There are few places in the world where the silence of the surrounding can bring all of those internal feels to life. The hum of your drum, the stillness to your stride, and the gentle pacifying of the pulse. The Klein Karoo has that rare ability to communicate with you, without any words. A soothing conversation so profound, it transforms the rhythm of your heartbeat. As nature takes the lead, and you simply follow.
Settled on 4900 hectares of a luxury, private game reserve, perched above the Miertjieskraal Dam, Berghuisie redefines the meaning of escapism. A one-bedroomed sanctuary for two, or for the fortunate solo traveller who understands the pleasure of solitude. It’s just you, your chosen companion, and the vast expanse of Aardvark Bioreserve. Gazing out towards the mountains, where the clouds occasionally roll in like slow theatre. Reclining on the terrace, listening to the fish eagles call. Alongside the sociable chatter from the barbets, the babblers, the starlings and the sunbirds. As the light shifts through its daily alchemy.
There’s little to do at your lovely eco cottage, other than travel with the sensational views. Absorbing the invigorating Karoo air, and succumbing to the simplicity of existence. Engaging in that riveting conversation with nature. A dip in the plunge pool, then the Kolkol. A snooze on the day beds, and long lingering baths beside the fireplace. Another feast around the table. All the things you’ve sourced from the mammoth herb and vegetable garden. Strawberries and figs, beetroots, carrots, peppers and potatoes. Mint, basil, chilli, and thyme. The works of the soil, on your table, plucked in accordance with your palates.
While Berghuisie offers an extensive list of farm produce, we are in essence self catering. Prior to your arrival, you can request to have your fridge and shelves stocked with delicious home-cooked meals, at an extra cost. Fresh fruit, herbs, vegetables, and quality olive oil. All the essentials. Locally-sourced springbuck, lamb, eland, kudu, chicken and ostrich for the braai. Pickled peppers, farm bread, cheese and chutneys. The list goes on. Lest we forget the milk tart, malva pudding, baked crumbles, and bottled Karoo Brew.
Where stillness speaks with sincerity
Spending time at Berghuisie gently glides by like the birds do. You choose when to go hiking, mountain biking, on wild flower walks and sun-downer drives. You share the land with the zebras, the giraffe, the ostriches, antelope and aardvark. As well as the prolific birdlife. So it’s likely you’ll encounter game along your routes. It’s the Klein Karoo, the quiet heart of South Africa. A land so rich in life that seventy per cent of the world’s succulents call it home. The landscape is artwork in motion, and you are one of its brushstrokes.
Speaking of which, an art gallery on the farm gathers the spirit of the Karoo’s artists. From the earliest Khoisan storytellers, to contemporary visionaries inspired by the same land; significant pieces occupy this space. On certain weekends, music spills through the open rooms, with live jazz and classical piano tunes, wafting out across the landscape.
Whatever your motive for travel, Berghuisie evokes a unique exchange with the environment you’re occupying. It’s an intimate encounter with the land, the history, the culture and the art. The food, the silence, and something ineffably human. Under skies that are blanketed with stars by night. You’ll understand why people never really leave the Karoo. They take a part of it home with them, until they return.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie