This is the land of 250-million-year-old fossils, of hauntingly beautiful Karoo landscapes and inky black star-studded skies. Of tusk-toothed Dicynodonts who roamed the riverbeds long before dinosaurs and well-preserved rock art that tells the story of countless generations who no doubt sat in the welcome shade of the distinctive Shepherd’s Trees to swap hunting stories.
They look out towards the fabled Plains of Camdeboo, across semi-arid landscapes that change from burnt orange at sunset to a myriad layers of slate blue – a mesmerising landscape that’s inspired countless writers and struck the hearts of adventurous travellers.
It took almost 20 years for the owners to find their dream game farm, a discovery that was one of the many benefits of time during the pandemic to reflect on deeply embedded roots and a heritage dating back to the 1820 Settlers in the Eastern Cape on one side, and Spanish heritage on the other.
The couple, who met while students at Oxford, have always had a passion for conservation and community upliftment. Sights were set high, having been involved in the World Wildlife Fund for over two decades, as well as Ubuntu Pathways, an Eastern Cape nonprofit organisation. The entire family believe in the importance of connecting with nature, so when the land adjacent to an old boarding school friend’s farm became available, they jumped at the opportunity to invest in what they knew would be a Karoo gem, and where they could escape the high-paced bustle of their American lives and simply let go.
‘It is heaven on earth. It’s hard to go there and not fall in love with the land. It embraces you, “hugs” us when we arrive,’ say the family. ‘That’s what we wanted to capture in the lodge.’
‘Given its remote location the game farm has remained truly unspoilt, which is quite extraordinary. Located in the Rooiberg Mountains – a place of spiritual energy, where not only do you feel peace, but it fills you with joy. It’s really that beautiful. It doesn’t matter what time of year you are there, there’s always something to fall in love with. And of course, you feel the great expanse of the Karoo – and there hasn’t been a time when we haven’t enjoyed the dry heat,’ say the owners.
‘We wanted family and friends to experience the difference – hike, climb, explore in the game vehicle, on bikes or on foot. Everywhere is just buzzing with life. It’s special to walk in the bush among the aloes, succulents and spekboom.’ Equally precious are the 700- to 800-year-old Shepherd’s Trees with their gnarled white trunks and some of the world’s deepest tap roots.
‘The most important thing about the interiors was to create a relaxing retreat where you want to spend time with those you love. It was very important for us to create a sense of peace when you walk in. Life is fast-paced so giving yourself the opportunity to recharge is so important. So, when you arrive here you instantly feel at peace.’
Interiors inspired by timeless Karoo vistas and nature
‘For the lodge interior we chose muted colours as we felt it really important to bring the outdoors in with touches of “feminine colour” offsetting the gentle background of earthy hues. In the master suite, we have pops of orange reminiscent of aloe blossom and blue for the clear Karoo skies, whereas the room next door enjoys a muted raspberry, seen in the flowers and the sunsets through that window.
’It’s a house for all seasons, with heated bedrooms and a generous hearth for winter, but one of the joys of being here in summer is walking barefoot on luxurious solid-wood floors.
The entire 8 500ha malaria-free game farm is self-sufficient and off-the-grid. ‘You could thrive here without having to leave. We get the opportunity to stretch time when you’re there, which we love. For those who appreciate creature comforts, small indulgences and an attention to detail, the bathrooms and kitchen are a delight … right in the middle of this truly magnificent bush.
Ultimately, you constantly feel relaxed and can live with less and as part of nature.’ There are so many areas to sit outdoors, whether it’s on the wraparound verandah with its extraordinary Karoo views or around a fire down at the boma – laid-back spaces to reconnect with families, be with friends.
Guests are hosted by Lynda and Garth, whose families farmed in the Karoo for generations and still own the adjacent property, but now live in the farm’s original Cape Dutch farmhouse. It dates back to between 1830-1860 so the English-Dutch gardens surrounding it are magnificent and tended to lovingly by Lynda. For the new lodge, horticulturist James Fisk has guided the more contemporary indigenous planting that softens the beautiful stonework done by local stonemasons.
A study of endangered and rare succulents is underway, building on the early research here of John Acocks, botanist and author of Veld Types of South Africa. His framed handwritten field notes, dating back to 1965, can be found in the living room.
It is here, in the heart of the new Shepherd’s Tree Lodge, that all the passions of the owners will be shared with guests: private dinners at the lodge with the country’s most fascinating experts in wildlife conservation, prehistoric fossils, rare succulents, local tequila and Eastern Cape history will become one of the defining reasons to travel across the world to discover this ancient and seductive land called the Karoo.
Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon