Bella de Karoo

Budget Getaways Review

This 19th-century barn has come a long way since the days when it housed wagons, ploughs and probably a flock or two of sheep escaping the Karoo death-chill.

It's a somewhat different place today - lovingly and tastefully restored, it's a Karoo melting pot of old-world rural topped with a dollop of modern comfort.

Situated just off the R62 (30km from Oudtshoorn and 20km from Calitzdorp), Bella de Karoo is the kind of place where you can overnight on your Karoo sojourn or simply kick back and watch the days drift by.

If you're more of an A-type, Bella sits in a hub of action - with several nature reserves close by and a myriad backroads to explore we would definitely advise packing the mountain bike, hiking boots, bird book and cozzie for the local spa. Plus, of course there's Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp, each with their own lure.

Still not sold? Lets get onto the barn accommodation itself… Six large, comfortable rooms are period-decorated with interesting bits and pieces, including free-standing baths in the bathrooms. Room one sports a double bed and a single bed, while room two and three have two single beds. Room four has a double, two single beds and a double bunk bed.

The rooms open to a shared covered patio with a nice view and central boma and fireplace for evening braais and copious glasses of Port - the perfect spot to reflect on a dusty day's mountain biking.

Separate from the barn and part of the main farm house are rooms five and six. These rooms both have a double and one single bed.

Complementing Bella De Karoo is Estelle’s landmark trading post and restaurant, “Bella de Karoo”. It's a mere stone's throw from your accommodation and offers lekker vibe, tasty home-cooked meals, farmstyle coffee and home-baked bread, and plenty in the way of home-grown craft, bakes and preserves.

Given "Bella de Karoo's" proximity and good value, Bella de Karoo also slots into the 'great group getaway' category, as there's no need to bother with catering. 

With comfortable accommodation that blends like a chameleon into the setting, easy dining, and a host of options to keep you either busy or superchilled, Bella de Karoo is a perfect base to this corner of the Klein Karoo.