The Road Trip of Photographing The Karoo
Prior to my trip in March 2017, it had always been my dream to witness a sunset or a sunrise on top of Ouberg Pass in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. On my very first visit to Sutherland, a man suggested that I take Ouberg Pass to go back to Cape Town. To date, I thank the stranger for introducing me to one of the beauties in this region. Going from Sutherland, until you join R355, it is a complete dirt road. Ouberg Pass is only suitable for high clearance vehicles, preferably 4x4s but cars with diff-locks can also take the downhill route. The road after the pass is suitable for all cars but because it is a dirt road, have a strong heart when the road gets a bit shaky and stones start hitting the body from below. Of course, in rainy season, small cars are a no go.
Road Trip to Sutherland from Cape Town
Sutherland is approximately 350 kilometers away from Cape Town. The N1 takes you through stunning valleys of Du Toitskloof and Hex River. Before you turn to R354 for Sutherland, on your right is a small town called Matjiesfontein. If you have time, have coffee there and enjoy its old architecture and vibes. It has a small railway station that I believe was used to transport goods to Sutherland in the past. The place is extremely small, and it looks more like a set of a movie than a place to live. The people, especially the owners of The Lord Milner hotel, have tried to preserve the place as it must have been fifty to hundred years ago. You can book to stay in the hotel as well.
Enjoy The Journey to Celebrate the Destination
There was no destination but a sunset or a sunrise at Ouberg Pass. The road trip was what I wanted and I prepared to enjoy it. The idea was to sleep in my car or tent (if feasible), cook my own food on the roadside, explore, take photos and make a video journal. My seven seater car was fully equipped with food, as well as emergency medical kit including an adrenaline injection (perks of marrying a doctor). There wasn't any rush, no hotel check-in, no breakfast time or any bookings for supper. I was in charge, my car was my partner, nature was my friend, and the world was vast enough to escape the worries.
Sutherland, Karoo Photos and 'Pappa se Boom'
Prior to my trip, a friend of mine had graciously offered that I could stay in their farm. To honor the offer, I did visit the farm on my way to Ouberg Pass (and I am so glad I visited the farm). I had tough time deciding if I should sleep there or at Ouberg Pass. The farm and sarrounding areas were extremely beautiful and traditional style. There was a part of me who wanted to put my tent there and wake up to the sound of sheep grazing outside. At the end, the thought of a starry night, moonlit valley of Tankwa Karoo National Park, cooking on top of the hill, and having a cup of tea won. I rushed to Ouberg Pass at 120 kilometers per hour!
My friend and her family enjoyed the video that you see below. It was astonishing to know that the tree in the photos below is more than 50 years old. She told me that her husband planted it there as a little boy. I wonder how many seasons, people and stars that tree must have seen. How many people went pass it and ignored it? How many stood under it and admired it in an awe? The bare roots of the tree tell a story of time. My friend's kids call the tree "Pappa se Boom" in Afrikaans. It means "Dad's Tree" (or "Father's Tree"). Dad! you must be really proud, you not only left a legacy in form of that tree, but also a tradition that I am sure your kids will admire when they are big. A tradition, a culture and a message, passed down from one generation, to another!
Ouberg Pass
On day two I went down through Ouberg Pass. You need a 4x4 to be able to do that. As you can see in the photos above, the road takes you deep into the valley. Day two of the trip was full of drama. I lost my drone and then managed to rescue it after 20 minutes. The region was hotter than the day before and I had to cut my road-trip short as well from four days to two. Nevertheless, I met plenty photo opportunities and availed them. It is not possible to capture the beauty of the Karoo in any video or photo. The scene changes after every few kilometers. From brown sand to black, from green bush to yellow, from gray rocks to rusty red, from flat rocks to round volcanic rocks, and from mountains to a flat ground, everything about is so unique and different at the same time.
I started my day with a cup of tea at sunrise. I initially decided not to take any photos because there were hardly any clouds, but then I changed my mind after I saw a pink morning glow on the horizon. I am glad I did it, the panoramic shots were worth a try!
Muji
