Prime stargazing in the crystal clear Karoo sky with unbelievable starry nights where touching the 300 billion stars of the Milky Way almost seems real becomes an experience of a life time.

Available Acitivities include Guided Eco-Drives, Guided Bush Walking Trails & Well marked Mountain-Biking Trails

THE AREA

The 1825 De Aap Farm Lodge which is nestled among the Swartberg Mountains has been lovingly restored to its former glory and modernized for 20th century comfort.

The De Aap Farm Lodge and Private Nature Reserve borders the awe-inspiring 121 000 hectares Groot Swartberg Nature Reserve which was declared a Cape Floral World Heritage Site in 1997 with it’s unique vastness, peace and tranquility.

The closest town is the quaint Klaarstroom (originally called Klahre Stroom in German which means clear stream) situated on the north end of the truly majestic Meiringspoort pass which cuts across the magnificent Swartberg Mountains.

The De Aap Lodge and Private Reserve forms part of a historic, culture rich area with trendy towns like Prince Albert and De Rust on your doorstep. The Karoo has a beauty of its own waiting for you to experience.

THE LODGE

Accommodation is housed in the awe-inspiring original 1825 Manor House that consists of 4 stunning en-suite bedrooms.

The historic yellowwood beams and floors of this majestic Central Karoo house was painstakingly restored and updated to modern amenities. A new modern glass and aluminium wing was added with a new modern kitchen, dining and lounge area.

Log and gas fires creates a cosy and warm interior for the cold winter months. Big glass sliding doors opens up the Lodge in the summer onto a 16 m lap pool area overlooking the Central Karoo vistas.

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THE DE AAP PRIVATE RESERVE

The 800 hectare De Aap Private Nature Reserve is a pristine natural wonder. The wilderness area which covers the Droëberg (dry Mountain) is home to hundreds of Cape fynbos plant species with different plant biomes (succulent karoo and cape thicket) as well as indigenous game roaming the open veld.

The unique biologically diverse eco system is set among the backdrop of the grandiose Swartberg Peaks which creates an almost perfect setting for a very special getaway. Well marked walking trails traverses this eco-reserve with mind blowing vistas and secretly hidden gorges with access to well preserved Buchman Caves dating back thousands of years. Carefully planned guided nature tours create awe-inspring experiences for guests.

THE GIDEONSHOOP BOERDERY

Part of the uniqueness of this truly special place is the Central Karoo working farm setting where Merino sheep and green lusern pastures connect with wide open spaces.

The karoo is the home of the famous Karoo Lamb Brand and the production of top quality mutton and wool generates much needed income. Experience wool shearing and the baling of fodder, the feeding of new-born lambs and the planting of new crops. The rhythm of nature is reflected in the cycle of life and new growth playing itself out in this Central Karoo heartland where living close to the soil remains a prerequisite for survival.

GALLERY OF THE LODGE, FARM AND PRIVATE RESERVE