A CELEBRATION OF THE KLEIN KAROO

WORDS DI BROWN

Mont Eco Private Game Reserve is more than a magnificent location; it has energy that emanates from the 450-million-yearold quartzitic sandstone mountains that hold the secrets of the past. This Big Five reserve, close to Montagu in the Western Cape, is 6 500ha of mountains, rivers and plains, indigenous fynbos and succulent Karoo vegetation. The reserve is totally off the grid, powered purely by solar energy, and the lack of light pollution makes star gazing a truly phenomenal night activity.

Creature comforts abound, but the magic lies in the intangibles. In our frenetic digital world, time is a highly desirable commodity, and at Mont Eco, the days are counted in moments paced to the rhythm of nature. A Karoo sunrise painting the sky in shades of pink, the early morning glow that colours the mountains, both reflected in the still waters of the vlei. A pair of waterbuck, pausing to drink, close enough to see the steam of their breath. The sight of a lone giraffe, and the first glimpse of the elephants heading for the sweet acacias… montecogamereserve.com

Mont Eco does not shriek luxury. It whispers it softly and envelops you with a sense of total contentment.

Between morning and evening game drives to seek out the Big Five, days at Mont Eco can be filled with activities or spent relaxing. Discover the Karoo landscape on foot with a guided walk that reveals the miracle of the indigenous plants. Marvel at the tiny succulents growing on the rock face and the exquisite wildflowers that thrive in this semi-arid landscape. Hike to the fossil or San Rock art sites and imagine life here thousands of years ago.

Explore the nuances of the local wines with dinner and select a few bottles from the curio shop to take home a true taste of the Karoo. They say you should never trust a skinny chef, but Chef Marcel is the exception to that rule. Using fresh, locally produced ingredients, he conjures up menus with a unique flair that impresses the most discerning palate.

Doing nothing is the height of luxury, and Mont Eco has created spaces where you can just be. Take a gin and tonic or a pot of tea to the viewing deck and enjoy the endless vistas of unspoiled nature. Curl up with a book in the cosy lounge, or doze in the sun on the daybeds at the pool. Relax in the basket chair on your deck and absorb the sights and sounds of the bush. Take up birdwatching, and look out for the cheeky ostrich who frequently wanders into the camp.

Kingsley Lodge consists of a shared main area, a boma and seven spacious suites that follow the lines of an ancient riverbed. Each suite is private and melts into the landscape. Crafted from natural wood and stone with expansive glass doors and a spacious deck, your living quarters merge seamlessly with nature. The decor is earthy with neutral tones, rich textures and plenty of natural light. Highlights of the 80-square-metre suites are the traditional Karoo clay fireplaces, ideal for removing the chill of the fresh Karoo air, and the luxurious African Kho San bath ensconced under a basket weave dome.

A Desert Rose

WORDS INGRID WOOD wildernessdestinations.com ■

There is something to be said about the power of wide open spaces in nature and its effect on wellbeing. And the opportunity to revel in space – on foot, on wheels or even in the air –is for many the ultimate luxury.

Wilderness Little Kulala in the Namib Desert if the perfect place for this, bringing together solitude and splendour and full immersion in nature, but with all the comforts.

The focus on out-of-camp activities is what Wilderness terms a ‘living desert adventure’. From e-bikes and eco-sensitive quad biking to walking trails and hot air ballooning, the choices are tailored for optimal exploration of the magnificent surrounds.

Take in the vast expanse of the desert with an excursion to Sossusvlei where you can test your dune climbing on Big Daddy, one of the highest sand dunes in the world overlooking Dead Vlei, a pan dotted with the skeletons of 900-year-old camelthorn trees. Or you can explore the 3km-long Sesriem Canyon formed by the Tsauchab River carving its way across the topography for millions of years. The views from the top are breathtaking while the gorge itself is a geographical wonder.

Other ways to explore this remote area is on foot, e-bikes or quad bikes, with the possibility of seeing less common wildlife, such as the oryx, springbok, brown hyaena and Cape fox. And then, of course, you can opt for the bird’s-eye view from a hot air balloon, which is the only way to fully appreciate the scale and evocative panoramas.

The recently refurbished Little Kulula itself is a dreamy desert lodge. Each suite has its own pool and a rooftop from where you can enjoy sundowners or a private dinner. There’s a rollout bed on the shaded deck for an afternoon nap or a night under the stars. Add to this fairy-circle dinners, river oasis lunches, cultural campfire evenings and stargazing evenings in one of the darkest places on Earth. If a remote getaway is on your bucket list, it really doesn’t get better than this.

WORDS ALLISON FOAT