LAND ROVER TO CEDERBERG: PART TWO
“Yours is the light by which my spirit’s born. You are my sun, my moon and all my stars” E.E. Cummings
After an unforgettable night spent under the stars, we were awakened by the gentle echo of a Red-Winged starling’s melodious tune, ushering in the dawn of a new day in the Cederberg. Following a hearty Simbavati Cederberg Ridge Lodge buffet breakfast, excited for the adventures ahead, we were greeted by the luxurious Defender 130 Outbound.
I Was Grounded
While You Filled the Skies
The perfect companion for extreme adventures, the rocky road to Clanwilliam proved effortless for our Defender 130 Outbound. The Defender 130 Outbound is a stretched Defender 110 with added seats, making room for eight adults. Introduced in May 2022, this extended version maintains the same wheelbase but has an extended rear overhang that allows for more cargo space and seating. Sporting an Ingenium six-cylinder petrol engine, turbocharged with added mild-hybrid electrification, this 3.0-litre delivers 294 kW of power and, for those craving more power, there is the choice of a supercharged V8. Both models come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Despite its size, the Defender 130 Outbound remains true to its off-road roots and, in essence, combines Land Rover’s famed off-road prowess with a massive, versatile cargo area, making it perfect for adventure seekers who value both luxury and practicality.
At the entrance to Clanwilliam, Veldskoendraai Farmers Market and Restaurant was a welcoming pit stop. Situated in South Africa’s Rooibos capital, this community-focussed farm stall boasts a unique experience where more than 100 flavoured or blended rooibos teas can be tasted. This little gem offers a selection of innovative dishes prepared mainly with fresh seasonal and local produce.
I Wandered, I Guessed, and I Tried
You Just Knew
Refreshed and ready to tackle the next leg of our journey to Skimmelberg, we were introduced to our next test vehicle: the hefty, ultra-luxurious Defender 130 D300 First Edition. Like the Outbound, this vehicle is about life’s ultimate luxury – space.
Waterval is on the doorstep of the Skimmelberg Nature Reserve, a picturesque farm that produces organic Buchu and Rooibos tea products. Here, we discovered the true magic behind this exceptional organic product range through a tour showcasing these two plants’ organic and sustainable farming methods. After an informative and enjoyable tour, we joined the Skimmelberg team for a tea-tasting session, savouring the aromatic scents, Flavors and sensations of Buchu-infused Rooibos tea before delving into the pioneering world of Buchu-based products at the Skimmelberg shop.
With our bodies cleansed and refreshed, we took to the dusty roads and headed toward the Piekenierskloof Pass, part of the N7 running south of Citrusdal. Our next stop led us onto a historic piece of land which houses a building that houses De Tol Farm Deli – one of the oldest farm stalls on the N7 – which has served as a supply station and rest stop for travellers since 1864 along the Piekenierskloof Pass.
Located in the same vicinity are Carmién Tea Shop, renowned for its innovative and extensive range of herbal blends and flavoured Rooibos products, and The Piekenierskloof Tasting Room, where we settled in for a sumptuous lunch. While we didn’t get to experience the fan-favourite Piekeniers Granahe Noir, the Stonedance, or the Six Hats wines, this delightful and intimate venue offers indulgent meals paired with Piekenierskloof’s finest wines, making it a must-do experience on any road trip.
I Saw the Crescent
You Saw the Whole of the Moon
As we made our way back to Simbavati Cederberg Ridge, enveloped in a sense of nostalgia, we were reminded of a time when the terrains we had traversed and the adventures we had encountered were undertaken in ox wagons. Yet, here we were, experiencing the journey in ultimate luxury, a testament to the evolution of travel and the enduring allure of exploration.
After indulging in a relaxing soak to wash away the afternoon’s travels in our luxurious suite, we again found ourselves beneath the star-studded canopy of the moonlit skies, our Defenders of the Night Sky tucked away for the evening. We concluded the day with a five-star dinner seated on the deck at the Cederberg Lodge restaurant.
You Came Like a Comet
Blazing Your Trail
With our bags packed and anticipation high for the journey back to Durbanville Hills Winery, we bid farewell to our friendly and outstanding hosts at Simbavati Cederberg Ridge. Enter the charismatic and powerful, yet playful, Defender 90 V8 to kickstart the last leg of our trip. This was the brute we had eagerly awaited to experience!
As we navigated through what seemed like uncharted farmlands, along dusty, winding gravel roads, the V8 urging to break free from the convoy we were driving in, we couldn’t help but feel like a love-struck teenager, with unbridled power at our fingertips.
The Defender 90 offers unparalleled off-road capability and cutting-edge connectivity in a compact, versatile package. The short wheelbase and minimal overhangs make it the most capable Land Rover ever, ideal for off-road adventures. Despite its compact size, it features an innovative front central jump seat, accommodating up to six people.
Fitted with a supercharged V8, the Defender 90 V8 is a masterclass in blending imposing presence, refined luxury, and familiar off-road capability. With its sheer size and subtle V8 growl, the Defender 90 commands attention on any road. This is the one for you if you’re looking for potent, intoxicating power.
The Defender 90 V8 doesn’t just excel in luxury; it’s a true off-road beast. Equipped with air suspension and an off-road mode, it effortlessly tackles the most challenging terrains, switching back to road mode with ease. In essence, the Defender 90 V8 offers a unique blend of indestructible power and refined luxury.
Feeling like royalty as we drove through the small town of Piketberg, with adrenaline still pumping through our veins, we arrived at our first caffeine stop – Winkelshoek Padstal in Piketberg. Here, we were greeted by a giant art piece crafted from metal and what appeared to be old tools and engine parts to resemble an Iron Giant replica.
I Had Flashes
But You Saw the Plan
It was time again to pedal to the metal and hit the road to Darling, where we enjoyed a picnic-style luncheon at the renowned Ormonde Private Cellar. Our chariot, the Defender 110 D250, proved to be a luxuriously calming drive following our V8 adrenalin rush.
Thanks to its six-cylinder diesel engine, the Defender 110 D250 combines rugged off-road prowess with refined on-road performance. This latest addition to Land Rover’s Ingenium engine family boasts 183 kW and 570 Nm of torque, delivered smoothly via twin variable-nozzle turbochargers. Despite its weight, the Defender feels remarkably agile, with a satisfying rumble from its inline-six under load.
The spacious cabin features a large parcel shelf for practical storage, paying homage to its predecessors. Overall, the Defender 110 D250 excels in safety, technology, comfort, and versatility, making it a top choice for both off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers. It’s a modern tribute to the classic Defender, offering unparalleled capability and a touch of luxury.
Perched amid luscious tranquil gardens, we arrived at Ormonde Private Cellar on South Africa’s West Coast, where the rugged Darling hills undulate along the contours of an ancient granite intrusion. These molten rocks protect the Atlantic Ocean while fog banks bless the vineyard with coolness and moisture. The rich terroir combines organic matter, iron, and harsh Glenrosa soils with an abundant and diverse floral kingdom. Among the 600 indigenous species is the Gladiolus Carinatus, or “Bloupypie,” a symbol of the unique character of Ormonde Cellar wines.
Here, we enjoyed iconic West Coast hospitality, indulging in delectable platters filled with local cheeses and charcuterie in beautiful surroundings. This must-visit venue is perfect for an outing with family and friends, where one can also experience generous and delicious wine tastings while the children safely play outside in the lush gardens – the perfect ending to our out-of-town adventure.
As we headed back in our luxurious vehicles, transitioning from dusty back roads to tar-stretched highways, we felt humbled by the perfectly curated Defender adventure we had been fortunate enough to experience. The following quote perfectly sums up our three-day journey, from stargazing in the night skies to daytime travel adventures: “I will love the light for it shows me the way; yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars.” – Augustine “Og” Mandino.
Report by CHANTAL BARTON | Images © JLR SOUTH AFRICA & KHULANI MEDIA
