Discover the incredible Cape Karoo in 5 days:
Day 1: Touws River
A mere two-hour drive from Cape Town, lies the Aquila Private Game Reserve near Touws River. Boasting the Big 5 – elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard - and many other iconic African animals, such as the Cape Zebra and Hippo, the 4 star Aquila Safari Lodge is the perfect place to start your journey into the Cape Karoo. Supporting a wide range of conservation initiatives, including Rhino conservation, compost recycling and maggot farming, this is responsible tourism
at its finest. The family friendly reserve has something for everyone to enjoy with the Africa Boma restaurant that offers local cuisine,
the pool deck overlooking the vast open spaces and a children’s entertainment area just some of the offerings. Enjoy a game drive and sundowner as your guide stops en-route for light snacks and drinks, providing for perfect photographic moments.
The triple volume restaurant is perfectly situated to offer breath-tak- ing views of the reserve. The upstairs viewing area enables guests to enjoy cocktails while watching the sun set behind the magnificent Ka- roo Mountains. This thatched spacious African- character building is the perfect setting for the extensive buffet-style meals served. Meals to suit all culinary/dietary requirements are prepared by our resident chefs, including traditional South African cuisine.
Aquila offers a perfect room for anyone, at every budget, for your relaxing overnight stay.
Day 2: Matjiesfontein
Take a step back into time and visit the charming Victorian town of Matjiesfontein. Fondly known as “The Grand Duchess of the Karoo”, the town was established in the year of 1884. The whole town of Matjiesfontein is a national monument and is believed to be one of the most haunted places in South Africa. And there is no better place to base yourself for the first half of your visit to the Karoo. The Lord Milner Hotel is a popular attraction as well as the London Red Bus, which will take you on the shortest tour in the country accompanied by the local tour guide, Johnnie, this humorous and informative tour is a must when visiting. Lasting no longer than 10 minutes, you will be back in no time for a quiet pint at the Laird’s Arms pub right next door to the hotel. End your evening in The Dining Room at the hotel, where we recommend you order the lamb, sourced from the local Karoo farmers. The Dining Room at The Lord Milner Hotel has been serving its guests for the last 120 years; and boasts the same historic ambience found throughout Matjiesfontein. Dine in a Victorian setting filled with period antiques and let the red-jacketed porters welcome you and offer a selection of fine wines from across the Western Cape region.
Eat at Lord Milner Hotel Dining Room
The Dining Room at The Lord Milner Hotel has been serving its guests for the last 120 years; and boasts the same historic ambience found throughout Matjiesfontein. Dine in a Victorian setting filled with period antiques and let the red-jacketed porters welcome you and offer a selection of fine wines from across the Western Cape region.
A number of comfortable quality motel rooms are situated within the hotel gardens, with rooms overlooking the hotel gardens or the river, with the quaint Travellers Chapel and duck pond nearby. Each room has either its own patio leading on to the garden, or a balcony-veran- da overlooking the Monument river.
Day 3: Laingsburg
Visitors will enjoy regular sightings of the numerous antelope species and black-backed jackal. If lucky, species such as Cape Mountain Zebra, caracal and the critical endangered riverine rabbit can be spot- ted. Leopards still roam the mountains, although these notoriously shy creatures are seldom seen. About 180 bird species are regularly spotted on the reserve, making it a popular choice for birders. Besides the mesmerising landscape and rich plant and animal life, the reserve is also home to San rock art, painted thousands of years ago.
Eat at Laingsburg Country Hotel
The perfect stop on the N1 in the heart of the Karoo. Travel from the N2 via the breath-taking Seweweekspoort to the West Coast, alter- natively via Ceres to the Swartland with beautiful mountain passes and winelands. Come and relax alongside our beautiful pool and our renowned coffee shop and restaurant.
Adventure activities and stayover at Wagendrift Lodge
Situated in the heart of the Karoo, next to the Buffels River, Wagen- drift Lodge offers everything for the whole family to enjoy. From 4x4 routes, hiking trails, bow hunting, mountain bike trails and rock climbing to game viewing.
Beautiful gardens populated by a vast selection of birds surrounds the luxurious cottages and lodge. Wagendrift Lodge has an abundance of game which guests can explore on foot, bicycle or 4x4 drives.
Day 4: Prince Albert
Gin tasting at the Green Prince Gin Bar
The Green Prince Gin Bar at the Swartberg Hotel is stocked with the finest local gin including Inverroche, Wilderer, KWV’s Cruxland and the colour-changing Six Dogs Blue.
This quaint restaurant offers delicious home-cooked meals made with fresh local produce and complemented by an exclusive range of wines. Its choice menu and vibrant atmosphere offers bistro dining at its best.
Game drive and stayover at Roam Private Game Reserve
The focus at Roam Private Game is on eco-tourism and providing vis- itors with the opportunity to experience a conscious safari in the re- mote wilderness of the Karoo. Knowledgeable guides will take you on a once in a lifetime adventure tracking wild cheetah on foot through this vast and picturesque landscape. Other notable species that can be spotted on wilderness walks and guided game drives include gi- raffe, buffalo, bat eared fox, zebra, kudu, springbok, gemsbok, ostrich, eland, meerkats and over 200 species of bird. You are encouraged to get involved in the conservation aspect of a safari, and enjoy activities such as mountain biking, sundowners and stargazing.
Day 5: Beaufort West
It may have once been considered a one-night stopover, but the Karoo National Park has since become a place offering a number of activ- ities, including a mountain bike trail, guided and self-guided walks and a selection of 4x4 trails. There is, of course, also breath-taking landscapes – this is the Karoo after all – and an array of plant and animal life to admire.
Joe's is a much-loved retro-American diner that brings that 50’s story to life, while at the same time delivering a quality eating experience.
Adventure activities at Olive Grove Farm
Olive Grove Guest Farm lies nestled in the heart of the vast & beautiful Great Karoo landscape. Here guests can delight in country comfort and escape to an authentic, Karoo olive and game farm experience. There is a wide array of eco activities to enjoy, ranging from bird watching, hiking, farm tours, a mountain bike trail or just enjoy our large dam in one of our canoes.
Stayover at Lemoenfontein Country House
Set in the vast expanse of the South African Great Karoo, this beauti- ful homestead/lodge dates back to 1850. Built slowly and soundly to the exacting standards and architectural style of the time, the building remains unchanged with characteristic high ceilings, original wooden floors and wide verandahs which offer guests a sweeping panoramic view of the Karoo landscape.