Visiting Tankwa Padstal is a unique experience. From a distance you notice a flying saucer halfway buried in the Karoo soil and on closer inspection, more gems come into view – the mannequin crafted out of blue mosaic greeting you from a gate pole, the hippy Beetle trying to climb up a windmill….
As you enter the Padstal, owners Hein and Susan Lange are there to greet the weary traveller and make you feel right at home.
Their visitors are delighted with great food and a shop that overflows with unique trinkets and memorabilia from yesteryear.
On your next journey on the longest dirt road in South Africa, stop at Tankwa Padstal and feed your soul.
CAUTION: Tankwa Padstal is NOT open on Wednesday’s. Water is scarce here, best is to call ahead and ensure the operation hours, one can get parched in those parts.
TIP: 55 miles from Ceres, this little farm stall in the middle of the Tankwa Karoo (one of the driest parts of SA) may prove an important resupply stop.