If you’re looking for a cup of coffee with a view or a place to put your feet up and relax, then Kardoesie is for you: Accommodation, restaurant and farm stall!
Situated in Citrusdal, at the top of the Piekenierskloof Pass, it offers a spectacular view of the Renosterhoek Valley. Ah, the view! It might only be a two-hour drive out from Cape Town but, let’s be honest, for some people that’s far. However, when you arrive, breathe in the fresh air, and look out at the surrounding mountains, you know it’s worth the drive. Suddenly, two hours feels like nothing, and you begin planning your next trip. Here’s the thing, we’re so stuck in our daily routines and fast-paced lifestyles, we forget how important it is to take the time to explore our beautiful land. We forget how lucky we are to have so much right on our doorstep, and how necessary it is to get away from the computer once in a while.
We arrived at Kardoesie on a cold and rainy day. We didn’t mind though, the rain was needed and it forced us to relax. With no chance of any outdoor activities, we headed to the restaurant for cover. Warren tried their pepper steak pie, while I went for the chicken, peppadew and feta tramezzini. Both were delicious (and big), and it’s easy to see why this is such a popular stop for lunch. Attached to the restaurant is a small shop, as well as the Mengelmoes Boutique (where you’ll find leather products, jewellery, imported clothing, sunglasses, and books).
Kardoesie also offers accommodation, which was lucky for us after that big meal – maagie vol, oogies toe! They have a small variety of self-catering cottages depending on the number of guests, and I was very impressed with our cottage which was simple but very clean and comfortable.
They also have a great caravan and camping site, offering a beautiful swimming pool and even better views. The showers and toilets are on site, and with a shop and restaurant down the road, there’s everything you need at your fingertips.
Kardoesie is not trying to be something it’s not. It’s not pretentious or fancy, and there’s something so wonderful about that simplicity. Just real people with a real connection to their environment. So, next time you’re driving along the N7 and you feel like getting out and stretching your legs, try Kardoesie.
Make a trip out of it.
Kardoesie is located on the West Coast Way Berg Route. Combine your experience with a trip to the Carmién Tea to taste this delicious proudly South African product. After that take a short drive to Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort for a fun day of zip lining or target shooting. Visit www.westcoastway.co.za for more information on the best #westcoastway experiences. Here you’ll find five route ideas, each offering their own unique attractions!
Facilities available at Kardoesie N7 Countrystop
• Accommodation • Camping • Child-Friendly • Restaurant & Coffee Shop • Farm Stall • Wheel Chair Accessible • Agri-Tourism • Trails • Historic Landmark • Mountain Biking • Conference Venue • TripAdvisor • Credit & Debit Card Facilities
Find Kardoesie N7 Countrystop on the West Coast Way Berg Route.
Written by Christine Bernard Photography by Warren Bernard
Photos by Warren Bernard (www.flatwhiteimages.com)
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.West Coast Way is South Africa’s road trip with the most twists. South Africans and visitors can explore a unique collection of themed routes to do adventure-filled Cape West Coast self-drive trips or a West Coast Holiday. The new West Coast Way “basket” of free routes on offer include the West Coast Way Tractor Route, the West Coast Way Berg Route, the West Coast Way Foodie Route, the West Coast Way Cultural Route – as well as the newly launched West Coast Way Wild Route, all of which are designed to showcase the many attractions and activities that are already on offer on the Cape West Coast and inland areas – but may be unknown to many. For more information on West Coast Way’s #WestCoastTwist and the list of 101 Things to Do on the West Coast visit www.westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Connect with West Coast Way on Facebook and Twitter at WestCoastWaySA.
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