In the heart of South Africa’s breathtaking Great Karoo, Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve offers an unrivaled safari experience. This blends rugged beauty, luxurious comfort, and a deep commitment to conservation. Nestled within the Sneeuberg Mountain Range, this 14,000-hectare sanctuary captivates with its dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and warm hospitality. Recently, on the Keep Traveling: Your African Vacation podcast, host Rael Zieve welcomed Justin Boshoff, General Manager of Mount Camdeboo. They discussed what makes this reserve a hidden gem in African travel.
Why Mount Camdeboo?
Mount Camdeboo is a haven of serenity and adventure, set in the Mountain Zebra Camdeboo Protected Environment, just 60 kilometers from the historic town of Graaff-Reinet. As Justin Boshoff explains, “The scenic beauty is what captivates our guests.” Far from the flat, arid stereotype of the Karoo, the reserve is framed by snow-capped peaks in winter and lush valleys teeming with wildlife. From elephant and lion to rhinoceros and cheetah, the reserve’s high-density game ensures thrilling encounters. Additionally, its remoteness offers a peaceful escape from the modern world.
Getting There
Reaching Mount Camdeboo is a breeze for international and domestic travelers alike. Most guests fly into Port Elizabeth Airport, followed by a scenic 2.5-hour drive (250 kilometers) to the reserve. Alternatively, those exploring the Garden Route from Cape Town can embark on a 7-hour journey via the N1 through Beaufort West. This journey allows travelers to soak in South Africa’s diverse landscapes. Whether arriving from Johannesburg or Cape Town, the route to Camdeboo sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
An Immersive Safari Experience
Mount Camdeboo lets you see the Big Five up close on twice-daily game drives and guided walks, showing off predators, colorful birds, and the Karoo’s special plants with the beautiful Sneeuberg Mountains in the background. Guests can stay in eco-friendly pods on the Camdeboo Plains for a unique off-grid experience, watching elephants or lions from private decks and stargazing under the clear, star-filled Karoo sky. Families are welcome, with kids’ programs teaching about animal tracks and wildlife in safe areas, giving parents a break, but children under five can’t go on game drives.
Accommodations That Redefine Comfort
Mount Camdeboo’s accommodations mix old-world charm and modern comfort. Two Cape Dutch-style manors, Camdeboo and Courtyard, each have four stylish suites with king-size beds, air conditioning, underfloor heating, and private bathrooms, linked by a 300-meter path for meals. A restored 19th-century manor offers a private getaway with three bedrooms, a pool, and optional chef or butler services for groups or families. The cozy Pepper Tree Cottage, with a king-size bed, fireplace, and hot tub, is perfect for couples. For a quiet escape, two eco-friendly pods on the Camdeboo Plains provide an off-grid glamping experience with king-size beds, showers, outdoor seating, and meals brought from the manors. They’re surrounded by a low fence for safety but aren’t suitable for kids.
A Culinary Journey
Dining at Mount Camdeboo is a celebration of local flavors and hearty comfort. Breakfast buffets feature continental and full English options, while lunches and dinners showcase fresh produce. This produce is sourced from nearby Graaff-Reinet and Nieu-Bethesda farmers. Game drive sundowners pair drinks with golden Karoo sunsets. Pod guests enjoy pre-prepared comfort meals warmed in their secluded retreat. Every bite is infused with the warmth of the reserve’s family-like staff. Many of whom have served for years, bringing loyalty and pride to their craft.
Activities and Thematic Experiences
- Game Drives & Walking Safaris – Morning and afternoon game drives reveal the reserve’s Big Five. Guided walks uncover the Karoo’s hidden wonders.
- Family-Friendly Adventures – Children engage in track identification and wildlife exploration within safe, fenced areas, fostering curiosity and connection.
- Sustainability-Centric Tourism – Solar power subsidizes the manors’ electricity, with plans to go fully off-grid. Local sourcing and tunnel farming initiatives aim to outsmart baboons and warthogs, protecting future vegetable gardens.
- Cultural Immersion – Guests connect with the Karoo’s heritage through interactions with local staff. Many hail from Graaff-Reinet, sharing stories of the land.
Sustainability and Community
Mount Camdeboo’s commitment to conservation and community is at its core. The reserve collaborates with private landowners to preserve the region’s biodiversity, as part of the 2016-proclaimed protected environment. Solar power reduces reliance on the national grid, and backup generators ensure seamless operations. By employing 90% local staff, many with decades of service, the reserve fosters loyalty and upskilling, creating a family-like culture. Justin Boshoff’s conservation background drives these efforts, ensuring the Karoo’s ecosystems thrive for generations.
Plan Your Mount Camdeboo Adventure
Mount Camdeboo invites you to discover the Great Karoo’s wild heart, where luxury meets untamed beauty. Whether tracking rhinos, stargazing under a meteor-lit sky, or savoring a sundowner in the mountains, the reserve promises memories that endure. Don’t miss the chance to win a 2-night, all-inclusive stay for two, including game drives and three daily meals, courtesy of Mount Camdeboo and Newmark. Enter now: https://www.wildsunsets.travel/prize-draw/.
Interested in finding out more about great deals to South Africa? Feel free to email me at rael@wildsunsets.travel or visit our website at www.wildsunsets.travel.