“Magoebaskloof is a home of wanderers... people who have been searching for home and have found it in the heart of the mountains,” says Tamla McMahon of Thomac Essential Oils, a family business in the heart of Limpopo’s newest eco-destination of choice.
It’s winter-time in Magoebaskloof and you may be tempted to just snuggle up next to a log fire, but there are plenty of options that will light up your spirit if it’s a gloomy day - why not make your way along the Magoebaskloof Meander? It is a great way to get under the skin of a place - to meet the wanderers - the characters who have made ‘The Mountain’ home. You can explore the Roots to Rivers and Holistic Healing Routes; A Slow-Food Circuit, Haenertsburg Hotspots; and The Meander Along Cheerio Road. Roam around the area and you’ll soon find out that there is something for everyone.
Hidden in the misty mountains of Magoebaskloof, lies Cheerio Road. The minute your tyres hit dirt, you will feel the freedom of country roads and the promise of an adventure. Glimpses of homesteads almost hidden from view are intriguing and enticing… speaking of years gone by and of the pioneers, hardy woodcutters, traders and adventurers who made these wild places their home.
Cheerio Road is full of magic. Driving off the main Route-71 and onto the L road - a meandering gravel road just opposite the old Bluegum tree with intriguing Celtic-inspired carvings made by artist and blacksmith, Toban Kahn McMahon, you will find the distillery of THOMAC Essential Oils. The only producer world-wide to sustainably harvest and press Helichrysum splendidum from the hillsides surrounding the farm, THOMAC offers a tour of the distillation process of this unique South African essential oil, Southern Immortelle. Distillery Tours: 11am and 2pm at R 60 per adult, children under 13 free. Booking is essential. Julie: 076 418 1238 / L2, Cheerio Road
A stone’s throw away, at the Wegraakbosch Organic Cheese Farm, downy geese, inquisitive goats and contented cows roam around the lush farm where the Thompsons and their team have been making organic cheeses in a copper cauldron over a blazing fire for four generations. Book a Dairy Tour at 10.00 daily or put in an advance-order for a cheese, chorizo and vegetable platter. 0723701886 / 0723610664 (whatsapp is best) / M1, Cheerio Road
The famed Cheerio Gardens is where Sheilah (Box) Thompson planted acres of azaleas and ornamental cherry trees. Walk the moss-covered paths of these world famous gardens, home of the annual flowering Spring celebrations, open all year round to day visitors for garden walks at your own pace. Soak up the mountain atmosphere at the licensed Cheerio Café looking out onto a small, scenic dam - try their delicious thin-crust pizza and pecan pie. Cheerio Gardens: 083 355 0835 / Cheerio Café: 079638 0329 / L4.2, Cheerio Road
Why not go fly fishing in the cool mist at the neighbouring Cheerio Trout Fishing & Holiday Resort? Trout fishing in the dam on this private property is catch & release only and a day permit and your own fly fishing equipment required. 072 650 2366 / L4.1, Cheerio Road
Down the road at Sequoia Garden Retreat, you can meander through the breathtaking cherry blossom and azalea avenues in Spring with surrounding tree species that transform from lush hues of green to vibrant autumn colours as the seasons change. Day visits to the gardens and dam are by prior arrangement. sequoiastay@gmail.com / L6, Cheerio Road
Come closer to the northern-most Craft Brewery in Limpopo at Zwakala Brewery along the final bend of Cheerio Road. This vibey venue is the place to go over a weekend for an award-winning beer, gourmet burger and fabulous people. Find out if the Mina’s Neighbourhood Market is happening over the weekend you visit. Learn more about the art of brewing an award-winning brew on the Zwakala Beer Tour & Tasting. Open Friday to Sunday 11am - 5pm. 073 791 6797 | 073 874 8651 / L10, Cheerio Road
Breathe in the clean forest air… soak up the views….make friends with the mountain-folk and savour the unique flavour of this soulful space. You won’t be the same person when you leave.