LENGTH: 450 KM

DONT MISS ::Hermanus Whales ::Many wine estates ::Stellenbosch Campus ::Bain's Kloof Pass

FOR THE real driving enthusiast, few things can be more enter-taining than a mountain pass. For that reason the Boland route is exceptionally special ­ not only does it take you through one of the most beautiful areas in South Africa, but over no fewer than seven mountain passes as well!

A good starting point is Hermanus, famed for its whale-watching. To make sure everybody knows about the arrival of the whales, Hermanus has an official "Whale Crier" who walks the streets of the town sounding a horn when the whales are within sight. Southern right whales visit Hermanus from July to November.

From Hermanus the R43 sweeps past the Botrivier lagoon which stretches inland by more than seven kilometres, and is one of the largest in South Africa. The lagoon is inhabited by thousands of water birds.

Joining the R44 on the way to Botrivier and taking the N2 leads you over the Houwhoek Pass and into the scenic Elgin Valley. For a refreshing cup of tea a visit to the famous Houwhoek Inn, at the crest of the pass, is a must. The fertile Elgin valley is best known for its apple industry and, in spring, these apple trees are in full blossom, adding an extra dash of colour to the valley.

The second of the passes is the famous Sir Lowry's Pass that, on the way down into Somerset-West, presents you with spectacular views of this coastal holiday town. A trip to Somerset-West would not be complete without a visit to the historical Vergelegen Wine Estate just outside the town. Vergelegen is a Cape Dutch estate at the foot of the Helderberg and on the banks of the Lourens River.

Stellenbosch, famous for its University, is one of the most visited towns in South Africa, primarily because it is at the centre of the country's premier wine producing district and also for its many historical buildings. When visiting this charming town, with its oak-lined trees and water canals, be sure to visit Oom Samie se Winkel, a traditional trading store, the Rembrandt van Rijn Art Museum in Dorp Street, the 1710 Schreuderhuis (believed to be the oldest house in the town) and the University's Ou Hoofgebou in Reyneveldt Street.

The next stop is Paarl and the most scenic road leading there is over the Helshoogte Pass and through Pniel. Save for the many excellent wine estates surrounding Paarl, the town has many historical buildings worth visiting ­ the Oude Pastorie being one of them.

On the top of the Paarl Mountains (huge granite outcrops) lies the Paarlberg Nature Reserve. The Afrikaans language Monument is also nearby.

On the way to the next mountain pass, the Bain's Kloof Pass, take the R301 through Wellington and join the R303. The narrow road serves as a thrilling fun ride through the valley carved by the Wit River. After crossing the Wit River the road enters the spectacular Hawequas State Forest.

The Bain's Kloof Pass's most famous landmark is the Dacres Pulpit, a massive rock protruding over the road.

The R43 takes you along the Breede River Valley and eventually joins the N2 that slithers back towards Paarl. Before getting to Paarl though, you'll be faced
with a decision ­ the Huguenot Tunnel is an impressive engineering achievement that can only be appre-ciated by making use of it, but for a scenic drive the Du Toitskloof Pass, the highest pass within a 100-kilometre radius of Cape Town, beats it hands down.

From Paarl you aim for the R45 and Franschhoek, a village reflecting the rich heritage left by the French Huguenots. Franschhoek has many excellent restaurants, small shops and, of course, the Huguenot Memorial, which commemorates the French Huguenot influence.

Enthusiastic drivers will love the following stretch of road over the Franschhoek Pass and crossing the Theewaterskloof Dam before ascending Viljoen's Pass and again Sir Lowry's Pass on the way back to Somerset-West for the finale to this route ­ a scenic drive along the coast, taking in Gordon's Bay and the smaller villages of Pringle Bay, Silver Sands, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond before rejoining the road to Hermanus.