An hour from Cape Town, a world away

Riebeek Kasteel lies roughly 80 to 90 kilometres north-east of Cape Town. In normal traffic the drive takes about an hour: north on the N7, then across the Swartland via Malmesbury and the R46.

That distance is the sweet spot. You can leave the city after work on a Friday and be on the stoep with a glass of wine before dark. On Sunday you can stay for lunch and still be home in good time.

The change in landscape is part of the pleasure. The city falls away quickly, the wheat fields open up, and then the Bothmaskloof Pass reveals the whole valley below the Kasteelberg. It feels much further than an hour.

If you are flying in, Riebeek also works well at the start or end of a longer trip. Spend a few nights in the city, then come up the N7 to slow down before you fly home.