The Karoo is an incredible region of South Africa. It falls between three provinces, has a host of incredible attractions and landscapes dotted about, and lays claim to numerous species of wildlife. If you’re a lover of open skies, winding mountain passes, fresh air, and country hospitality, here is one possible route to experience the best of the Eastern Cape’s Karoo.

Day One

Where: Willowmore
Why: Best entry to Baviaanskloof, wildlife spotting, timeless rural lifestyle

This charming Karoo town is the starting point of your driving route and the entry point into the Baviaanskloof region (Dutch for Valley of Baboons) for those coming from the Western Cape. The vast wilderness surrounding the town is made up of lush landscapes and rocky crags, numerous hiking trails, and scenic drives that are recommended to be done very slowly in cars that don’t have a 4×4’s sturdiness. While here, ensure you visit the beautiful Baviaanskloof Conservation Area, which features winding paths between the mountainous scenery, natural veld and flora, and plenty of wildlife, from baboons and buffaloes, to zebras and kudu.

Stay at: Blue Hill Escape is situated a half hour’s drive outside of Willowmore, on the Western Cape side of the border. This accommodation is well situated for day trips into the surroundings and offers a tranquil escape for those weary of the city. Guests can stay on a B&B or a self-catering basis.

Day Two

Where: Aberdeen
Why: Variety of architecture through the ages, wool and mohair produce

Only an hour and a half outside of Willowmore is the town of Aberdeen, known for the wool and mohair products created here. It is set below the towering Camdeboo Mountains, and the town is filled with buildings bearing Victorian, Gothic, German, Art Nouveu, Karoo, and Flemish Revival architecture. You can choose to head straight to Graaff-Reinet for a day of exploring, or heading to your accommodation for some rest and relaxation.

Stay at: Eenzaamheid Holiday Farm is set within the Camdeboo Conservancy between Aberdeen and Graaff-Reinet. Here, you can expect a friendly working-farm environment, picturesque gardens, a swimming pool, and a cosy cottage stay.

Day Three

Where: Graaff-Reinet
Why: Valley of Desolation, more national monuments than any other town

Considered by many to be the heart of the Karoo, Graaff-Reinet offers visitors a unique mixture of ancient history, and modern conveniences. Here, you can stroll up and down the historic streets and find national monuments on almost every corner – it is renowned for having more national monuments than any other South African town or city. While here, ensure you visit the incredible Valley of Desolation, made up of dolerite pillars that look as if they’re defying gravity – you’ll get some great photograph opportunities while exploring here. Also, stop-in at the Dutch Reformed Church, believed to be the only church in South Africa, and possibly the world, to have both a kitchen and a chimney.

Stay at: Beau & I is a family-run B&B that proves warm hospitality and elegant surroundings. The rooms are equipped with all a traveller could require, and breakfasts are served on the patio which is decorated with indigenous and exotic potted plants.

Day Four

Where: Cradock
Why: Ostrich farms, hot springs

Almost two-hours away from Graaff-Reinet is the town of Cradock, situated next to the Mountain Zebra National Park – which is well worth a day visit. Here, you can explore peaceful streets, and enjoy the local culture, food, and laid-back attitudes. There are numerous hot springs in the area, and tourists weary of hiking can rest their tired muscles in the soothing mineral-rich waters.  You can also visit the grave of Harry Potter – likely not the JK Rowling one – a beloved husband who passed away at the age of 46, in 1910. If you get the opportunity, you should definitely visit an ostrich farm, where amongst other things, you’ll likely learn about the history of exporting ostrich products to the international market.

Stay at: Heritage House Bed & Breakfast offers visitors a quaint home-styled stay in cosy rooms, and they are situated in one of the oldest streets in Cradock making them ideal for visitors who plan to explore the town on foot.

Day Five

Where: Somerset East
Why: Walter Whall Battiss art collection, the Blue Crane Route, historical buildings

An hour away from Craddock, you will discover a quaint town that is a hub of arts and culture, with plenty of heritage sites scattered throughout it. Take a hike in the Boschberg Nature Reserve which has lush wooded forests filled with bird-watching opportunities, and numerous waterfalls dotted throughout. There are also a variety of dams in the area, stocked with various fish including trout. Visit the Walter Battiss Museum that houses the same-named artist’s collection, which he donated to the people of Somerset East in 1981. You’ll see a large variety of roses here, which many claim are the finest roses in the country. If you’re a biltong lover, come for the annual Biltong Festival held in mid-July, or just take a drive along the Blue Crane Route.

Stay at: Angler and Antelope Guest House, offers visitors a quiet country stay, classified with pastoral scenes and fishing opportunities. Their room variety is affordable, offering luxury through to budget, and each room is beautifully decorated.

From Somerset East, you can take a five-hour drive back to the Western Cape, or keep driving and discover some other Eastern Cape Karoo gems. What’s your recommended route?

Main image courtesy of michael clarke stuff (Flickr)