Explore the N4 with a new travel app
Did you know that the N4 platinum highway takes you past vast ruined cities that were suddenly and mysteriously abandoned 200 years ago?
Pictures: Supplied.
Or that thousands of male Giant African Bullfrogs lie hidden underground for years next to the N4 – until they go off in search of mates?
These and other intriguing stories, sharing more on the rich heritage of the N1 and N4, were recently captured in a book, The Platinum Road written by author, journalist and editor Peter Delmar.
Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire (Bakwena), the concessionaire responsible for the design, maintenance and upgrades to the routes covered by the book, sponsored the project as a means of adding historical value to customers who use the N1 and N4, while promoting tourism at the same time. After positive feedback was received on the book, it is now available for download as a free mobile app.
The book and app represent a journey of discovery across various landmarks on the Platinum Highway, stopping at each area to share gems of information that have sculpted a great deal of South African history. From the section between Tshwane and Brits that has a history filled with conflict and tales of the Voortrekkers, to the area between Rustenburg and Swartruggens that is home to the Bafokeng, one of the wealthiest tribes in Africa, The Platinum Road is filled with tales told and untold and promises to be the best travelling companion when driving.
The app works using the GPS location of the device that the traveller is using. Based on the location of the traveller, the app will automatically start telling the anecdotal stories of certain points along the N1 and N4 as the traveller approaches them.
Narrated by Talk Radio 702’s David O’Sullivan, the app contains more than an hour’s storytelling that shares amazing true tales.
Readers can download the app, which is compatible with the iOS, Android or Windows smartphone/tablet operating systems. Once installed, the traveller needs to simply turn on Wi-Fi and volume on their device, hit the N1 and N4 routes and be transported into a world of discovery.
