Best Places to Stay in Upper Karoo ~ Don’t think you’re going to manage the Karoo South Africa in one visit. Because you’re not.
For starters it takes up a substantial chunk of the innerlands of South Africa – its full extent not obviously defined (for instance there are no road signs stating ‘Karoo’), although you’ll know you’re there by its cloudless skies, low rainfall, propensity for little towns, lots of sheep, and extreme heat and cold.
The further north you go, the more difficult the roads become to navigate.
And once you’ve got a taste for the Karoo you’ll be back for more. It’s a living testament to many South Africans’ retirement mantra:
“A little Karoo ‘huisie’ with a front stoep – just me, the veld and my kopje”.
Best places to stay in Upper Karoo …
South Africa’s Karoo is broadly divided by the Swartberg Mountains into the Great and Little Karoo.
The northern extent of the Karoo has no definite boundary other than an increasingly arid environment that eventually merges with the savannah and grasslands of the Highveld and the uninhabited nether reaches of the Northern Cape.
The Little Karoo, just so you know, is a lot smaller, hemmed in by mountain ranges on all sides. It’s better described as a 300 km valley wedged between two sets of mountains – the Swartberg and the Langeberg-Outeniqua ranges.
The upper Karoo, the subject of this blog, is the still northern reaches of the Great Karoo – as far into the Karoo as you can get, really, and as close as you’ll get to a description of ‘outback’ in South Africa.
Here is our pick of the best places to stay in upper Karoo South Africa: They range from farm stays to boutique hotels in Northern Cape’s little towns.
Boutique Guest House, De Aar
This lively and pleasingly trendy guesthouse makes venturing into the otherwise not overly exciting little town of De Aar (on the border with the Free State) a welcome respite.
You’re close to a list of nature reserves and a Garden of Remembrance, as well as several San rock art sites on neighbouring farms.
Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm, Nieuwoudtville
A farm on a plateau perched between the West Coast and the Namaqualand where indigenous bulbs burst into bloom at the first mention of spring.
Think natural cool rock pools, waterfall, hiking trails, MTB trails and San rock art.
Sweetfontein Farm Lodge, Britstown
There’s nothing country bumpkin-like about this farm stay, just outside Britstown (nearest towns: De Aar and Vosburg), with its modern furnishings, emphasis on comfort and access to Wi-Fi.
And there’s that view from the porch…
De Herberg Lodge in De Aar
De Herberg Lodge is located the Upper Karoo in the Northern Cape and offers accommodation in De Aar for up to forty four guests.
The lodge is a two hour drive from the Rolfontein Nature Reserve.
Osfontein Guest Farm, Carnarvon
This is your chance to stay in a corbelled house – originally built by the 1800 Voortrekkers – so grab it with both hands. Nothing but you, the sky and silence.
If that doesn’t grab you, then the converted stone shed or the treehouse overlooking a dam will.
The Artist Cottage, Sutherland
We like Sutherland (you can probably tell, as this artistically decorated gem is the third option for a stay in town) because it serves as a good weekend escape for Capetonians, as well as a perfect diversion for those travelling the N1 between major cities.
Moonlight Manor, Victoria West
If you haven’t yet visited the little historical village of Victoria West, make it something you do as it’s an easy overnight stop, not too far off the N1.
It’s famous for its vintage furniture stores, echoed in this venue with its period furniture and wooden floors.
Letsatsi Game Lodge, Smithfield
Smithfield lies on the furthest western edge of the Karoo in the Free State. It’s a quaint little town. This beautiful game lodge is described as a ‘little piece of heaven on earth’ with breathtaking views out over the surrounding hills and valleys.
The bush camp can only be reached by a descending wooden staircase with observation decks the whole way down.]
Siloam Lodge, Jacobsdal
About 18 km outside of town are four thatched chalets overlooking a waterhole, and a family unit.
The beauty of the venue is best enjoyed whilst bass fishing, trail running, mountain biking or swimming. Spot the wildlife.
Muggefontein, Fraserburg
Reaching Fraserburg entails a set of sturdy tyres (with at least two spares in the boot) but it’s worth it for the quiet and typical Karoo stillness you’ll experience.
Muggefontein is a working merino wool sheep and olive farm on which you can stay in a three-bedroom farmhouse – true country living.
Apollis Cottage, Springbok
To reach Apollis Cottage you’ll need to travel 9km of dirt road, but the views out over the stony hills of the Namaqualand are more than worth it.
Considered the flower capital of Namaqualand, Springbok is a good stop to visit the Skilpad Wildflower Nature Reserve and Augrabies Nature Reserve.
Beach House, Port Nolloth
By the time you’ve reached the coastal town of Port Nolloth you’re in the furthest north western extremity of the Karoo.
We think this 1870s house, divided into two units, with nothing between you and the Atlantic, is a perfect end to a Karoo experience.
Explore More
- You might also like to read: 10 oddities that make the upper Karoo so special.
- Find more Accommodation in Upper Karoo
- Accommodation in Northern Cape