Top Choices: Stoffelsrus Log Cabin
Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve, Hanover, Northern Cape
The Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve in the Northern Cape near Hanover is your perfect Karoo escape. The nature reserve falls within the KhoiSan Karoo Conservancy. With winter around the corner, it might be the perfect location to snuggle up around a fire and brace the elements, possibly experiencing snow.
The quaint Stoffels Rus Self Catering Log Cabin comes with two bedrooms that sleep up to four people. A fully-equipped kitchen is ideal to prepare those hearty, scrumptious meals, but you can book meals on request at the New Holme Guest House restaurant. The food is definitely a highlight and lovingly prepared.
Owner PC is a conservationist and declared his farm a nature reserve, which is transitioning from farming to conservation. Enjoy sundowners on the Seekoei River while listening to the grunt of the only hippo in the Karoo. As strange as it may sound to have hippo in the Karoo, it is not truly unbelievable. Hippo actually once roamed in the region, but factors such as hunting removed them from the landscape. While at the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve, make time to go on an organised game drive with PC. While there are not many giant predators, you can spot buffalo and various other antelope. The property is known for its night drives where you can see special species such as aardwolf, bat-eared fox, African wild cat, aardvark, striped polecat, and even the rare black-footed cat.
The Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve is a birding hotspot. We spotted resident owls in a large tree adjacent to the cottage and blue crane also find a safe haven on the property. In fact, the property is brilliant for birding enthusiasts. PC is an avid twitcher himself and has counted some 205 bird species on the reserve. If you love birding, a birding drive might be a great option.
Cost: The log cottage is R1 800 per night for up to four people.
Book: Email stay@khoisankaroo.co.za, or call PC on +27 82 567 9211.