Directions from Cape Town to Pula House
From Cape Town (approx. 930kms) -
On the N1 northwards towards Johannesburg pass Colesberg and approximately 35kms later cross the Orange River and take the next exit, No 8, onto the R701 signposted Bethulie. Follow the signs to Bethulie (approximately 48kms) and then to Smithfield (about 65kms later).
For travellers heading for Johannesburg and taking a welcome break from the busy N1 to stay at Pula House; the R701 and the N6 is a quiet route to Bloemfontein on an excellent road through lovely countryside. At Bloemfontein you rejoin the N1 towards Johannesburg. The diversion is well worthwhile; the difference in distance is marginal!
For travellers heading on to Clarens and the Golden Gate area of the Eastern Free State and to KwazuluNatal there are two possible routes. The 65kms-untarred continuation of the R701 intersects with the R26, which is the main route to these areas. For drivers inexperienced in travelling on gravel roads the recommended route is via the N6 to Rouxville and then onto the R26, all of which is tarred. This is also the recommended route to Malealea Lodge in Lesotho via the border post at Wepener (also known as Van Rooyen's Gate), a one-hour drive from Pula House
