How about a blissful weekend in the rugged mountains near Montagu in the most beautiful Out-of-Africa style cabin and luxury safari tent? Hidden in a secret and enclosed valley at the end of a dirt road, in a landscape strewn with hardy pink and yellow flowers blooming between lichen-covered rocks, is the delightful Karoo Cabin – a mere 20 minutes off Route 62. With the only ‘signpost’ being a blue cloth tied to a pole, I was sold before we’d even arrived.
What follows is no ordinary meet-and-greet: your host is the affable Joseph Mkochi, who welcomes you in with a flourish. At this point the late afternoon light is likely to be perfection in the little cabin, a magical setting for sun downers. Forgotten the G&T? Rest assured, he has you sorted. Lemon too. And the soundtrack, if you’re in the mood!
With days hitting a summery 37 degrees, a shared bubble bath under the stars that night on the deck was the ultimate spoil. In fact, it was a similar view – from the copper bath at Bobbejaansberg, one of our much-loved Perfect Hideaways properties in Barrydale – that inspired the owners to set up their own special retreat in the bush. Surrounded by mountains, there isn’t a city light to be seen and only the sound of tooting owls and jackals to be heard at night. We woke before dawn and watched sunrise from the hills opposite, returning to a fire ready for bacon and eggs.
As bush escapes go, this one’s just blissful… and it’s a work in progress. Just recently, the double brass bed from the cabin was moved up the hill into a cosy canvas tent – this is glamping at its best – and someday soon you can expect another cabin to be built on a different but equally beautiful site. But for now, we love it just as it is!
What we love!
- That you can order meals if you’re arriving in the evening after work or simply don’t feel like catering. You’ll also find a bottle of the Cape’s best gin, fresh lemon, whiskey, Amarula and sherry along with a drinks menu. Thoughtful touch.
- That the cabin and the luxury tent both have a completely different décor styles.
- It’s possible to hideout and work here with speedy WiFi plus there’s borehole water.
- That head torches, binoculars and even monogrammed gowns are supplied.
What you need to know…
- Pack good walking shoes and hiking socks. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it’s so easy to get here: you share this valley with snakes too.
- The distance between Goshawk’s Nest and the Cabin is about 60m, and both have radio contact. These sleep four guests in total, but another two guests can book the tent up the hill, although this is very hot in midsummer.
Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon
