STAY HERE

Stargaze in the Karoo, eat out in Tulbagh, hike in the Magaliesberg, fall in love with Williston

Visit Blesfontein Guest Farm near Sutherland for a weekend filled with stars and snow.

STAY HERE • EAT HERE • HIKE • TOWN • SIX OF THE BEST

People usually visit Sutherland for two reasons: stars and snow. You’re guaranteed a starry night sky when you stay at Blesfontein (weather permitting) and when it snows in the district, Blesfontein usually also gets a dusting of white. The farm is 22 km south-west of Sutherland as the crow flies. It’s the perfect place to catch your breath. There’s space in all directions to walk and cycle, and there are so many farm animals that you won’t miss human company: dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, a pig, a tame meerkat, Appaloosa horses, alpacas and even a farm dam full of koi fish – jump in and swim with them! The farm also has a game camp with antelope, wildebeest, zebra and other small game. Owls and eagles are often seen. Drive (or walk) to the viewpoint on the edge of the Roggeveld escarpment, about 5 km from the farmyard. It’s a place to sit still and ponder life. The landscape falls away at your feet and you can see for miles into the Tankwa. If you want to see even further, farmer Nicol van der Merwe will show you the night sky through his telescope. It’s fun to sit under a blanket, sipping a sherry and listening to him talk about space. Facilities: Several buildings in the farmyard have been converted into places to stay. The units vary in size and sleep three to five people. Most have self-catering facilities; two share a communal kitchen. If you don’t want to cook, ask Nicol’s wife Marina to prepare your meals. Breakfast costs R120 per adult, R60 per child under 12. A three-course dinner costs R450 per adult, R120 per child under 12 – including a bottle of wine. There are also two takeaway options: lamb chops and chips (R130 per person) or curry and rice (R80 per person). A house called De Hoop is 65 km from the farmyard. It’s in the veld with no power. The house sleeps 10 people and there are two bathrooms – a donkey boiler provides hot water. Guests have to bring their own bedding, food, washing-up liquid and everything else you might need. What else? Cellphone reception is patchy. It gets very cold in winter – bring a good jacket, gloves, a beanie and a hot-water bottle. The units have fireplaces. Where? Go south from Sutherland and drive for about 3 km. When you see the sign that says “Ouberg/ Bo-Visrivier”, turn west onto the gravel road and drive 22 km to Driefontein Farm. From there, follow the signs to Blesfontein, which is about 5 km further. GPS: S32.46799 E20.43673 Rates: Unit in the farmyard from R330 per adult; R150 per child under 12. De Hoop R150 per adult; R50 per child under 12. Contact: 023 571 2631; 083 444 5810; blesfontein.co.za