Prinspoort a magical hideaway in the heart of the Klein Karoo

"Klein Karoo, verre land van verlatenheid

Klein Karoo, waar die Swartberge troon..." (acknowledging Sias Reynecke, who made this song popular).

Finding the heart of the Little Karoo, via one of a few mountain passes or another picturesque route, is like a spa treatment: you feel refreshed, spoilt and revived when you leave.

We chose the Robinson and Garcia passes, and as we approached the outskirts of Oudtshoorn, the snow-brushed peaks (amongst others the well-known Towerkop peak of the Swartberg mountain range came into view.

A lingering and devastating drought of many years has been broken, and the slopes and valleys are nothing less than a garden of nature! It is an emotional experience to see colour burst forth amongst rocks, and from the still recently parched earth...

Pastoral scenes with grazing sheep, almond and pecan nut orchards, riverine bush on the banks of mostly dry riverbeds and rust-coloured rock formations feed the soul!

At Prinspoort, tucked away in a picturesque valley through which the Prins River winds, we spent an enchanting time, staying in a brand new karoo-style cottage named Elandhuisie - on the slope of a typically rocky mountain.

Why not do something different - and visit this working farm with its hospitable owners and its range of opportunities: from hiking and cycling (the latter on well-maintained gravel roads), to tackling the steep and rocky slopes in your 4x4 vehicle, or just chilling... reading... dreaming... enjoying good Karoo cuisine and recharging your batteries.