As I've mentioned in the past few blogs, I intend to experience as many first times as possible and do new things out of the ordinary that I wouldn’t necessarily do. When the chance to visit the Karoo presented itself, I eagerly embraced it. The road trip began at 10am midweek, and a few hours later I arrived. Driving on the N1 is scenic and pleasant, with many places along the way to stop at, like the fully equipped fuel stations where I stocked up on supplies. It was a kaleidoscopic treat to be greeted by beautiful peacocks spreading their colourful feathers on arrival at the Karoo 1, Hex Valley Africamp. There are thirteen glamping tents amidst the mountains equipped with all the amenities that one requires for a comfortable stay, including a personal outdoor hot tub. The resort has many communal areas like a lounge, quad biking tracks, hiking trails, an outdoor pool and a rockpool, as well as a bar and restaurant that has a wood pizza oven, which was the perfect option for the first evening's dinner. I opted for taking the pizza away and enjoying it on the tent deck while watching the sunset. Thereafter I spent considerable time in the hot tub under the stars as nature surrounded me, creating a serene atmosphere. This was the first highlight of the excursion, as I can't recall when last I had a stargazing session, let alone in an outdoor hot tub surrounded by mountains in the middle of the rural countryside. As I sank deeper into the warm water, I felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over me.
I must admit that the first night in the tent was an adjustment, as I found it difficult to fall asleep with the many peculiar sounds of the wild in the background that I’m not accustomed to. Knowing that baboons are roaming the area made me wonder whether they’ll have the nerve to enter the tent’s grounds, and so I didn’t get much sleep.
For brunch the next day, I enjoyed the restaurant’s omelette, and afterwards I took a brief nap and found it easier to fall asleep as the animal noises became more familiar. Management assured me that the baboons hardly ever enter the estate, and with this reassuring knowledge of their absence, I felt a sense of calm. The gentle rustle of leaves and the active chirping of birds created a soothing backdrop, inviting me to unwind and fully embrace the tranquillity of the surroundings.
Next was another highlight as I headed to Aquila Private Game Reserve for a big five safari, which is a twenty-minute drive from the Africamps property. Renowned for wildlife conservation, Aquila is a private game reserve with an accompanying luxurious resort, including a spa. As I arrived, the anticipation of seeing majestic animals in their natural habitat heightened my senses. The thrill of embarking on this adventure promised not only breathtaking views but also a deeper appreciation for the conservation efforts that protect these extraordinary creatures. The safari was phenomenal, and to be in such close proximity to wildlife was incredible. I enjoyed observing all the animals and was fortunate to encounter lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalos, springboks, kudus, zebras, ostriches, hippos and giraffes. Each encounter left me in awe, reminding me of the delicate balance between nature and humanity.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the landscape, I couldn't help but reflect on the importance of preserving these habitats for future generations to cherish. This was an unforgettable experience, and the two-hour safari, as bumpy as the road was, could never be enough. Afterward, I enjoyed their hotel buffet, which was a feast of all sorts of delicious dishes to choose from. Each bite was a celebration of local flavours, and I savoured every moment, grateful for the opportunity to indulge in such culinary delights. As I dined, I realised that these experiences were not just about enjoying the present but also about fostering a deeper connection with the world around me. This was a day to remember forever.
By night two in the glamper, I was able to sleep easier, and by night three, it was a dream. I thoroughly enjoyed all that the estate has to offer. The weather was amazing for the end of winter, and to my surprise, the sun shone most of the time, reaching temperatures of over twenty degrees. It was a lovely, welcomed and unforgettable break, which gave me enough reason to believe that there are lots of awesome things to do in Karoo.
Things to do in Karoo by EJ for EJblogtv
an Enjoyment Journal about Everything EJ
xoxo