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Steytlerville Scenic Route

Steytlerville is a quiet Karoo village situated in close proximity to the Klein Winterhoek mountains. The Steytlerville Scenic Route stretches from the edge of the Willowmore district in the west, to Wolwefontein in the east and south to the Grootrivier/Baviaanskloof Mountains. Steytlerville is considered to be the North-eastern gateway to the Baviaanskloof; access to the Baviaanskloof from Steytlerville is via the Grootrivierpoort. The route from Steytlerville to Patensie takes about 2½ hours and is approximately 100km long. 4x4's or high-clearance vehicles are definitely needed for this route.

Steytlerville is well known for its Karoo hospitality, traditional food and a laid-back atmosphere. Crossing the cultural divide has been a main focus in Steytlerville, and many of the accommodation establishments offer tours that allow visitors to experience the community way of life. The main street has flags featuring local family crests. It has many interesting architectural showpieces – there are Victorian and Edwardian houses, many of which have been well preserved.

The Valley of the Flags was started by the Craven family on Noorspoort and has been adopted by the community. The 'flags' theme has expanded into the family flags running down the main road as well as the Valley of African Flags running along Noorspoort.

The natural attractions in the area are typical of the Karoo – sparse open spaces, interesting vegetation and spectacular rock formations. Ancient cycads and white proteas are also found in the area. Rock kestrels, black eagles, booted eagles and black harriers can be seen along the route.

Nearby routes

Baviaanskloof Route

The Baviaanskloof Route encompasses the broader Baviaanskloof area, which contains a newly proclaimed World Heritage Site, and offers a mix of sights and activities relating to nature and culture.

eScape Route

Garden Route Sea Kayaking Trails

These trails are situated along the famous Garden Route. The area offers warm-water sea paddling with its associated marine life, as well as many lakes and estuaries to explore.

Inyathi Buffalo Route

Buffalo City boasts a variety of tourist attractions and is rich in cultural and natural resources. The 68km coastline includes 10 estuaries, conservancies, natural heritage sites, rocky shores and 14 sandy beaches. There is a long-standing tradition of beadwork in the area.

Maloti Route

This route spans the borders between South Africa and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, providing travellers with the opportunity to experience a diversity of cultures – Basotho, English, Xhosa and Afrikaans.

Mbodla Eco-Heritage Route

The Fish River (Nxuba) Valley is located adjacent to a thriving game-farming area of the Eastern Cape. The Mbodla Eco-heritage Route adds an original, Afro-centric, environmental, cultural and heritage dimension to the region’s offerings.

Mid-Karoo Route

This route is surrounded by dramatic mountains in the heart of the great Karoo and falls within the Nama Karoo Biome. This region is recognised for its herbal plant life, an exceptional variety of scarce birdlife and rock art from the San Bushmen. It is also one of the few, and best, places in the world where fossils are found.

Port St Johns Open Africa Route

En-route from Durban to Buffalo City, Port St Johns has numerous estuaries, bays and headlands. Small sandy bays and long stretches of open beach are found here, often near the mouth of large rivers like Umzimvubu River and Umngazana.

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