A farm stay - a wonderland of stars, flowers, fossils and welcoming people

MMake a point of experiencing at least one of these farm stays, you won’t be disappointed. You might find yourself on a sheep farm in Sutherland, a raisin farm on an Orange River island, or on a private game farm with wild animals perfectly suited to the terrain and landscape. Some of the farm stays are modest, while others are utterly lavish.

Many people come to the Northern Cape to experience the famous wildflowers. One of the most popular places is Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm near the bulb capital of Nieuwoudtville, which is about four hours from Cape Town. The best time to go is in spring, which is in August and early September.

OOr try the Orange River Lodge in the Karoo, situated on a game farm with gemsbok (oryx), wildebeest, springbok and plenty of other animals. While here, you can hike, cycle, ride and fly fish.

Experiences differ between farms. In Kanoneiland, situated in the town of Upington, you wake up in a lush vineyard at the African Vineyard Guesthouse; while at the Kalahari guest farm, Leeupan, you will walk among cattle and sheep, and view meerkats up close in their natural habitat.

Wherever you go, every night go outside and make sure you look at the night skies. Poets and scientists agree; the stars in the Northern Cape are some of the best in the world.