Wide open spaces, the smell of dry shrubs lingering in the air, the dusty gravel roads and pink and orange coloured sunsets and sunrises…

If you need an escape from it all you cannot go wrong with the Karoo. This region holds a special place in people’s hearts and is the perfect place where you can recuperate after a challenging season. That is why TravelGround has rounded up some airy Karoo cottages for you to visit when you need the world to fall away.

The Place

Ladismith, Western Cape

Secluded in a beautiful valley between Ladismith and Riversdal, lies The Place. There are two free-standing cottages on the farm and each self-catering cottage promises an unforgettable Karoo escape! The Studio has a view of the Touws River Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. Red Rock Cottage is situated at the foot of a red sandstone outcrop which provides a sheltered location. Both cottages have their own plunge pools and outdoor spaces with outdoor furniture for you to enjoy the spectacular environment.

Electricity: Yes
Extras: A healthy breakfast can be purchased when available and freshly-baked olive and rosemary bread is always available to order.

Click here to view the rates.

Steynskraal Gasteplaas

Beaufort West, Western Cape

Steynskraal Gasteplaas offers accommodation in two beautifully-restored cottages on a working farm in the Karoo and it is known for its true Karoo hospitality and charm. Die Skooltjie is a quaint one-bedroom cottage that accommodates two adults and one child. Die Stal is a two-bedroom cottage that sleeps four adults. Both units have an open-plan kitchen that will give you a true farm experience with Dover stoves. Here you can breathe in the fresh air and just relax!

Electricity: Yes
Extras: Pets are allowed by prior arrangement.

Click here to view the rates.

Soetdoring Selfsorg

Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

Whether you want to enjoy a romantic getaway or a family holiday, these cottages are ideal for you! Soetdoring Selfsorg offers rustic, wooden cottages on a farm near Oudtshoorn. They are equipped for self-catering and open onto lovely patios with outdoor seating, braai facilities and gorgeous views of the Outeniqua Mountains! Each cottage has air-conditioning for the hot Karoo summers and since it can get quite chilly during winter, there are also cosy fireplaces to warm you up. The farm offers easy access to Oudtshoorn and this is the perfect accommodation if you want to explore this wonderful area.

Electricity: Yes
Extras: Daily cleaning service at an extra fee.

Click here to view the rates.

Plaas Wegbreek

Barrydale, Western Cape

This fruit farm is ideally situated on the famous Route 62 and is perfect for families who want to enjoy a true farm experience. The air is filled with the smell of fruit orchards and they offer the most beautiful view when in bloom during spring! There are three freestanding cottages of different sizes and each cottage offers a comfortable stay. The Appelhuis is the largest cottage and sleeps seven guests, Withuis sleeps four guests and Damhuis is a more rustic stay for four guests. You can enjoy relaxing walks on the farm and explore some of the nearby attractions.

Electricity: Yes, however, please note that the Damhuis has no electricity, only solar panels for hot water and lights.
Extras: Pets are allowed by prior arrangement.

Click here to view the rates.

Matjiesvlei Cottages

Calitzdorp, Western Cape

Matjiesvlei Cottages are situated on a farm near Calitzdorp at the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains. They are tucked away in a quiet valley where you can truly escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are three cosy, self-catering cottages dotted along the riverside and they offer the most beautiful views of the landscape. Each cottage is equipped with air-conditioning for the warm summers and fireplaces for when the cold strikes. The area is renowned for stargazing because of the lack of city lights, so enjoy your evenings beneath the star-filled Karoo sky! 

Electricity: Yes
Extras: Please note there is no cellphone reception in the area, but free Wi-Fi is provided.

Click here to view the rates.

Karoo Stilte

Beaufort West, Western Cape

Karoo Stilte offers picturesque accommodation on a working farm near the town of Beaufort West. This self-catering cottage is beautifully furnished and offers cosy accommodation to two guests. The unit has lamps and candles that create a romantic ambience. It also features an undercover patio where guests can light a fire and experience the stars as only seen in the Karoo. You can enjoy a swim in the dam from where the irrigation on the premises is done. Karoo Stilte is the perfect place to experience peacefulness with a beautiful view of the Karoo. 

Electricity: There is some electricity in the unit, that is generated by the sun, but any appliances that have a heating element cannot be used.
Extras: A cot can be arranged at an extra fee.

Click here to view the rates.

Wolvekraal Guest House

Prince Albert, Western Cape

Prince Albert personifies the Klein Karoo and all it has to offer and Wolvekraal Guest House, situated just outside this quaint town, is the perfect Karoo escape! There are four cottages on this working farm and each cottage is equipped with everything you need for a relaxing break. Please note that there are no TVs in the cottages, but that gives you more time to sit on the patio and marvel at the towering Swartberg Mountains and landscape in front of you while you sip on your morning coffee or enjoy spectacular sunsets. 

Electricity: Yes, gas and paraffin lamps are also provided.
Extras: Firewood is provided.

Click here to view the rates.

Klein Riviertjie

Beaufort West, Western Cape

With nothing but Karoo shrubs and koppies around you, Klein Riviertjie is the perfect hideout in the heart of the Karoo about an hour’s drive from Beaufort West! This simple yet comfortable cottage sleeps four guests and features a true Karoo kitchen with an AGA stove and a gas fridge. The patio is where you will spend most of your time, as it boasts hammock chairs and a small plunge pool in the middle of a dry and arid environment. And if you want to enjoy more of the outdoors, there is an outdoor shower! 

Electricity: Yes, but there is a gas stove and gas fridge.
Extras: The splash pool is only filled during summer if there is sufficient water supply.

Click here to view the rates.

Tamboershoek

Fraserburg, Northern Cape

Tamboershoek near Fraserburg offers a real off-the-grid experience on a sheep and game farm in the heart of the Northern Cape. The cottage features two en-suite bedrooms and an open-plan living area with a fireplace for the cold winter nights. There is also a braai and a plunge pool outside. This farm is a nature lovers’ dream with vast open spaces, game and birds. You are welcome to explore the beautiful farm on foot or by bicycle. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended to reach the farm. 

Electricity: No, there are oil lamps for lighting and a gas geyser for hot water.
Extras: Please note that there is no cellphone reception or Wi-Fi. 

Click here to view the rates.

Joel’s Off-the-grid Cottage

Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

Tucked away on the Groot Swartberg Mountains in the Klein Karoo is a gorgeous cottage for four. This romantic unit is beautifully furnished and equipped with everything you need for a comfortable break. This cottage boasts a unique outside bathing area which uses natural spring water. There is also an indoor donkey heating system for hot water that backs up as a fireplace for those cold winter nights. The veranda has braai facilities and there is a hanging meditation chair on the other side of the farmhouse on a hill. Enjoy the best of the Klein Karoo on this farm, with five different biomes from fynbos to Karoo succulents and Karoo thicket.

Electricity: Yes
Extras: Pets are allowed by arrangement.

Click here to view the rates.

So, escape the hustle and bustle of the city, pick your favourite quaint cottage and book today. The Karoo is calling!

Feature image: The Place (TravelGround)

This blog was originally written by Daniëlle Terblanche.