Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve lies just to the east of Graaff-Reinet in the heart of the malaria free Eastern Cape's Great Karoo. Luxurious beyond expectation. Come and experience a personalised safari in a region that is steeped in history and culture. Guests are accommodated in four Cape Dutch houses that lie cupped in the palm of the Sneeuberg Mountain range. Once homes to generations of settlers, these magnificent homesteads have been sensitively converted into havens of five star luxury.

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ON THE RESERVE

• Game drives

• Guided bush walks

• Cheetah tracking (during a game drive, at the sole discretion of the ranger)

• Star gazing. The Great Karoo has some of the clearest skies in the southern hemisphere, which offer up glittering treasures of the sky.

• Project Walk: an easy 2hr morning walk along the valley to take in the Mount Camdeboo Sable Breeding Project

• Camdeboo Breeding Projects

• Photography

• Historic Anglo Boer War site where the pivotal "Battle of Paardefontein" was fought. It is here that the famous Boer Commander Johannes Lötter was finally captured. (The story is related on one of the game drives; further reading material is available in the curio shop)

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IN THE AREA

Enjoy the beautiful architecture, museums and craft shops in the genteel town of Graaff-Reinet (60km)

Tours can be pre-arranged to see:

• Historic tour of Graaff Reinet

• Pre-historic fossil trails and bone collections

• Africa's largest selection of cacti

• The breathtaking Valley of Desolation

• Take a trip to the nearby town of Nieu Bethesda (120km) and visit the famed Owl House where a recluse artist who filled her home and garden with highly unusual cement and glass sculptures once lived.

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CAMDEBOO MANOR

Dating back to the early 1800s, Cambedoo Manor is a fine example of Cape Dutch architecture. Wide Oregon pine floorboards gleam from generations of wear, while thick walls keep the untamed Karoo elements firmly at bay. A generous dining room with oversized fireplace plays host to nights filled with camaraderie and cheer.

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Camdeboo Manor has four luxuriously appointed double bedroom suites which offer guests a truly private experience. And should the call of nature tug at their soul – they can simply slip out of their private patio doors onto a secluded courtyard and into the lush established garden that stands like an oasis in the desert heat. The fourth suite, referred to as the honeymoon suite, is situated in Camdeboo Manor’s beautiful gardens, in what was originally the Gate House to the Manor.

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Dating back to the early 1800s, Cambedoo Manor is a fine example of Cape Dutch architecture. Wide Oregon pine floorboards gleam from generations of wear, while thick walls keep the untamed Karoo elements firmly at bay. A generous dining room with oversized fireplace plays host to nights filled with camaraderie and cheer.

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Camdeboo Manor has four luxuriously appointed double bedroom suites which offer guests a truly private experience. And should the call of nature tug at their soul – they can simply slip out of their private patio doors onto a secluded courtyard and into the lush established garden that stands like an oasis in the desert heat. The fourth suite, referred to as the honeymoon suite, is situated in Camdeboo Manor’s beautiful gardens, in what was originally the Gate House to the Manor.

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HILLSIDE MANOR

Resting slightly higher on the Sneeuberg Mountain slopes than its counterparts, Hillside Manor offers magnificent sweeping valley views. Slightly more “modern” than the other manors on the Reserve, this mountain retreat dates back to the early 1900s. Tastefully renovated, Hillside Manor is  used to accommodate overflow from Camdeboo Manor  when required.  It is an ideal family option for group bookings  with  modern living spaces and three double en suite bedrooms. Given that the Hillside Manor property is unwalled, it is not uncommon to entertain surprise guests courtesy of Mother Nature.

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COURTYARD MANOR

Dating back to the late 1700s, Courtyard Manor is a gracious, double gabled homestead wrapped in a deep veranda. Comprising four tastefully appointed en-suite bedroom suites, the manor honours its original name of Ou Werf (a bustling village square) as it is well suited to accommodating a private party where sociability and smiles feel right at home. 

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PEPPERTREE COTTAGE

Situated in a secluded part of Camdeboo Manor’s beautiful gardens, Peppertree offers a romantic setting for honeymooners or couples seeking privacy. The spacious cottage features a King-size bed, fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, kitchenette and a private garden.

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SAFARI TENTS

Two privately located canvas tents raised on wooden decks, situated overlooking a seasonal stream. Accessible by a wooden walkway, each tent comfortably sleeps two in a Queen-size bed, with en-suite bathroom featuring a shower and WC. The spacious deck with outdoor furniture offers sweeping views over the Milk River Valley and picturesque Sneeuberg Mountain Range, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the bush setting. The tents can accommodate a maximum of 2 people. Children 12 years and older welcome, max 2 guests per tent.

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GREAT KAROO SAFARI

As part of your stay at Mount Camdeboo you are treated to 2 game drives per day (averaging at about 3 hours each) at optimal wildlife viewing times, namely: pre-dawn and sunset. The vehicles used on the Reserve are purpose-built, 9-seater game viewing Land Rovers. They are SABS safety approved and are equipped with seatbelts, a shade canopy and drink holders. Given that the Camdeboo Manors are nestled in a valley, the game drives typically start with a breathtaking climb up the mountain slopes and on to the plateau above where the animals graze and the world unfolds at your feet. 

Our highly knowledgeable and experienced game rangers will try their best to make sure you see our “Camdeboo Big Five”, namely the breeding cheetah pair, the rare white rhinos, giraffe and almost extinct mountain zebra. Not to mention a bevy of birds and smaller lesser-spotted game.

Not forgetting human creature comforts, each drive takes a break mid safari, where guests can tuck in to a picnic basket filled with hot coffee, tea, rusks and other delicious snack delights. In the colder winter months guests are dispatched with hot water bottles, blankets and a dash of liqueur to warm their way.

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FOOD AND DINING

The Karoo has a rich heritage when it comes to flavour-rich, traditional cooking. Mouthwatering freshly baked breads helped cement flourishing loves, while secret ingredients were used to treat ailments of the body or soul.

The talented chefs at Mount Camdeboo have been inspired by recipes that date back to the early Cape settlers. Recipes that they have reinvented with a light contemporary cuisine touch. These wholesome meals are seasoned with herbs grown on the Reserve - their roots deep in ancient soils - while the balance of delicious ingredients are brought in fresh from neighbouring farms and suppliers. Like the summer sunshine, there is never a shortage of food.

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DINING

Just like our menu, our evening dining venues are varied. One night you may be supping under the twinkling Karoo stars (an essential part of the African experience) - complete with full course silverware and a dedicated chef cooking right before your eyes. While another may find you dining in a secluded courtyard or even in the company of a roaring dining room fire. It’s a little touch of surprise and a highly enjoyable way in which to absorb the splendour and diversity that Mount Camdeboo has to offer you.