A long drive for a short stay on the Roggeveld Escarpment, home to some of the most beautiful flowers and scenery in South Africa, and also the coldest part of the country. The Tanqua Karoo semi-desert lies to the west, below the Roggeveld Escarpment. It is a place of peace and quiet, and very harsh and hot summers. The succulents and rock formations seem never-ending in variety.

We stayed on the guest farm Blesfontein, with hosts Marina and Nicol van der Merwe. Apart from being wonderful people, they have a little piece of paradise on their farm. With animals ranging from very friendly horses and alpacas to koi fish and potbelly pigs, there is something for every child on the farm. The flowers in late winter and spring are breath-taking, as is the view from the edge of the escarpment.

Names to follow soon, I promise.