It’s been said before, and we shall say it again, there are few places on earth quite like the Karoo. Tankwa River Lodge encapsulates the essence of the Northern Cape’s rugged wilderness. In every authentic bone of its build, the hideaway has propagated its charm and charisma, bringing Riverstone Cottage to its own fruition. A bona fide farm dwelling, declaring itself as the most sincere sibling to the lodge, settled on the majestic 2,600-hectare reserve.

The sheer expanse of the landscape engulfs the open-plan living, dining and reclining spaces of the cottage. The air wafting through the open doors and across the stone surfaces. Catching its wings on the blades of the spinning fans, dancing across the flames of the fireplaces, and lifting the tips of water that ripple down the river. The light lands in its natural fashion, casting shadows across the beds’ linen, and the bathrooms’ floors.

The interiors are in keeping with the sentiment of the land. Like its sibling 800m up the road, everything is comfy and cosy, textural, and mirroring the tones of the landscape. Two perfectly-size bedrooms and three bathrooms will accommodate four of the Karoo clan. You might be an extension of the gathering at the lodge, or you might just be a small group of companions, going off grid. Exploring the great wonderment of this mesmerising portion of South Africa. You can settle completely independently from the main lodge.

When the landscape carries the conversation

Depending on the time of year, your visit may revolve around fireside games and feasting. Plenty of resting and reading and reconnecting. If it’s winter, you’ll be wise to elect the right time of day to venture out on your own nature drives and bike rides. Hikes and swims, sun hats and woolly socks at the ready. If it’s summer, you’ll be even wiser with those times. The days get hot, but the nights do still bring the chill.

Yes, you have the seasonal river for dipping into and boat building from nature’s deposits. Races down the gentle rapids that crown the clan’s competitions. But there’s also the plunge pool for longer hours of water wading. Hats on heads, drinks in hands. There’s always enough ice to keep the mint from wilting. And the spectacular views will never fail to keep the hearty conversations from flowing.

At times, when you’re not out gallivanting or gathered around the tables indulging, snoozing beneath the fans or tending to some more chapters of the book, you’ll be planted on the verandah. Rooted to the built-in sofas with a pair of binoculars. Spotting the resident wildlife that graze and casually saunter right in front. Like the springbok and gemsbok that love a morning check-in.

And the family of mongooses that are delightfully sociable. Over 180 different species of birdlife soaring the great expanse of blue. The mountains that are snow-capped in winter, always effervescent in their differing shades. And then, when night falls, as the sun moves west, leaving her trail of crimson hues across the skies, the stars become the new talking point. Those hearty conversations turning into life-changing revelations. Reaffirming the sentiment that there is nowhere on earth, quite like the Karoo.

Written by Colleen Ogilvie