WHAT GUESTS SAY

Although we have visited the Klein [Small] Karoo many times, we have only twice driven through the Groot [Great] Karoo, once a trip to Johannesburg from Cape Town, and back some time later. We have often promised ourselves a more in-depth visit to the Great Karoo and last week we managed to do just that.

In order to arrive at our destination of Sutherland with time to visit an observatory that night, we decided to take the N1 on the forward journey. Despite the utter magnificence of the scenery throughout the initial drive, the journey was spoilt slightly because of the frustration caused by the huge, double-trailer haulage lorries that seem to inhabit the roads day and night; sometimes four such vehicles would drive in convoy, thus making overtaking or proper viewing impossible. We had intended to take the inland route on the return journey and this experience on the N1 reinforced this choice and persuaded us to avoid that highway whenever possible in the future.

As we neared Touws River we were becoming rather hungry so looked out for a place to stop for luncheon. Naturally in this environment, we had travelled many miles without finding anywhere to eat, so were massively relieved to notice a series of very professional looking signs on the roadside advertising a place called the Karoo Hotel Village. As the signs advertised conference facilities, weddings and other major events, we were not too interested, as we had been looking for a quiet Karoo café where we could enjoy a simple meal of Karoo lamb. However, needs must when the Devil drives, so we decided to seek out this venue in the hope of finding some decent food.

After locating the entrance to the Karoo Hotel Village we drove down a lengthy dusty track until we located what turned out to be the most intriguing establishment, unimaginable in such a setting. The owner of the land and buildings, Willy Woestyn, is in fact an architect and clearly also a visionary. He is a man possessed of exceptional flair and design sense who has created a treasure trove of eclectic interest in the middle of nowhere. The vast, open rooms of the Karoo Hotel Village are packed, but tastefully so, with his treasures collected over many years in every continent. The buildings and many of the objects have a distinct Moroccan flavour---or could that be Spanish? Interspersed with beautiful antiques from Europe are many examples of the best of African art and culture. An impressive art gallery is soon to be opened which promises to hold an interesting collection of spectacular international works of art. As the place is relatively new there was time for the staff, and also the owner who happened to be on site, to take us around the fabulous array of 30 exquisite eco-designed bedrooms and suites, the natural swimming pool hewn out of the rocks, the superb dining areas, and much, much more. All members of staff are delightfully helpful and friendly because they feel ownership of and pride in the establishment. Much of the African craftwork and paintings is done by local people living on the Karoo Hotel Village. We had drinks in the large and beautifully decorated bar before lunching on tender Karoo lamb in the al fresco restaurant. The fumes of the ugly lorries cruising the N1 seemed miles away. We were very tempted to stay for the night but my partner is a keen amateur astronomer and wanted very much to reach Sutherland so that we could observe the stars in the clear, clean skies above this small dorp. We had also booked accommodation in Sutherland. 

As the Karoo Hotel Village brochure claims, the architectural excellence and traditions blend beautifully. Definitely a place for a wonderful and restful break in an idyllic setting amongst the fynbos.