The
Klein Karoo (Little
Karoo) is the hot, dry region squeezed between the Outeniqua Mountains
that separate it from the green and luscious Garden
Route, and the rugged Swartberg Mountains that separate it from
the wider, hotter Great Karoo.
The well marketed Route
62 extends further than the actual R62, including parts of the Breede
River Valley. It's a lovely, quiet alternative to the rather more
goal-oriented N2, passing through some interesting little towns and winds
its way past loads of wineries and guest farms that specialise in rugged
activities like 4x4 trails and quad bike trails.
It's
a lot of fun to zig-zag backwards and forwards between the N2 and the R62
over some very scenic mountain passes, alternating between the lush green
Garden
Route and the drier, more austere Little Karoo.
Most well known for its ostrich
farms, which have developed into mega tourist traps, the Little Karoo
supports a thriving agricultural industry. Olives, deciduous fruit and
wine add to the rather heady mix that most local restaurants exploit gleefully.
Calitzdorp,
which is most well known for its great port, holds a port festival every
July, and there are fabulous wine farms along the whole length of the R62.
Probably the most well known attraction in the region, though, is the enormous
Cango
Caves in Oudtshoorn. There are some
great rock paintings in various parts of the Little Karoo.
The magnificent landscapes,
locally known as red hills, offer some fun day walks, and the high mountains
on either side of this long, thin valley, offer fantastic multi-day hikes.
There are loads of really great cultural attractions, not least of which
is the annual KKNK, the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (Little
Karoo National Arts Festival) in Oudtshoorn.
It's a party. Big time.
From
young to old, Barrydale is on the radar of those in need of a haven
for body, mind and spirit. And, indeed, it has always been... The
original inhabitants were drawn to the region´s health-giving properties
at the likes of Warmwaterberg´s hot mineral springs. One William
Patterson first documented the spring in 1778 when he recorded what local
farmers already knew. In establishing the Warmwaterberg Spa as a
sanatorium in 1908, doctors must have recognised their patients´
need for quiet contemplation. With a walk in the labyrinth and South
African Peace Pagoda just 15km from the town towards Ladismith, you will
reconnect and rediscover your inner peace and harmony, in this idyllic
rural setting.
The
Heritage Garden was created by local botanist Hildegard Crous. The garden
represents the region´s floral and succulent kingdom. Ensure
that you order a glass of Barrydale´s finest wines, the prize-winning
Chardonnays and Ruby Cabernets.
Eenboom
Game Farm, Game Farm / Self-Catering, BARRYDALE Eenboom
Game Lodge is located between Montagu (37km) and the town of Barrydale
(off the R62 Tourism Route). There are numerous wine, fruit and flower
farms in the area. The town of Barrydale (20 minutes) is famous for
its craft shops and restaurants. The Tradouw Pass, a few kilometers outside
Barrydale is one of the most beautiful mountain passes in South Africa
with an abundance of waterfalls and wild veld flowers. Eenboom offers
its guests 5 superbly appointed self-catering guest cottages. The guest
cottages are modern renovations of century-old labourers’ cottages, now
boasting all modern amenities. Each features a stylishly decorated and
furnished lounge, providing comfortable seating in warm and relaxed surroundings.
Lentelus
Farm, Bed & Breakfast, BARRYDALE Tourist
driving the scenic Route 62 travel through some of the most beautiful country
side in the Western Cape. Barrydale, like other Little Karoo towns, is
enclosed by mountains and wide plateaus. Passes that provide access, are
steeped in history and provide breathtaking views. Lentelus Farm,
off Route 62, invites guests to experience a luxurious stay on a fruit-and
wine farm. In a beautiful setting surrounded by orchards and views of the
mountains, the stylish, light and airy rooms include all comforts.Pick
your own fruit in season, taste prize-winning wines in the Joubert-Tradauw
private cellar, or relax at the swimming pool in the lush garden. This
is South African country life at its best.
The
Cob House, Self-Catering, BARRYDALE Experience the beauty of
cob living, cool in summer and warm in winter. This rustic two bedroom
cob house is comfortably equipped, including coal heaters in the bedrooms
and firplace in the lounge for those cold Klein Karoo winter nights.
Set in a spacious landscaped garden, the Cob House overlooks mountain and
farmlands and is only a few minutes walk into the heart of Barrydale.
Experience the beauty of cob living, cool insummer and warm in winter.
This rustic two bedroom cob house is comfortably equipped, including coal
heaters in the bedrooms and firplace in the lounge for those cold Klein
Karoo winter nights.
The
Galleons in Barrydale, Self-Catering Apartment, BARRYDALE The Galleons in Barrydale
is a well appointed, two bedroomed, self-catering apartment in historical
building in a peaceful Karoo village with stunning village and mountain
views within walking distance to all amenities. Barrydale is a quaint
little village located on the border of the Overberg and Klein Karoo regions
of the Western Cape Province in South Africa. It can be reached from Cape
Town by either the Garden Route (N2) via the scenic Tradouws Pass or the
N1 including the famous wine route R62 via Montagu. Barrydale's history
begins in the early 1700's when farmers moved into the area looking for
fertile lands with water to farm.
Calitzdorp
is a town on the Western side of the Little or Klein Karoo in the Western
Cape Province of South Africa and lies at Latitude 33° 32' 14.59 S
Longitude 21° 41' 6.59 E on South Africa's Route 62. The farm,
on which Calitzdorp stands, was granted to JJ and MC Calitz in 1831. In
1924 a railway line was opened, in 1937 electrification and a new cement
road to Oudtshoorn was completed. The Swartberg (in the North), Rooiberge
(to the South) and the Mountainis of the Huisrivier Pass (to the West)
surrounds Calitzdorp’s challenging landscape with floods, droughts and
extreme weather, from very hot to snow clad mountaintops in the winter.
Summers
are very hot during day, mainly a dry heat, up to 40 C, wind from the sea
every afternoon allows for moderate, cool evenings. Winters have sunny
days, very cold nights with occasional frost and snow often falling on
the surrounding Swartberg Mountain Range. Rainfall is approximately 200
mm per year, often with the changing of seasons. Prevailing winds are mainly
from the south in summer and hot wind from the North in August.
Calitzdorp
is a haven for enthusiasts of fishing, bird-watching, 4x4 and other scenic
routes, horse-riding and wine-tasting.
Calitzdorp
Country House, CALITZDORP Five star Calitzdorp Country
House is the ideal stopover to the Garden Route, only four hours out of
Cape Town and halfway to Port Elizabeth. Conveniently situated on
scenic Route 62, the House is built and run in the style of a gentleman's
country residence. It is positioned on a gentle slope with breathtaking
views of the lush Nel's River valley, across the indigenous garden, swimming
pool, vineyards and orchards to the majestic Swartberg Mountains beyond.
Calitzdorp Country House is extravagantly furnished with original art,
Victorian, French and Cape antiques and Persian rugs on gleaming wooden
floors, all with five star service to match. All rooms are airconditioned
and bathrooms have underfloor heating for cosy winter dalliances in huge
baths big enough for a romantic twosome. In the summer, breakfasts
are served alfresco in the courtyard with its magnificent views, while
the optional four course dinner ...
Die
Dorpshuis, Guesthouse, CALITZDORP Come and have a most relaxing
stay in Die Dorpshuis. Our beautifully decorated en-suite rooms are
equipped with Satellite TV, with coffee/tea. The restaurant is open
around the clock and boasts with mouth-watering traditional home made cooking.
You will experience lots of friendliness and hospitality. As we are
the Port Capital of South Africa, our guests are usually treated with a
free glass of Port before bedtime.
Middelplaas
Self Catering. CALITZDORP Middelplaas is a fully equipped
self catering holiday home that sleeps 4 people comfortably. It is situated
in Matjiesvlei (Matjies Valley), at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountain
Range, only 16km from Calitzdorp. The along with the mixed farming
activities of the valley provide a tranquil atmosphere. The hustle and
bustle of city life melt away - the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Accommodation -For the perfect way to unwind, this restored historical
Klein Karoo cottage is the ideal choice. The main bedroom has a double
bed. All linen is included. The second bedroom has 2 single beds.
The lounge has a big fireplace that can be used for cooking (braai, barbeque)
and heating in winter. The kitchen is equipped with the necessary
basic utensils to make your stay a relaxing one. Cutlery, crockery, kettle,
toaster, fridge/freezer and gas stove also provided. There is a very
nice stoep overlooking the veld. An outside Braai is also provided.
Port
Wine Guest House, CALITZBURG The house (circa 1830) is
situated on a historic street, in the centre of town, between five wine
cellars. Ten luxury rooms, all en-suite with coffee/tea and port wine.
Features and Facilities include: Ten luxury rooms, all en-suite with
coffee/tea and port wine. Four-poster beds for every guest, B&B.
One room for physically disabled. Credit cards accepted. Liquor
license. Dinner on request. Picnic baskets available on request.
Safe parking available. Air-conditioning and ceiling fans.
Swimming pool. Centrally situated, within walking distance to all
in
town.
Montagu is in the
little (Klein) Karoo between Cape Town and the Garden Route with many fine
examples of Cape Dutch architecture. The town is very well known for the
large amount of high quality rock climbing routes in the area. Montagu
is a 2-3 hours drive from Cape Town. Going east on the famous Route
62 will bring you to Oudtshoorn (this is an interesting drive through
the semi-desert Karoo and worth some extra km/miles). Hike along
on of the many tracks in the neighbouring mountains. Two of the nearby
hiking trails start at Joubert Park just at the edge of the town. Get boiled
at the hot springs some 3km out of town. Climb some of the 100's of mainly
sport climbing routes in the area... read
more
20
on Church, Guest House, MONTAGU Nestled
on the foothills of the Langeberg Mountain range in the heart of Montagu,
20 on Church is a picturesque two hour’s drive from Cape Town on the popular
Route 62. This ideal stopover destination between Cape Town and the Garden
Route, offers intrepid travelers a stylish haven to relax and rejuvenate
not often associated with Bed & Breakfast establishments. Surrounded
by majestic mountains in the heart of the Robertson Wine Valley which is
incidentally South Africa’s longest wine route. 20 on Church offers
you the choice of four lavish en-suite bedrooms: one Double, one Queen
or two King sized rooms, one of which opens up into a private garden where
you can enjoy the luxuries of an outside shower.
7
Church Street Guest House, MONTAGU Nestling
peacefully in the heart of Montagu, recently voted South Africa’s Favorite
Village. Our tastefully restored Victorian Luxury Guest House is set in
beautiful park like gardens with a sparkling swimming pool, surrounded
by panoramic mountain views. Amazing sunsets over Kogmans Kloof close
the day and herald glorious majestic star lit evenings in the dry Karoo.
We offer: A Luxurious honeymoon suite with a four-poster bed Tv,
en-suite Victorian bathroom with huge ball and claw bath and separate shower.
The stunning elevated garden-suite with a large and spacious lounge, Tv
and fridge, with a sundeck over looking the herb and indigenous gardens
and mountains, queen sized bed and bathroom with bath and separate shower.
A spacious twin room with en-suite bath and separate shower. A cosy double
room with queen bed and en suite shower set behind the veranda where the
morning sun streams in.
African
Game Lodge, Self-Catering Game Lodge, MONTAGU Welcome
to our world – set amongst the mountains of the Klein Karoo, just outside
Montagu and only 2 ½ hours drive from Cape Town, you can enjoy a
truly African adventure in one of the most serene environments of Southern
Africa. Our Lodge comprises six secluded eco-friendly chalets designed
for your comfort. Each chalet has a fully equipped kitchenett area.
In addition two luxury tented suites are available where comfort is assured.
There are nature drives through a portion of 4,500 hectares of tranquil
landscape, encountering various antelope, birds and unique indigenous flora,
available at a nominal charge. Our pride and joy is our Cheetah Conservation
Project, the star of which is Duma, our tame, two year old, male cheetah.
Come and enjoy watching him play rugby and share in the awesome experience
of interacting with him, up close and personal.
Anchorage
Inn, Luxury B&B/Self-Catering, MONTAGU B&B
and luxury self-catering accommodation. Spacious and attractive cottages
under thatch, superb mountain views, exceptional hospitality. Excellent
value. Let us spoil you with wonderful sunsets, a sparkling pool, cottages
with distinctive character and delicious breakfasts. Walk to the village
centre, enjoy tranquility and champagne air. Safe parking, valuable advice
on surrounding areas and day excursions. Your hosts Joop and Monica
welcome you. We know that you will find excellent accommodation in
most places, beautiful rooms, attention to detail, delicious breakfasts.
SO WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT? We have traveled extensively in our own country
and abroad, and can share valuable information with you on all areas of
South Africa, not only our immediate surrounds.
Dew
Cottage, Self-Catering Cottage, MONTAGU Dew
Cottage is situated on a small working farm nestled at the foot of the
Burgers Pass in the picturesque Keisie valley, 24 kilometers outside of
Montagu. The accommodation is self-catering and can sleep 5 people (1 double
bedroom, 2 children’s single bunk beds, and a single bed in the lounge).
There is a cozy fireplace in the lounge and braai facilities outside.
The cottage is private and comfortable with a large wooden deck overlooking
the farmlands and mountains. Stunning views. Peaceful and romantic. Hiking
and cycling trails and loads more in the surrounding area. Pets are welcome.
Montagu
Vines Guesthouse, MONTAGU Montagu
Vines is situated in the historic conservation area of Montagu. The main
farmhouse was built between 1900 and 1910 and reflects the early Victorian-influenced
Karoo-styled farmhouses of that period. The garden rooms overlook
the wine-producing vineyard and compliment the stately main house. We offer
our guests a taste of old-fashioned comfort and luxury in the town of Montagu
on the world famous “Route 62”. You can relax in the splash pool
set in the tranquil gardens with magnificent old oak and milkwood trees.
Alternatively, you could lounge on the lawns with glorious views of the
vineyards and surrounding mountains, sipping a glass of Chenin Blanc produced
from grapes from our vines.
From
young to old, Barrydale is on the radar of those in need of a haven
for body, mind and spirit. And, indeed, it has always been... The
original inhabitants were drawn to the region´s health-giving properties
at the likes of Warmwaterberg´s hot mineral springs. One William
Patterson first documented the spring in 1778 when he recorded what local
farmers already knew. In establishing the Warmwaterberg Spa as a
sanatorium in 1908, doctors must have recognised their patients´
need for quiet contemplation. With a walk in the labyrinth and South
African Peace Pagoda just 15km from the town towards Ladismith, you will
reconnect and rediscover your inner peace and harmony, in this idyllic
rural setting.
