Travellers longing for a true escape into the heart of South Africa’s semi-desert can look to a range of distinctive Karoo hideaways, each offering a unique experience of the region’s stillness and beauty. These retreats promise not just comfortable accommodation but a chance to immerse oneself in wide horizons, unspoilt vistas, and authentic farm hospitality.

The Tankwa River Lodge, nestled in the Tankwa Karoo National Park, is a haven for those seeking solitude beneath vast star-filled skies. Its isolated setting by a dry riverbed offers deep tranquillity far from city life. In Barrydale, De Hoek’s whitewashed cottages and orchard views set a gentle, welcoming pace for families and friends, making it a favourite for those after laid-back country comfort.

Adventure-seekers may be drawn to Camp Karoo, where canvas tents and open-air showers put guests in touch with Kleinpoort’s rugged landscape, while evenings by the firepit revive the simple joys of outdoor living. Shepherd’s Tree Lodge near Graaff-Reinet opens onto a private reserve with roaming wildlife and sweeping koppie views, perfect for nature lovers. Swartberg House, close to Prince Albert, stands proud against the mountains, pairing stone and glass to frame epic vistas and accommodate larger groups seeking privacy.

Each of these destinations provides a distinctive window into the Karoo, showing that escape and renewal can be found in South Africa’s wild open spaces.