26. Day 9 (Aug 25) – From Mossel Bay to the Klein Karoo

Our final destination today is an ostrich farm in the Klein (or Little) Karoo area of South Africa.  The Karoo area generally is a semi-desert that for many years were an almost impenetrable barrier to the interior of South Africa from the Cape Town area.  It consists of two separate regions.  The much larger region, known as the Great Karoo extends from the northern boundary of the Klein Karoo to what is a fairly indistinct boundary to the north.  In some ways, the Kalahari desert of Namibia is an extension of the Karoo.

The Klein Karoo is bordered by two parallel mountain ranges – the Swartberg to the north and the Langeberg-Outeniqua range to the south.  And south of the Klein Karoo, over the mountains, is the Garden Route through which we have been going.  So, those of you who have been following this little geography lesson have determined that what we have to do today is traverse some mountains.  

First, we’ve been at the Indian Ocean at Mossel Bay.  We’ve headed a bit further up the coast where we again are treated to the beautiful Indian Ocean coast.

Indian Ocean Coast

Then we pass through an area that has a lot of archeological sites including this wide open cave which shows carbon on the top from many fires, although it is not clear to me whether the fires were of modern or more ancient origin.  My guess from the form of the carbon deposits is that it is more modern.

Open Cave

In the same area we find some stunning thatched roof cabins right on the coast.

Thatched Roof Cabins

And a contradiction nearby is a mini mall that could be found in many places in California.

Mini Mall

Eventually we put the coast at our back and begin to climb the mountains.

Climbing the Mountains - 1

Climbing the Mountains - 2

The land has become more and more arid at this point.  And then we cross the pass at about 860 meters or 2,800 feet.

Robinson Pass

Over the top of the pass and looking down into the Klein Karoo shows how the countryside has become more arid, even with the lake below us.

More Arid Countryside

At the top of the pass, the vegetation is less lush although it is now in bloom since the hotter climate means the climate is more spring-like earlier in the season.

Photo 9

Vegetation 1

Vegetation 2

We’ve crossed into the Klein Karoo now and we’re heading to the ostrich-farming area around Oudtshoorn.

Link to Full Resolution Photos