Hop on the N7 Cape to Namibia road and explore a 7-stop wonder: Piketberg, Citrusdal, Clanwilliam, Wupperthal, Vanrhynsdorp, Nieuwoudtville and Garies.

The hub of your road trip is Kardoesie N7 Countrystop and Accommodation, located 150 km from Cape Town’s CBD. Is is the hub of this 7-stop wonder.

Not a 7-day wonder but a 7-stop wonder. You don’t need 7 days either but once you discover what’s on offer you will want to linger on this route going from Cape Town to the Northern Cape or Namibia. The N7 Cape to Namibia road asks to be explored with many unexpected jewels along the way.

If it feels like your life, or holiday plans, have hit the 7-year itch, or you merely feel like getting to know the South African platteland start planning a road trip along this route.

Just outside of Piketberg, a mere 132 kilometres from Cape Town, you can discover what dirt jumping is all about. Or have coffee at an old bioscope with a radiator advert painted on a side wall.

From here it’s a hop, skip and jump in road trip terms to get to Kardoesie. They offer breakfast and light meals for lunch (but with no liquor license). Given that they are open 7 days a week (that number keeps popping up!) – the only days that they are closed in 2016 is Christmas and New Year’s Day – you’ll want to stop to see the dedication that is part and parcel of Kardoesie.

Should you be at sixes and sevens regarding where your road trip should take you, Kardoesie is the ideal place to do some planning, even more so as they are child-friendly (and pet-friendly if your furry friend is well-behaved) and they have unlimited free uncapped wifi. Do it over coffee (they are open from 8h00), breakfast (the Namakwa Ontbyt is their most famous breakfast), or lunch (opt for homemade schnitzel, lasagne or burgers).

Take your time – you are on holiday anyway – and sit by the fireplace or have a picnic whilst looking at the spectacular view. If by closing time at 17h00 you still haven’t decided, make use of Kardoesie’s camping or self-catering facilities.

Ready, steady, go – your road trip continues.

Up your vitamin C intake in Citrusdal. Citrusdal is known for its citrus and there are many quirky farm stalls along the road. Stock up on homemade jam marmalade and atchar.

Drink rooibos tea in Clanwilliam and visit the Old Gaol.

Buy sturdy shoes made by hand in Wupperthal. If the fresh bread has sold out by late afternoon they might give you “the nursie’s bread” as she happened to have neglected to fetch it on that particular day as has happened to us. It was so delicious that we didn’t even feel guilty at all, I have to confess.

There’s another Old Gaol to visit in Vanrhynsdorp with themed cells and ghosts that wander around, so they say. That only happens at night though and as you are not spending the night here, no need to feel jittery.

Nieuwoudtville has old jalopies and motor cycles to gawk at. Eat offal at one of the local restaurants. While away time in the bar at the local hotel, listening to the local gossip (or skinder as they say over here in the Northern Cape) although TripAdvisor indicates that there is no hotel in Nieuwoudtville!

It seems that the proprietor at Sophia Guest House in Garies knows that if you keep an item or unwanted gift for seven years you will find a way to use it or a (decorative) purpose for it. A garden fork, a painted kist, a wooden Coca Cola crate, an enamel pitcher, a rattan bolster, a frayed carpet – everything has been incorporated with great effect as guest room decor.

Surely you don’t need any more convincing that these 7 stops before and after Kardoesie will make you feel as if you are in seventh heaven.

Kardoesie Farm Stall

The Kardoesie Farm Stall is the ultimate watering whole for those on the Cape to Namibia Route of the N7. They offer a restaurant and craft shop, tourism info centre and accommodation. Over the years Kardoesie, who opened their doors in 1997, has become a delightful institutional stop on the N7 at the top of Piekenierskloof Pass on your way to/from Piketberg, Citrusdal, Clanwilliam, Wupperthal, Vanrhynsdorp, Nieuwoudtville and Garies. Kardoesie Farm Stall is the information hub to everything to see and do on the N7 with a information desk and brochure display and friendly assistance.

Kardoesie is the founders of the newly established “7 Stops on the N7” which offers 7 great Stops on the N7 to explore and get to know the West Coast by. The 7 Stops are located on the West Coast Way Routes.

Find Kardoesie in Citrusdal on our Berg Route.

Written by: Ilse Zietsman

I’m a freelance journalist – I love writing about travel, food and people. Travel is my passion – I’ve traveled to 44 countries and I’m always planning my next trip.

I have a curious mind, I love learning new things and doing something different. And yes, I confess, I listen to Boney M over Christmas.

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.

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