Best hotels in Klein Karoo

Set at the foot of the 350-million-year-old Warmwaterberg Mountains in the heart of the Little Karoo, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a 54,000-hectare sprawl of dramatic rock formations and stark wilderness. San Bushmen once roamed this landscape, and their paintings can still be found in rocky fissures and shelters. Sanbona Dwyka Tented Lodge, one of various lodges here, lies in a particularly lovely setting on a horseshoe bend of a dry ravine dotted with thorn trees and surrounded by spectacular ancient rock formations. The service is splendid, the food is top-notch and the tranquil atmosphere is idyllic.

A charming manor nestled at the foot of the world-renowned Swartberg Mountain Pass is perfect for anyone that wants to get away from it all and soak up the peace of its tranquil surroundings. The extraordinary panoramic views of the Swartberg Mountains from the veranda of the original farmhouse inspired the creation of the manor and its grounds, which you'll find is a peaceful getaway beauty and relaxation. But this isn't just an endearing home-away from-home. The world-renowned Cango Caves are nearby, and it’s only a 15km drive to the top of the Swartberg Pass for unparalleled views of the Cango Valley.

From Sanbona's main gate, drive for just over an hour across the Little Karoo plains and you'll reach Bellair Dam and, on its shoreline, the thatched, Karoo-homestead-style Gondwana Lodge. This family destination has 12 generously proportioned luxury suites, never-ending views and plenty for everyone to do. Stay in super-comfortable style, see the Big Five on game drives, watch out for the reserve's impressive white lions, get close to hippos on a boat safari and enjoy the silence, the smiles and the starry moonlit skies. Children will have fun on the action-packed Kids on Safari programme.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve stretches across 54,000 hectares of arid and silent Little Karoo landscape. This is where San people lived for thousands of years, and where galleries of rock paintings illustrate their lives. It's a pretty inhospitable place, and yet it is rich in wildlife and indigenous flora. Tilney Manor is one of four lodges in the reserve, with interiors that are indeed manorial, combining warmth and comfort with true elegance. The food is glorious, the staff are attentive and the guest suites, just six of them, meet your every need. It's a glamorous base from which to explore this extraordinary wilderness.

Jonkmanshof. A private escape, nestled in the small and picturesque Klein Karoo town of Montagu. The back drop of captivating mountain views and manicured farm gardens enfold the Cape Dutch style heritage house. Contemporary South African art lives with 18th century Cape furniture in the well preserved and fully restored interiors. Book one of their unique suites or the full house in exclusivity. Chic and elegant with impeccable attention to detail. Our 4 boutique suites each offer a unique experience. Each suite is an unforgettable experience unto itself and are furnished with a mix of carefully selected antiques and contemporary furniture and art. All the bedrooms have remote ceiling fans for the hot summers and down feather duvets, underfloor heating and cashmere blankets for the cold Karoo winters. Jonkmanshof homestead forms part of HEMELHUIJS, the well established design restaurant in Cape Town and voted as one of the best breakfast restaurants in the city. Food and hospitality is at the heart of the experience when staying with them.