Uniondale

Uniondale calls itself “the Little Karoo’s best kept secret”, though judging by the efforts of the local marketing department it would be quite happy to shed this label. Apart from the annual Karoo to Coast mountain biking epic and the occassional agricultural event, this little farming dorp lying in the shadow of the Kamanassie and Kouga mountains is blissfully drowsy most of the year. This said, there has been a slow influx of inkomers who have fled the horrors of urban life in favour of a more sedentary existence - the result is a scattering of new accommodation, one or two restaurants, and even a Friday night dinner theatre. While the dorp itself can be covered at a brisk stroll, the surrounding area has plenty to offer and provides a sane high season alternative to the hoards descending on the coast a mere 90km over the bult. If nature's your thing, between the brilliant Prince Alfred's Pass and Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area to the north, you won't have a dull moment.

Things To Do
  • The Prince Alfred's Pass is the feather in Uniondale's cap and well worth leisurely exploration. The pass winds from nearby Avontuur all the way through to both Plett and Knysna on the coast. For both destinations the total distance is 88km - with narrow serpentine up-down dirt all the way. A quick history lesson... In the 1800's Thomas Bain was commissioned to build the pass, which was by all accounts his biggest challenge to date. Helped along by his merry chain gang, work on the pass began in 1860 and was completed seven years later. Bain was paid £11 000 for the job. For the modern day Budget traveller De Vlugt (25km into the pass) will be your port of call for refreshments - a tiny hamlet with a padstal, and recommended tented and chalet accommodation at Outeniqua Trout Lodge.
     
  • The equally spectacular and vast Baviaankloof lies to the north of Uniondale. A 180km-plus dirt road cuts through and over this declared Wilderness area, with plenty accommodation and well run State campsites along the way. This area is a holiday destination in itself so you should set aside adequate time to get the most from it. And don't forget to update that AA membership before leaving home - it may come in handy.  
     
  • Grab your Binoc's and view some of the 150 bird species in the area, some of which are apparently quite rare. Find out more by contacting Pat Nurse at the Lakes Bird Club (jgn@lantic.net)
     
  • There's a family-friendly nine-hole Karoo Golf course on the outskirts of town - currently with seven grassed greens and two sand greens. More important, there's a licensed Club House that serves drinks and light meals. The guy hiding behind dark shades in the corner? That must be Tiger. For more info call 082-774 0004. 
     
  • Uniondale istelf has seven national monuments, a few B&Bs, one or two eateries, an art gallery and the above mentioned Friday night dinner theatre. Oh, lest we forget, there are rumours of a ghost in the town, with the rare sighting reported by an (unsteady?) local or two. But have no fear, if you're coming from the city you will have encountered far more scary characters lurking about in Long Street. 
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