Flee to the Country. From Cape Town to the Cape Winelands

Soekershof to Kolgans – 30 min

Turn right onto the R60 and drive back through Robertson. At about 14.8km, turn left to Goree. The road becomes gravel at about 19km. Keep going and turn left to Kolgans at about 24km. As the sun begins to paint the vineyards orange and the towering mountains purple, follow the narrow track that weaves down to the river on the farm Nerina. At the end is a peaceful inlet, where you board the Kolgans riverboat for a two-hour cruise, gliding quietly among the birds as you enjoy real country food – ‘We cook in Afrikaans,’ says Amanda Conradie, who runs Kolgans with her husband Frans and family.

‘We’re not rich or sophisticated, we just love our farm, and we’d like to share it with you.’ Bread is baked in jam tins every day, the food is simple and wholesome, and your hosts begin to feel like old friends. And here’s a guarantee: as the river unfolds like a ribbon and the silence settles over the valley, you’ll find yourself revisiting those fantasies of selling up and moving to the country. The riverboat offers brunch, lunch, sundowners and dinner, and they’ll tailor the trip to suit your timing. Booking essential.

Kolgans to Cape Town – 1hr 35min

Turn right out of Kolgans. At 5km, turn left to Worcester. T-junction left onto tar, R60 Worcester. Retrace your morning route back to Cape Town and the Waterfront.

• Birds Of Paradise 023 626 3926, Daily 9:00–17:00
• Bon Cap Organic Wine 023 626 1628, Daily 8:00–17:00
• Breede River Winelands Tourism Ashton 023 615 1100
• De Wetshof Estate 023 615 1853, Mon–Fri 8:30–16:30, Sat 9:30–12:30
• Fraai Uitzicht 1798 023 626 6156, Wed–Sun Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner
• Graham Beck Wines 023 626 1214, Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00, Sat

By Adélle Horler.