THE KAROO – ‘’LAND OF GREAT THIRST’’

BY REBECCA AYLETT

The name Karoo comes from the ancient San word meaning ‘Land of Great Thirst’, this vast areas is rich in history and culture as well as being home to some of the country’s most stunning scenery.

On our journey from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth we travelled along the scenic R62 towards Oudtshoorn and then to George. A road not to be missed is the Outeniqua Pass, it reminded me of the Scottish Highlands but was adorned in Proteas (June/July) and Aloe flowers (May/June). This stunning road connects the famous Garden Route with the Little Karoo region.

The journey took us through the coastal town of Wilderness with its stunning beaches and Lake Pleasant (great for birdwatching), Knysna that offers a restful place to stop either for a drink overlooking the lagoon or to spend a few days exploring the area.

From Knysna we headed north and in just over 4 hours we were in the heart of the Karoo. The Greater Karoo starts at the picturesque of Graaf Reinet where the land flattens out as you approach, and the roads stretch as far as the eye can see.

Graaf Reinet has all the amenities you would need for short stay; 3 nights is ideal as this gives you time to explore the town and visit Cambedoo National Park.

I stayed at the Drostdy Hotel, centrally located with a restaurant and spa on site it has a really lovely feel with rooms in the grounds laid out like a small village. The bedrooms have a creative style with art and unique furnishings and are very comfortable.

The Historical Walking Tour of Graaf Reinet was fascinating as you about its heritage and history whilst visiting its landmarks and monuments. I highly recommend this during your stay.

The highlight for me was our visit to Cambedoo National Park to see the Valley of Desolation. Set just outside Graff Reinet you take a 4×4 trip into the park and up into the mountains to view the spectacular Valley of Desolation – 120m high columns of ancient eroded volcanic rock that stands over the Plains of Cambedoo. The views are breath-taking.

Heading back into the park we saw Kudu, Cape Mountain Zebra and the stunning Verraux’s Eagle with its 2m wingspan as well as the indigenous plants of the National Park such as the Kapokbossie (Cape Snow Bush) which is of the Rosemary family – the Karoo lambs love it making their meat one of the tastiest!

No visit to the Karoo would be complete without ending on a safari….

Samara Private Game Reserve. Located just 30 minutes from Graaf Reinet or 2h 30 minutes from Port Elizabeth, its nearest main airport, Samara is an experience and an opportunity to be part of their inspirational vision.

Samara have been reintroducing animals that once called this semi-arid land their home. They have successfully reintroduced wild cheetah, desert adapted black rhino, elephants and most recently the first lions back into the region for 180 years.

The game experience is not about just ticking off The Big 5 but more about the thrill of tracking cheetah on foot or spotting elephants as they climb the mountains (I never knew they could!)

The landscape itself is part of the journey during your stay and even after 3 days of seeing it I never tired of its natural beauty at all times of the day.

The hospitality and high standards at either the Manor or the Karoo Lodge is exceptional and as you plant your Spekboom into the soil before leaving Samara you are not only contributing to the fight against climate change but at the same time truly connecting with the Karoo.

I long to return to this stunning region of South Africa.

01403 256 655
web@africacollection.com

AFRICA COLLECTION

Your Enquiry

THE DETAILS

USEFUL LINKS

Africa Collection UK Ltd, registered in England. Registered address: Chancery House, 30 St. Johns Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 7SA. Company Registration Number 4033792.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice section offers the most up-to-date information for UK travellers. Or please contact us for the latest information.