Epic Road Trip Stopover and Getaway at Ons Karoo Plaas
Rouxpos Route - Vleiland
Laingsburg – Western Cape - Karoo – South Africa
Bucket list detour and stop on route through the Karoo
Ahead of a dusty cloud, and also the reason for it, we rattle along the winding road through swirling valleys and heaped hills. I wonder whether some of that fine dusty powder will find its way through tiny cracks into our caravan. The road is quiet though, and we barely see any other vehicles.
Here and there rocks are scattered haphazardly between scrubby shrubs on scorching Karoo landscape. Very little grows here, and yet, every now and then a pleasant sight surprises us around a corner when we see an orchard or vineyard. But mostly arid earth.
Valleys and mountains in the Karoo
Rocks and scrubby shrubs, part of the arid landscape of the Karoo
There’s a sign at a turnoff that says Ons Karoo Plaas. We leave the main drag of gravel and it is replaced with a smaller strip of gritty sand which leads us over a rise into yet another valley. This one is different.
Charming cottage
We pass a somewhat dilapidated but charming old cottage on the edge of the road. At the dip before we ascend again an additional sign directs us onto a farm with a campsite, a stopover on our road trip route where we will spend one night.
On one side a hill, which we found later would be part of our view, almost like our own private mountain. On the opposite side of the farm the comfort of cheerful pink blossoms on the fruit trees. The best view of all though is the mountain at Towerkop Nature Reserve.
Reluctantly we allow our glance to wander away from the scenery. We’re not disappointed. We find charming arrangements of antique farming implements and quirky décor adorning all corners of the farm that is visible to us. This is proof that Ons Karoo Plaas (Our Karoo Farm) is a unique place to rest for the night.
Affordable and Quirky Camping and Glamping for adventurers at Ons Karoo Plaas
As we stop Christo and Ann Kotze come out to greet us and welcome us onto their farm. They give us a choice of a few places to set up camp. We choose the campsite closest to the dry riverbed with a patch of lawn. We cannot wait to set up and then explore around every corner to see what else is on display.
Our campsite at Ons Karoo Plaas. A glamping caravan at the reed enclosure
It has been a hot day at the end of winter and the sky is clear with not a drop of rain in sight. We look forward to settling briefly into this peaceful and picturesque valley with the promise of a heavenly night that should wow us with pitch black satin skies glittering with countless sparkling stars and not a trace of pollution to hinder our view.
Those mountains!
A welcome reprieve on our trip when we divert off the beaten track on a hidden dirt road into a valley like this one in the Karoo. Welcomed with warm, generous hospitality, an epic overnight stop which adds to the pleasure of a memorable road trip through South Africa.
Grassy area with a small pool, the ablution facilities to the right and the outdoor pub area at the back
I’ll only give you a glimpse of Ons Karoo Plaas; just enough to lure you to go there but not spoil it for you. It certainly is worth looking at all the antiques and other paraphernalia tastefully displayed in just about every nook and cranny or wall of the farm and campsite.
Quirky and quaint - delightful ornaments and displays
Interesting handles at the bathrooms
Where is Ons Karoo Plaas?
Ons Karoo Plaas is an idyllic peaceful getaway. It is a small working farm situated in a flourishing beautiful Karoo valley, a short distance off the R323 between Seweweekspoort and Laingsburg or Calitzdorp, Ladismith or Anysberg.
The colours of sunset
The only traffic you will hear is from adventurers exploring the Rouxpos Route when they arrive or leave and the occasional neighbour visiting from a distant farm. In other words, it is a genuine off the beaten track destination settled in a beautiful valley of the Karoo.
An Aerial shot from Facebook of Ons Karoo Plaas
About Ons Karoo Plaas
A budget getaway, Ons Karoo Plaas is ideal for weary campers, adventure bikers or backpackers to spend the night.
There are campsites for tents, rooftop tents, caravans and motorhomes. There are a few glamping caravans and cottages too. The sites are cleverly designed with stretches of grass covered with shade awnings. Electricity is available for each site.
Campsites
Campsites
It’s worth camping or glamping overnight and even a few nights if you love walking or relaxing in quiet nature. Christo and Ann will tell you where the best places are that you can walk and other places you can explore.
The campsite is family friendly and has a small swimming pool where one can cool off on a blistering hot day.
Permanent tent
There is a scenic circular route through the valley which is really worth driving through. It has impressive views and gives you closer vistas of sections of the mountain range. When we drove through it was lush and green - for the Karoo.
Interesting rock features on the mountain
Scenic route through the valley near Ons Karoo Plaas
There is a pub to slake your thirst at the campsite which is a great gathering point for small groups. Apparently pre-arranged barbeque packs can be ordered if you cannot self-cater, which works well for the adventure bikers that spend the night.
Boer & Bushman Pub
Outdoor area at the pub
Related blog post:
Memorable Road Trip Route and Itinerary South Africa
Heading west to the Namaqualand Wildflowers of South Africa
Scenic Cederberg Wilderness Rock Art and Caves
West Coast National Park and Langebaan Lagoon
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About the Author
ALMA VAN AS | ROAMING FOX
Alma is a South African travel blogger and writer. She hopes to inspire you with facts and fables about her adventures, road trips and international travel.
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The Best Way to see a country? Take a road trip! Have you ever had that feeling when you hit the open road on your road trip? Freedom. Anticipation. Exhilaration.