S1 - Ep 225 - Soebatsfontein - This Village is Surrounded by the Namaqua National Park!

When I was planning this part of our trip, I had no idea that there was a village called Soebatsfontein. I wanted to spend some time in the Namaqua National Park but because the gravel roads were only for four-wheel drive vehicles, we spent more time in this small village. I was really happy we did. This settlement is virtually surrounded by the National Park. Talking to some of the locals and driving through the streets truly showed us how calm and peaceful this place was. The local people were very friendly too. The old church which was converted into a guesthouse was awesome and then we saw the old school hostel which was abandoned but fortunately still in fairly good shape. It even still had electricity on the prepaid meter! #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #travelongravel #soebatsfontein #northerncape #namaqualand
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[@ilzepretorius9929]

We stay in Koingnaas, this whole NC must be one og the beatiful places in SA. So Blessed to stay here. No loadshedding. Cheap electricity

[@DustBugsTravel]

You're indeed very fortunate not to have loadshedding. 💡We loved every kilometre on the roads of your beautiful area and province. 😁🚗

[@mariusroos4146]

Thank you. Amazing to think that millions of seeds are in the soil waiting for the rain to produce a carpet of beauty

[@DustBugsTravel]

How beautifully put! 👌🏻 It's quite remarkable if one thinks about it like that. The entire area is truly an intriguing place. 🤩🚗

[@desh7120]

I love that image!

[@doneB830]

I love your guys travels and slowly working through them, thanks so much.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Happy to hear that, there are certainly enough videos to keep you busy (and hopefully entertained) for a while! We're happy that you're visiting all these places and towns with us! 😎🇿🇦

[@rorysullivan4913]

Love the dry quiet areas of our country. Beautifully isolated. Not even the receiver of revenue knows about places like this

[@DustBugsTravel]

That's a good one, I thought the RoR will sniff one out anywhere! 🤣 We also love the bare desolation of places like Soebatsfontein. The landscapes are truly stunning! 🤩⛰️

[@lizstapelberg1862]

Thank you Dust bugs for such wonderful trips, we love travelling with you guys to see our beautiful country. ❤

[@neilarmitage6632]

Looks like a great place to rest and watch the days pass by

[@charlietreston4035]

Hi guys a real eye opener for me unbelievable people can survive in such a remote spot got to love the gravel road the big rocks look like something from a Si -Fi movie amazing scenery and wildlife I noticed again the Georgian style sash windows in the old school shame still not in use maybe someone will take on the renovation as it was in surprisingly good condition as I said a real eye opener for me thanks for the great video cheerio till the next one

[@DustBugsTravel]

I knew you'd love the wildlife and the landscape! ⛰️🦌 Now that you mention it, the landscape did resemble scenes from a sci-fi movie in some places. So stunning! The hostel was clearly a fabulous building in its prime, sad to see it abandoned. 😢 I'm with you all the way and really admire the people who live in this harsh environment. Stay warm and see you soon! 😁🚗

[@dianestuurman9645]

Thankzzzz u I also like all to visit that placesssss wow

[@tillabezuidenhout6460]

I love you two!!!!!!!

[@hannesvanniekerk499]

Thank you again. We're hoping Springbok, Steinkopf, Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay will feature as well. Love this part of South Africa so much. Many happy memories.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Only a pleasure! It is indeed a fantastic part of the country and we had a really good time on this trip. The landscapes, the people, everything were just next level! Keep watching, you may just see some of those places you mentioned! 😁🚗

[@deonzar]

Yes....and Kleinsee....Koinaas....Hondeklipbaai... 🙂

[@annawitter5161]

Yes, do take these in!

[@munesumangava9751]

Rugged hills/mountains! Just beautiful 👌👍

[@DustBugsTravel]

Almost the entire Namaqualand region looks like that! We had no idea! 🗻😍

[@desh7120]

Mesmerising landscapes - would also be rather awe inspiring to see it in the rainy season when the flowers are blooming in their thousands. I wondered from where Soebatsfontein gets its water supply - my Google search quickly revealed the source - a natural spring found in the centre of the village. I loved visiting this little town with you - thank you so much!

[@DustBugsTravel]

Very interesting info! 👌🏻 We didn't say anything about it in our video, but as we drove into the village, you'll see workers and a truck at the borehole on the left and a small building and water tanks on the right. I'm not sure if this could be the water source, but it certainly would be a possiblity. 💦 The stark landscapes were unbelievable to us and I decided to include a lot of footage of that because it is just so incredible. Although we tend to prefer bare and barren, I can also imagine the waves of colours when covered in flowers. It must indeed be a very pretty sight! 🌸🌼🌺🌻

[@munesumangava9751]

Beautiful views! Imagine climbing that boulder….

[@DustBugsTravel]

Those boulders! Huge is not the word! 😳

[@gregw9289]

This area is very similar to south western Australia. The Stirling ranges are similar to the mountains around Cape Town and in the south west are a lot of isolated granite rocks but not as concentrated as in SA. I thoroughly enjoy your videos. SA is a beautiful and misunderstood country. Hopefully I will get there one day. Happy Christmas.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for the good wishes. 😊 Sonia and I would like to wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas Day too, although it's probably almost over where you are. 🎄 You definitely need to get to South Africa and we need to get to Australia, a country we've never been to, but are fascinated by. 🇿🇦🇦🇺 Interesting to read that the landscapes are similar to those found in Australia. We'd love to experience those vast open spaces as well. We appreciate you watching our videos and are so happy to hear that you enjoy them, that means a lot to us. 👍

[@lucianodenobrega5319]

Absolutely beautiful

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, we found the rugged remoteness of this area stunning too. 🤩🚗

[@Neil1952100]

All the best for the Festive Season Curtis and Sonia. Thank you so much for all your KZbin videos, which we really enjoy. 🏝🌷🌻

[@DustBugsTravel]

Your wishes are greatly appreciated, thank you! 🌟 The two of us would like to wish you and yours a blessed and joyful Festive Season too. We appreciate you watching our videos, it has been awesome to have you on the road with us. 🤩🚗

[@franspistorius1886]

Stunning stunning stunning. You will have to return during flower season. Love it

[@DustBugsTravel]

This is an incredibly beautiful area. We've been to Namaqualand during flower season and we love it, but with all those wonderful flowers, come tons of people and vehicles and that's exactly what we run away from. 🌺🌸🌼🌻 We prefer bare and barren for the most part anyway. 😁🚗

[@tillabezuidenhout6460]

You show us so much.

[@rorysullivan4913]

I have spent most of the day watching clips of previous trips you had gone on. I envy you being able to do these trips and am grateful that you share your experiences with us. May the Lord bless and protect you, especially in these times. Looking forward to you next trip.

[@DustBugsTravel]

It means a lot to us that you enjoy being on the road with us. We appreciate your kind wishes and look forward to bringing you to many more places in the future. Thank you for watching our videos! 😊🚗

[@christiaandutoit1094]

Hartseer oor die park, mooi ry julle

[@DustBugsTravel]

Because we travel in a sedan, we're no strangers to turning around. It's all part of the adventure! 😁🚗 This trip was a few weeks ago already and we're back home now, editing and uploading our videos. Thank you for watching!

[@1812nico]

Hi you two! Thank you for a stunning trip - rocky valleys, rocky mountains, rocks rocks everywhere. The Klipspringer can do nothing else! I don't know what to make of the dorpie. They are definitely looking after it in some ways, but with the school going, the church going - where will it end up? Your music was again so in tune with that part of the country. Keep safe!

[@DustBugsTravel]

The rocky landscapes were absolutely spectacular, we just loved seeing those huge boulders everywhere! ⛰️ The two klipspringers were an absolute highlight, we saw their brothers and sisters last more than a year ago already! 🦌 I hear your questions and I certainly don't have the answers, but the little settlement has been there for over 100 years and, if they've lasted this long, I'm sure they'll find ways to continue making it work. I take my hat off to those people, all respect to them! 😇🚗

[@elrico8806]

Soebatsfontein☑ Small little town this.😀

[@DustBugsTravel]

I love how you call it a 'small little town'. 😁 That it is indeed.

[@kosievandenberg2145]

So dis hoekom hulle se. Die aarde is die 'third rock from tbe sun.'

[@DustBugsTravel]

Indeed! 🥵🌍

[@Neil1952100]

Just a suggestion - Skilpad, during flower season, is absolutely breathtaking! If you haven't been, its worth a visit. The grave road from Springbok to Kammieskroon is also great to travel.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, I will keep those in mind for possible future trips back to the area. 👍

[@boerplaas388]

Ja nee jy moet hare op jou tanne hé om in Soebatsfontein te woon . 😂Dit lyk of daai plek kan kook van die hitte.

[@Afriqueleblanq]

Die warm plekke in die land is De Hoek by Pikerberg, Moorreesburg, Malmesbury, veral Worcester, Oudsthoorn, Kirkwood en Goodhouse, dan Gharagab naby Unìon's End. Hierdie plekke is waar veertig grade 'n koue front genoem word. Baie warmer as bv Upington.

[@boerplaas388]

@@Afriqueleblanq Dankie dis goeie informasie. Ek Kyk na al die plekkies wat die twee rond toer in die land en video neem van alles . Ek is hier op my plaas in Arizona en wil n vakansie plekkie koop in Suid Afrika . Ons soek so lekker klein plekkie met Nie te warm weer Nie . Ons Kyk na Dewetsdorp en Middelburg in die Oos Kaap . Daar is letterlik duisende klein dorpies in Suid Afrika . Sal alle informasie waardeer.

[@DustBugsTravel]

@Boer Plaas It was really hot, but quite bearable and the interesting places we got to see, made it all worthwhile! So we didn't have to beg at the fountain! 😁🚗 Thanks for coming along again!

[@mariaboshoff5563]

​@@boerplaas388,Vanrhynsdorp is n wonderlike plek om in/naby te woon.

[@boerplaas388]

@@mariaboshoff5563 Hoe is die weer daar ? Ons wil Nie in n te warm plek koop Nie . Dis net vir vakansies jy weet. Om so paar keer n jaar oor te kom Suid Afrika toe.

[@flodillon991]

Never heard of this place so its an eye opener for me. Those moubtsins are amazing and the huge rocks just inagine having one of them in your yard wow. I must say there are enough around to build houses. That school hostel was beautiful. Although very hot I suppose if you lived there long enough you would get used to it. Well done. Thank you.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Don't you worry, we never heard of Soebatsfontein either until I started planning our route. Just the name was so intriguing, I knew that this had to be a stop on our route and it was well worth the time we spent in this tiny settlement. The landscapes in this area are truly spectacular, especially for us who love rock formations and mountains so much! ⛰️ It was rather hot that day, but we didn't really care it was so amazing to explore around here. Thank you for coming with us! 😁🚗

[@mariaboshoff5563]

Hallo Curtis en Sonia (jy moet eenkeer lat ons jou sien asb, mal oor jou laggie, jy klink soos n klokkie), net bietjie oor Soebatsfontein en waar sy naam vandaan kom. Daardie deel van ou mooiste Namakwaland was my oorlede Moeder se grootword wêreld. Sy het my vertel hoe Soebatsfontein sy naam gekry het, as volg : n man was in n geveg om oorlewing by die fontein met n paar Boesmans en het gesoebat dat hulle sy lewe spaar (Soebatsfontein.) Hulle het hom uiteindelik lewendig oopgesny, baie grusaam en barbaars! Ek en my Bossie is baie mal oor julle avonture so deur ons mooi land en mis nie n enkele een van julle videos nie. Ons naam vir julle (sommer vryelik vertaal) is Die Stof Goggas, oulik né! As ons qsien daar is n nuwe video van julle, is ons baie opgewonde en kyk dit heel eerste voordat ons enigiets anders kyk. Nog iets oor daardie deel van Namakwaland, is dat Koiingnaas my Oupa Joos Engelbrecht se plaas was en De Beers dit destyds (gesteel het, omrede hulle omtrent niks vir Koiingnaas betaal het, sy waarde in ag geneem.) My Moeder het vertel hulle het as kinders albaster gespeel met die diamante op die strand naby Koiingnaas. Die diamante het sommer bo-op die grond gelê, kan jy glo! Nou maar toe, ons reis heeeerlik verder saam en kan nie wag vir julle volgende video nie. Baie groete uit Vanrhynsdorp. Bossie en Magdaleen Boshoff

[@DustBugsTravel]

We're completely happy with 'Stof Goggas', we actually have been given a few other Afrikaans versions too and we think that's great fun! 😁 I found it super interesting that diamonds used to lie around on the beach back in the day, wow! That must've been quite amazing to see! 💎 It's great to hear that you enjoy our videos, thank you so much for watching!

[@mariaboshoff5563]

@@DustBugsTravel so glad you're happy with our name for you guys 😃 sure with all that contribute with more Afrikaans names it's great fun. Yes, one can't really imagine what it was like when the 🔹 were "sommer" lying around above the ground! But you know, an unpolished 🔹 doesn't really stand out when among other stones/klippies. My grandfather them knew for sure it were 🔹s, but never realized the real value of it and that's why Anglo American could deceive them on the scale they did😪 Oh yes, we are super excited every time a new video of yours appears on our KZbin screen! Can't wait to see where you'll be going/are going after you left Soebatsfontein 😃 Regards from Vanrhynsdorp, the "poort" to the 🌸.

[@palcoetzee3719]

Try to find out for what reason the place was named Soebatsfontein.The name skilpad is wrong the old people thought, the first time they saw this thing, it was a shell walking along the road therefor it should be called skulpad,a "skil" cannot walk along the road.

[@DustBugsTravel]

According to www.sahistory.org.za, 'legend has it that a man named Hendrik Stievert pleaded for his life here, but was subsequently murdered by a group of San in 1798.' Interesting info about the name that we've always known as 'skilpad'. The explanation makes a lot of sense. 🐢🚗

[@doraduplessis2727]

We enjoy your journey so much, can't wait for the next episode.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much, we love having you along on our journey through this magnificent part of the country. 🤩🚗

[@annawitter5161]

Love the excursion into the national park. Pity the roadside couple were so ongesellig! Soebatsfontein has a sad vibe. Can you tell us how it got its name? I really hope you are going to Loeriesfontein and Verneukpan.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Love that you called our short drive into the National Park an 'excursion'! 😁 According to www.sahistory.org.za, 'legend has it that a man named Hendrik Stievert pleaded for his life here, but was subsequently murdered by a group of San in 1798.' Quite a story! We visited Loeriesfontein earlier in the year already (check out Episode 135) and if I'm not mistaken, you commented on that episode, so I think you may have seen that already. We didn't get to Verneukpan this time, but will most definitely include it in a return visit to the Northern Cape. There is still quite a bit of exploring to do in this incredible province! We're happy you came with us to Soebatsfontein in the meantime! 😎🚗

[@annawitter5161]

@@DustBugsTravel yes I did enjoy your visit to Loeriesfontein. It just slipped my 63 year old memory (forgettory!) for the moment

[@frederikbrits9559]

Must be a knew one, Namaqualand Game Park, not in my 1995 "Southern African book of the road"

[@DustBugsTravel]

I believe it is a fairly young park and was established around 2001 / 2002 when the area was restocked with game after all the animals were completely shot out in the previous century. So it would make sense that it wouldn't be in that book of yours. Sonia's father also had a copy and it was his constant companion. You just brought back very fond and special memories of him, thank you. 🚗🛣️

[@deonzar]

I was smiling now and thinking what would have happened if some park staff came to the gate after you went in, and then when you came out how they would have thought you done it with the car. 🙂My last time in Soebatsfontein it was very hot. There is some sort of cafe just behind the church/guesthouse. Enjoy Namaqualand....looking forward to the next interesting place....

[@DustBugsTravel]

🤣 That's a funny thought and now I wish it actually happened that way! 🙃 I think we caught a glimpse of the café you're referring to, it may even be attached to or part of the guesthouse. It was also quite hot on this day, but so interesting that we forgot about the heat most of the time! We hope you enjoy the places we visited next, we have no doubt that you're super familiar with most, if not all, of them. Thank you for hitting the road with us through Namaqualand. 🚗😁

[@deonzar]

@@DustBugsTravel Yes the open door of the cafe is in your video. I enjoy all the places you and the missus go to....

[@ilzepretorius9929]

You have to do thw Wildeperdehoekpas

[@DustBugsTravel]

We took a different route this time, but we'll make a note of this pass for a future trip back to the area. 👌🏻 We love passes! ⛰️🚗

[@dianestuurman9645]

Wow l Neve heard of Soebatfontien?

[@DustBugsTravel]

We didn't either, until this trip! 🚙😁 It's a fantastic place.

[@mariannaskontorp5545]

What did they drive before 4wheel drive cars was not in use?

[@DustBugsTravel]

I honestly don't have a clue, but I would imagine ox wagons and donkey carts. Oh, and they were much, much tougher those days! 😁🚗

[@boerplaas388]

4x4 voertuie is al in die 1800 s uit . Daai sterk 4x4 Boere perde van daai tyd af 😂

[@boerplaas388]

In 1893 the first concept of a 4x4 vehicle 🚗 was designed and in 1903 SPYKER was the first automobile company to actually produce a 4x4 vehicle with a petrol combustion engine 👍

[@Afriqueleblanq]

I went there with my 2wd German saloons, deflated to 0.8 bar in front, 1.1 rear, third gear and Mexican speedocruise. I knew less than 5 folks that owned 4x4, even late into the 1970s. People today are sissies.

[@Afriqueleblanq]

@@boerplaas388 And everyone owned one, just like all had EV's, or cars with DOHC, multi-valve engines??

[@RJS027]

me and the wife are watching your journey's every night after work to relax. did you go past springbok into namakwaland? the mining town etc up to alexanderbay?? love your channel !!

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, it's a great compliment that you find our videos relaxing! 😊 We were in Namaqualand already when we arrived in Garies and in every video since then. We don't want to give too much away about the places we visited during the rest of our trip, but you may just see one or two of the ones you mentioned! 😉🚗 We hope to see you at the next stop!

[@frederikbrits9559]

Another great video you two

[@DustBugsTravel]

Much appreciated. We're always happy when you join us! 👌🏻🚗

[@bettydaem5438]

We live in New Zealand and love your vlog!!! My grandparents were from Wegdraai near Upington how about a visit there. Take care and Merry Christmas 🎅

[@DustBugsTravel]

Greetings to you in New Zealand! Thank you so much, it's great to hear that you enjoy watching our videos! We haven't been to that part of the Northern Cape in recent years, so it's still very much on our list to go and explore. Upington is a town much bigger than the ones we normally visit, but we'll certainly take a drive through and include that in a video. We wish you and your loved ones a very blessed festive season too and we hope to take you to many more places in 2023! 😁🚗

[@keithjoelmcarthur4803]

Hey 👋 guys. Why did you chose that specific car to travel in? Very curious. I commented earlier about my plans to go up n7 then turn N14 towards N12 then end in Joburg then back to Cape Town. I hope to do it in one turn (probably 2weeks). I’m using my Jimny ❤🎉

[@DustBugsTravel]

Hello there! 😁 We've rented a Renault Kwid for every single one of our trips in all but five of the 240+ videos on our channel. It has high ground clearance for a sedan and has taken us to many remote places safely, reliably and comfortably. We're happy to turn around on the 5% of roads that it is unable to navigate successfully. Its benefits far outweigh its drawbacks and we absolutely love it! 🥰🚗 Your trip sounds amazing. Have fun and travel safe!

[@daniellewotherspoon6252]

Where do you two stay over on this trip? It was always very interesting to see the places you were staying at.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We will always include footage of our accommodation. 😁 We had a very long day of travelling on this day, but we finally headed to our overnight stop when we left Soebatsfontein. You'll see that in the next video! 🛌🏾🚗

[@simonemason5352]

Sorry just too dry for me... but it must be something to see if it rains. Such a pity about that school boarding house, such potential for an oasis.

[@DustBugsTravel]

No problem, this area is certainly not for everyone! I'm not sure we could live there either, but it was wildly interesting to visit, explore and actually see how these folks do live in such harsh surroundings and climate. I agree about the hostel, I was so intrigued with that building and it must've been an absolute beauty in its day. We appreciate you coming with us! 😁🚗

[@mariaboshoff5563]

And you most probably live in a part of SA that we definitely DON'T want to live in😁

[@willielombard2671]

Hallo i just want to now the name of jour camera ilove jour program GOD bless

[@DustBugsTravel]

Hi there! Thank you so much, I'm glad to hear you enjoy our videos. 😁 I use my normal everyday cellphone to film with, a Samsung S22 Ultra. I see no need for any special equipment. 📱🚗

[@aubreysmith4702]

Pease read my request on Ep 223

[@DustBugsTravel]

I have done so and have just responded. 👍

[@sarahmariakuipers3967]

Soebatsfontein as ek reg onthou kry sy naam van n sendeling wat gemartel is en hoe hy gesoebat het vir hulle kosbaare siele tewyl hulle hom vermoor het. Help my reg dit is hoe die ou oom op Soebatsfontein ons vertel het. Ja was n skoon met koshuis en later Wel n gaste huis nou lyk dit so verlate so hartseer

[@DustBugsTravel]

I think that sounds about right. According to www.sahistory.org.za, 'legend has it that a man named Hendrik Stievert pleaded for his life here, but was subsequently murdered by a group of San in 1798.' That old school hostel was clearly a magnificent building and it was very sad to see it abandoned. 😢 Thank you for watching. 🚗

[@mariaboshoff5563]

Strook met wat my Moeder my vertel het. Sien my boodskap iewers hierbo.

[@Afriqueleblanq]

Pity not a word about the tragic history of Soebatsfontein. Please research, revisit, re-tell.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We thought you knew by now that these two sissies explore through unjaded, fresh eyes and don't do research ahead of time, so we had no idea about the history of Soebatsfontein. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏼‍♂️ There was no cellphone signal in the village either, so we weren't able to look up any info at the time. For us, a place isn't only about yesterday, but also very much about today and tomorrow. We will leave the research for you.

[@desh7120]

@@DustBugsTravel You whet our appetite with your travels - I love that your visits are in the moment/spontaneous expressions of your first impressions, uncluttered by too much background research. I do my own after watching anything that particularly piques my interest. We all have different preferences and it wouldn’t be practical for you to cover everything. I enjoy your approach exactly as you present it! Thank you 🙏🏻😊