, the Cape Country Routes Amazing Race brought together travel industry professionals for a multi-day journey through the Western Cape, showcasing some of these properties, activities, and experiences.
Our very own Carmen took part in the race. Here’s her story from the road:
One of the most exciting aspects of the race was the element of surprise. The clues revealed each destination as we travelled, forcing us to step out of our comfort zones and hand over control of the itinerary. For someone who likes to have a plan, that uncertainty quickly became part of the adventure.
Our journey began in Stellenbosch, where lunch at Aunty Sophie se Kombuis was followed by team allocations and our introduction to the Tread Lite Jimny 4x4s that would accompany us throughout the race. Our first clue took us just 240 metres away to inspect Eendracht Hotel and Evergreen Manor before we headed back to Adventure Shop for a briefing on what was up next. After that, we set off on a guided cycling tour through the historic town, followed by a chocolate and wine pairing at Lanzerac Wine Estate.
Carmen on the bike tour through Stellenbosch
That evening, clue number two led us to De Warenmarkt, where we had to complete a dinner challenge involving naming our team and creating signage for our vehicle. Having been allocated the kinetic yellow Jimny (which was actually more green), we became known as the “Froggies”.
The “Froggies” Jimny at Cape Agulhas
The clues led us through Robertson, Montagu and Barrydale. We enjoyed a wine pairing at Four Cousins, which introduced us to the Robertson Wine Valley, before having lunch at the Montagu Country Hotel and going on a cycling tour of the town with Flying Feet. We also enjoyed a ride through Montagu in the hotel’s vintage cars before continuing along Route 62 to the Karoo Art Hotel in Barrydale.
Upon arrival at the Karoo Art Hotel, we were tasked with finding our rooms, which gave us the chance to explore the property and view the various room types available. Later, we gathered in the Map Room to try to work out where the next clue might take us. We rounded off the day with a private cinema experience complete with popcorn and a Karoo lamb dinner, before receiving instructions to set our alarms for an early start.
The clue received at the Karoo Art Hotel
One of our most memorable mornings began with a sunrise meditation session at a rock pool on the Tradouw Pass. Afterwards, we took a refreshing swim and warmed up with a hot coffee. Just when we thought we would continue along Route 62, the next clue sent us towards Cape Agulhas instead.
Carmen’s refreshing swim at Tradouw Pass
Before reaching the southernmost tip of Africa, we stopped at the Agulhas Country Lodge for a cocktail lunch and a wine tasting hosted by Lomond Wine Estate. At Cape Agulhas, we were encouraged to explore the area through various challenges, such as taking team photographs and finding specific locations on the large map of Africa installation. The rain from previous days had left behind plenty of muddy puddles, which gave our Jimnys the chance to pick up a little extra character before we continued to Arniston.
Jimny driving through muddy puddles at Cape Agulhas
At the Arniston Hotel & Spa, we explored Kassiesbaai and ended the day with a sundowner at Mien’s Tea Garden. The following morning began in the harbour, where a traditional fisherman shared stories about life on the water before we visited Waenhuiskrans Cave.
Sunrise at the harbour in Arniston
The Waenhuiskrans Cave
It was often the people we met along the way who made the biggest impression. Whether we were learning about the history of Montagu on our cycling tour, hearing stories from a traditional fisherman in Arniston, or creating our own wire hippos in Cape Town, these encounters provided us with valuable insights into the places we visited.
Some of our most memorable experiences happened in the rain. After a sunrise plunge at the Bot River Estuary, we enjoyed hot coffee and a hot water bottle on the drive back. The picnic lunch planned for Fernkloof Nature Reserve in Hermanus was moved indoors to Stanford Kitchen, followed by a walk along the Cliff Path and dinner at Dutchies Beach Restaurant, which overlooks Grotto Beach. We spent the night at the Hermanus Boutique Guesthouse.
Carmen at Bot River Estuary
Hermanus Coastline
Later in the journey, we headed to the Elgin area for the Cape Canopy Tour. Moving through the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve in the rain added a different feel to the experience through the forest canopy.
Carmen at the Cape Canopy Tour in Elgin Valley
After stopping at the Houw Hoek Farm Stall, we made our way to Cape Town and our final destination: the Hippo Boutique Hotel. Here, we added the finishing touches to our own wire hippos before gathering for the final dinner at the Therapy Restaurant, where Team Froggies were crowned the winners.
Looking back, the Amazing Race was about far more than the competition itself. It was an opportunity to discover different parts of the Western Cape, experience a variety of activities and meet the people behind many of the region’s tourist attractions.