The long and straight of it

At 312 km, the R358 is the longest gravel road in South Africa. Grab a coffee to stay alert - it also happens to be the straightest.

- Cyril Klopper

Bitterfontein, tucked away in the Knersvlakte of the Western Cape, is a quiet little town with fewer than 900 residents. As you set off from here, the massive granite blocks scattered around town make for an unusual sight. They're known as charnockite and come from a local quarry - chances are you've seen them before, as they're a popular choice for kitchen countertops.

The R358 - officially South Africa's longest gravel road - begins 4 km north of Bitterfontein, to the right of the N7. There's a road sign pointing the way to Pofadder and Springbok, and we turn off in the direction of the former.