With so many people trekking out to the dusty Karoo to view its glorious wildlife, its geological fascinations, and its splendorous landscapes, Geraint Bojé has taken it upon himself to construct a list of popular and classic hotels and lodges glamping sites to visit in and around Oudtshoorn.
Have we missed any of your favourite spots? Please let us know in the comments below or email [email protected]
AFRICAMPS KLEIN KAROO
Situated in the middle of a pristine Karoo landscape with direct views of the Swartberg Mountains, AfriCamps Klein Karoo offers the perfect backdrop to relax in, just 10 minutes from Oudtshoorn’s town centre. The farm is not an ostrich show farm, but an authentic working farm where guests can take a tour to see and learn everything about this uniquely South African farming activity whilst enjoying an array of wildlife roaming around freely on the premises.
AfriCamps is all about boutique glamping at the most beautiful working farms and estates in South Africa. Their guests can explore and unwind in the great outdoors, experiencing everything from biking and hiking to seclusion and serenity, all while staying comfortably in fully equipped boutique tents.
The camping site is also a dog-friendly venue that allows one dog per glamping tent. Please be sure to let them know whether or not you’re bringing a dog when making a booking.
Where: Buffelsdrift Farm, Cango Caves Rd, Oudtshoorn
Website: africamps.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 300 3694
Facebook: @africamps | Instagram: @africamps_sa
DE KOMBUYS ESTATE
De Kombuys is a Cape Dutch Farm in the Swartberg Mountains that has been up and running for two centuries. It boasts terroir-based estate wines, free-range Wagyu and boutique upmarket accommodation complemented by The Marbled Wagyu restaurant.
The luxurious guest houses are spread out around the estate to blend in with the Cape-Karoo architecture of the homestead and natural surroundings. With three options each possessing their own individual charms and treasures, this eco-orientated farm offers accommodation to suit the different needs and desires of all its patrons.
The Marbled Wagyu Deli and Restaurant is the heart of the establishment. With wine tastings, Wagyu on offer at the restaurant, the deli holds all the farm produce, available and ready for purchase.
Where: Dekombuys, Cango Valley, Oudtshoorn
Website: dekombuys.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 082 589 5503
Facebook: @dekombuysestate | Instagram: @dekombuysestate
THABILE LODGE
Thabile, meaning a place of happiness in the Sotho language, is tucked away neatly at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains in the Klein Karoo just outside of Oudtshoorn. It is the perfect mixture of authentic rural charm, exquisite hospitality and delicious cuisine, all together nestled between the red mountains. Because of this, the name Thabile couldn’t be more felicitous.
The serene and quiet lodge grants a sanctuary and an escape from the city lights and noises. Experience the natural lighting of the moon and stars as few places other than the Karoo can offer.
The team at Thabile promises that patrons arrive as guests, but depart as friends.
Where: Thabile Lodge, Vergelegen Road, Hazenjacht, Oudtshoorn
Website: thabilelodge.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 044 251 6116
Facebook: @ThabileLodge | Instagram: @thabilelodge
BUFFELSDRIFT GAME LODGE
A brief drive outside of Oudtshoorn on your way to the Cango Caves, you can come across the Buffelsdrift Game Lodge. A unique, understated venue that boasts elegance in its luxury tented accommodation.
With the majestic Swartberg Mountains as a backdrop and a pristine waterhole on your doorstep, the Buffelsdrift Game Lodge allows its guests the opportunity to get as close to the wild of the Klein Karoo and true African magic as possible.
With glamping areas this luxurious, you don’t have to get down and dusty in the bushveld if you do not wish to.
Website: buffelsdrift.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 044 272 0000
Facebook: @BuffelsdriftGameLodge | Instagram: @buffelsdrift_game_lodge
CHANDELIER GAME LODGE
A little more on the lush side of the Klein Karoo, the Chandelier Game Lodge & Ostrich Show Farm is located between the teeming greenery of the Garden Route and the wide-open spaces of the Klein Karoo.
As an ideal base from which to explore the “Garden of Eden” along the Garden Route, Chandelier Game Lodge can give you a little bit of a break from the open spaces that the Karoo is known for. We recommend exploring the Chandelier trails and tours led by the indigenous Khoi-San people
Oudtshoorn has many activities to participate in. However, for some, it might be more pleasant and convenient when these activities are at the lodge itself.
Where: 64 R62, Oudtshoorn
Website: chandelier.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 072 742 4405
Facebook: @chandeliergamelodge | Instagram: @chandelier_game_lodge_farm
ROSENHOF
Rosenhof Country House is a carefully renovated homestead (Circa 1852) that opened its doors to the public in 1992. Its yellowwood beams and ceilings and an elegant collection of antique furniture, emanate an aura of authenticity, luxury, and distinction.
With a lovely Rose Garden that birthed the name of this venue, two Executive Suites, each with their own pool, lounge, patio and tranquil view of Swartberg Mountain, Rosenhof is a favourite amongst the lodges and hotels in the town of Oudtshoorn. It is also rated a TGCSA 5-Star Country House. So, Rosenhof is a definite must if you plan on staying in the town of Oudtshoorn itself.
Where: 264 Baron Van Reede St, Oudtshoorn
Website: rosenhof.co.za | Email: [email protected]
Tel: 044 272 2232 | Instagram: @rosenhofcountryhouse
KAROO BREATHE LODGE
Located in the Eseljag Poort, along the N9, you can find the Karoo Breathe Lodge tucked away somewhat in the middle of George and Oudtshoorn.
Because of all these wide-open spaces that the Karoo has to offer, it is only natural that nature and wildlife would thrive in these parts. So, you get to see and hear all the calls and hoots of the surrounding animals both day and night.
The owners at Breathe Lodge focus on the conservation and the rehabilitation of the naturally occurring vegetation, comprising the renoster-veld and succulents. Because of this, the Breathe Lodge is surrounded by copious amounts of greenery.
Where: Breathe Lodge, Heimersrivier, Herold
Website: breathelodge.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 082 959 7849
Facebook: @karoobreathelodge | Instagram: @karoobreathe
QUEENS HOTEL BY BON HOTEL
Do you fancy a bit of history and classic buildings? Then we suggest The Queen’s Hotel, brought to you by BON Hotels. It is South Africa’s oldest 4-star hotel and the third oldest hotel in the country, after the Oude Werf in Stellenbosch (est. 1686) and the Houw Hoek Hotel near Grabouw (built 1779).
Having opened its doors to the public in 1880, the Queens hotel has recently been renovated to its full glory. Because of this, they have continued serving guests the amalgamation of sumptuous accommodation, first-class service and fine dining experiences reminiscent of a bygone era.
If this history of success and service doesn’t convince you that the hotel is in a league of its own, then we don’t know what will.
Where: 5 Baron Van Reede St, Oudtshoorn
Website: bonhotels.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 044 272 2101
Facebook: @BONHotels | Instagram: @bonhotels
KAROO RETREAT
Established in 2011, Karoo Retreat is situated in the heart of Oudtshoorn’s beautiful and historic town. It offers a serene space surrounded by old thorn trees and olive trees in a peaceful setting.
This modern and minimalistic accommodation is ideal for patrons longing to experience the ambience of the wild and dusty Karoo, yet come home to a luxurious villa and elegant bedroom in the hub of civilisation that is the town of Oudtshoorn.
Offering a spa bath, Ozone therapy, Jacuzzi / Massages and Sailing trips, Karoo Retreat is the quintessential stop for a romantic stay over or business trip.
Where: 41 Klein Karoo St, Oudtshoorn
Website: karooretreat.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 072 777 7225
Facebook: @KarooRetreatsOudts | Instagram: @karooretreat
