TRAIL GUIDE
The N8 highway between Kimberley and Bloemfontein might be fast, but do take a detour someday onto the Koffiefontein road through settlements like Oppermansgronde and a steel bridge over the upper reaches of the Kalkfontein Dam. You'll find it far more enjoyable.
Just 55 km south of Kimberley, along the N12 highway, stands an unassuming signpost (S29.20104 E24.53573) inviting you to turn left towards Heuningkloof. Mielie-laden trucks rumble back and forth between Hopetown and Kimberley as we veer off onto this S121 farm road. Half a kilometre later, we cross a railway track, and at the first T-junction, we turn right towards Luckhoff, but after barely a kilometre, the road forks (S29.23265 E24.58661) and we veer left – there is a signpost, but the letters are so faded that you can't make out the names.
We're now on a 16 km blindingly white gravel road, pastright towards Oppermansdorp, and after 13 km, turn right again, this time onto a tarred road. Its surface is badly worn. We drove with our left wheels on the dirt shoulder and the other two on the tar to avoid at least some of the potholes, but this was a mistake, as something sharp punctured our bakkie's left rear tyre. After the bumpy ordeal, this dreadful road delivers you to Oppermansdorp. Don't worry, the worst is now behind us.
