Mount Camdeboo Private Game Lodge
Privately owned and with a passion for conservation, Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve is home to numerous endangered species that have been successfully rehabilitated and reintroduced into South Africa’s malaria-free Great Karoo. Experience a personalised safari in a region that is steeped in history and culture. Accommodation forms three historic and beautifully restored Cape Dutch houses and two luxurious PODS located on the Camdeboo Plains
Experiences
Abundant in history and nature, the town of Graaff-Reinet provides a peaceful getaway from the bustle of everyday life. A mere 45 minute drive away from Mount Camdeboo, Graaff-Reinet boasts many interesting and unique activities.
Camdeboo Manor
Camdeboo Manor has four luxuriously appointed double bedroom suites which offer guests a truly private experience. And should the call of nature tug at their soul – they can simply slip out of their private patio doors onto a secluded courtyard and into the lush established garden that stands like an oasis in the desert heat. The fourth suite, referred to as the honeymoon suite, is situated in Camdeboo Manor’s beautiful gardens, in what was originally the Gate House to the Manor.
Situated in a secluded part on the Camdeboo Plains you will find two eco-friendly PODs that blend in seamlessly with the natural landscape, providing every comfort while leaving a light environmental footprint. The PODS are unfenced offering guest a unique opportunity to be fully immersed in nature. The PODS include a luxurious Queen bed that looks out onto the Camdeboo Plains, en-suite bathroom, kitchenette and hot tub – the perfect escape for couples, honeymooners and wildlife lovers.
The pods are available for booking as an add-on experience when booking your stay at Mount Camdeboo.
Hillside Manor
Resting slightly higher on the Sneeuberg Mountain slopes than its counterparts, Hillside Manor offers magnificent sweeping valley views. Slightly more “modern” than the other manors on the Reserve, this mountain retreat dates back to the early 1900s. Tastefully renovated, Hillside Manor is used to accommodate overflow from Camdeboo Manor when required. It is an ideal family option for group bookings with modern living spaces and three double en suite bedrooms. Given that the Hillside Manor property is unwalled, it is not uncommon to entertain surprise guests courtesy of Mother Nature.
Courtyard Manor
Dating back to the late 1700s, Courtyard Manor is a gracious, double gabled homestead wrapped in a deep veranda. Comprising four tastefully appointed en-suite bedroom suites, the manor honours its original name of Ou Werf (a bustling village square) as it is well suited to accommodating a private party where sociability and smiles feel right at home.
Peppertree Cottage
Situated in a secluded part of Camdeboo Manor’s beautiful gardens, Peppertree offers a romantic setting for honeymooners or couples seeking privacy. The spacious cottage features a King-size bed, fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, kitchenette and a private garden.
Historical Graaff-Reinet Tour
Take a guided walk through the architectural Gem of the Karoo. Visit landmarks & monuments including Reinet House, the Drostdy, the Dutch Reformed Church & the Graaff-Reinet Club where bullet holes in the bar-counter reveal a fascinating past.
Camdeboo National Park Driekoppe 4×4 Trail
An adventure into the remote and rugged mountains of the little visited 11 000 ha eastern sector of the Park. Explore a world f rocky ravines with breathtaking views over the plains of Camdeboo. Track down the rare Cape Mountain Zebra and experience a true Karoo mountain wilderness. Other wildlife often seen includes Chacma Baboon, Kudu and Klipspringer. Optional hiking trail in Fonteinkloof. Optional picnic lunch.
Camdeboo National Park Night Drive
Depart after sunset, once it is dark enough for the powerful spotlights to become effective. An exciting opportunity to see the more elusive nocturnal creatures such as Aardwolf, Genet, Bat-eared Fox, Caracal, Aardvark and Cape Eagle Owl, as well as some of the larger mammals like Buffalo. Experience the sights and sounds of the Karoo at night with the southern stars above you.
Camdeboo National Park Nature Walk
Take a walk on the wild side on old antelope trails through the ancient Karoo landscape. Learn about medicinal plants, unique flora and ancient geology. See the spoor of Cape Mountain Zebra, Kudu and other antelope. Touch, taste & experience the Karoo like never before.
Mountain Zebra National Park Tour
Take a drive over the Sneeuberg to this 28 000 ha park. From the extensive grassland plateau one is afforded panoramic mountain vistas where large numbers of Zebra, Blesbok, Black Wildebeest, Springbok, Eland and Red Hartebeest abound. The reintroduction of Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino, Cheetah and Lion make this park well worth a visit. Optional picnic or main camp lunch. All tours above can be booked through Mount Camdeboo Reservations and are offered by Karoo Connections.
Camdeboo National Park Game Drive
Experience incredible open landscapes in this 19 000 ha park. Game to be seen includes Kudu, Black Wildebeest, Oryx, Red Hartebeest, Cape Mountain Zebra, Cape Buffalo, Springbok, Eland, Vervet Monkeys and Meerkats. Birdlife abounds and Blue Crane and Denham’s Bustard can often be seen.
Valley Of Desolation Sundowner Tour
Experience this hauntingly beautiful geological formation with spectacular 120m high columns of ancient eroded volcanic rock that stand sentinel over the endless, parched Plains of Camdeboo. Panoramic views over Graaff-Reinet are also afforded. Wildlife commonly seen on this tour includes Kudu, Cape Mountain Zebra, Mountain Reedbuck and the majestic Verreaux’s Eagle with their 2m wingspan.
Umasizakhe Township Tour
Experience this vibrant and friendly community and learn about Ubuntu and the Xhosa language & culture. Take a guided walk through the township streets, visit a local project and/or a school and see the historical Royal Block. On a Sunday, one can attend a church service and hear a traditional or gospel choir.
Bushmen Rock Art & Gondwanaland Fossil Tour
In the Sneeuberg is a sheltered, well-watered oasis; hidden high up on the inhospitable plateau where man has lived, hunted, & survived for thousands of years. Take a walk to the nearby rock-paintings, see hundreds of Bushman artefacts, learn about their vanished culture & take a fascinating guided tour of the extensive fossil museum where the Karoo palaeontol¬ogy is explained. Optional lunch.
Nieu Bethesda & Owl House Tour
Half or full day with Rock Art tour
Take a scenic drive to this picturesque & secluded village in the Sneeuberg little changed by time. Visit the Owl House; the eccentric Helen Martins’ fantasy world of glass & concrete and take a walk through the quaint dusty streets. Relax at a craft brewery or a coffee shop, take in an art gallery or two and see the talents of emerging township artists at the Bethesda Arts Centre. Optional lunch at local restaurant.