Location: South Africa

Summary:

Today was an incredible day in Cape Town - I stayed an extra day specifically to meet Seth from Canada and Ollie from the UK, two amazing adventurers I first encountered in Ivory Coast. These guys have just completed an absolutely mind-blowing journey, driving a 2001-2002 Reliant Robin (a quirky 3-wheeled English car they named Sheila) all the way from England to Cape Town in 131 days, setting a world record in the process. We originally met at the Mongol Rally in 2018, and they hatched this wild plan to drive across Africa. Their arrival in Cape Town was quite the celebration - about 30 people showed up at the Engen gas station to welcome them, all connected through social media. The car barely survived the journey, needing replacements for the engine, gearbox, axles, and brake hubs, but they made it! Their story has been covered by CNN, BBC, and South African newspapers. After saying goodbye to Seth and Ollie, I headed east through Paarl, crossing the spectacular Teutschkloof Pass at 820 meters elevation. The mountain scenery was breathtaking, though I noticed police directing traffic around an accident near the top. I stopped at the wonderful Omul Bakery again for their amazing baked goods, then continued on the N2 highway eastward. I ended up in Prince Albert, a charming desert town that completely surprised me with its tourism-focused charm. I found accommodation by simply knocking on doors and met Esme and 80-year-old John Klaassen, known locally as 'John the Donkey' for his tour guiding work. John shared fascinating stories about his 20 years as a peanut farmer near Lesotho and his work in Zambia. They recommended a restaurant where I enjoyed the most delicious curried lamb. Prince Albert is definitely worth a visit if you're ever in South Africa.