Josephsdal - scenic route par excellence!

Josephsdal is a border post to Swaziland. It is a 40 km route from Barberton on the tarred R40 that takes you there. This is a beautiful scenic route, part of the Genesis Route, that will take your breathe away. It could also be named 'valley of a thousand hills' and you will want to stop every now and again at the many view points just to take it all in. I took so many photos along the journey that took us one and a half hour to complete, that it was hard to select a few for this post.

The section of the Genesis Route that leads to the Josephsdal border post is known as the Geo Trail. It crosses the Saddleback Pass with magnificent views of De Kaap valley and Barberton. Road cuttings along the way reveal some of the oldest rock formations on earth's crust. Geologists from around the world have been studying this and because of the global significance, the area is becoming a World Heritage site. The view points are being upgraded and turned into tourist attractions and information points.

The quiet border post is equally attractive. Staff are friendly and efficient. Less than 100 people per day will cross the border here, mostly tourists going to Piggs Peak area, 15 km into Swaziland. The post is open daily from 7:00 to 16:00.

We met a young lady from the UK who have been teaching in Swaziland for 3 years. She crosses the border regularly to shop in Barberton.

The Swaziland border post is called Bulembu and the buildings are just 100 meters away from the South Afican side. We were warned about the bad roads into Swaziland but the UK lady was travelling with a VW Polo and did not agree. There were two bikers who came from Swaziland's side and they also onfirmed that the roads are fine.

Genesis Route from Barberton

Magnificent views from the Genesis Route

Information and view points of the Geo Trail

Road cuttings on the Geo Trail revealing some of earth's oldest rocks

Josephsdal border post - only 40 km from Barberton

Entering Swaziland at Bulembu