Discover the glorious landscapes and wealth of fascinating natural history of the central Little Karoo! The 3-day programme, based at the scenically lovely Red Stone Hills Guest Farm near Calitzdorp, covers a broad range of local natural history with a special focus on geology, fossils, landscapes and vegetation. Tuition is through slide lectures, al fresco talks in the field, scenic drives along quiet back roads, as well as several walks in Karoo veld and mountain kloofs. You will also have time to relax and appreciate the peaceful Little Karoo countryside in the company of like-minded nature lovers. The programme is led by Dr John Almond (Natura Viva cc) who has considerable research and field guiding experience in the Little Karoo region. Participants will enjoy accommodation in charming 3- or 4-star guest cottages and indulge in Petro’s delicious Karoo cuisine, not to mention the opportunity to sample the renowned Calitzdorp port wines.
Cottages:
The cottages are 120m apart (except the Vineyard and Hanepoot cottages which are 15m apart). All six cottages have spectacular views of the river, the red stone hills and the vineyards. Accommodation vary from authentic to luxury cottages. Guests are assured of total privacy and tranquil surroundings.
- Bedding and towels are supplied; and
- Wood available for braai (barbeque)/fireplace.
Aloe Gardens – 4 star:
A one bedroom cottage with a bathroom (shower and bath), portable air-conditioing, a fireplace, satellite television and a fully equipped kitchen.
Bird’s Nest – 3 star:
A two bedroom cottage with one bathroom (shower and bath), portable air-con, a fireplace (old wooden hearth), satellite television and a fully equipped kitchen.
Ostrich Place – 3 star:
A two bedroom cottage (one double bed and one twin beds) with two en-suite bathrooms (showers and baths), portable air-conditioning, a fireplace (old wooden hearth in dining room, fireplace in lounge), satellite television and a fully equipped kitchen.
Vineyard Cottage – 4 star:
A two bedroom cottage (one double bed and one twin beds) with two bathrooms (shower and bath), portable air-con, satellite television, a separate fireplace in the lounge, an indoor braai (barbeque) (old wooden hearth) and a fully equipped kitchen.
Hanepoot Cottage – 3 star:
A two bedroom cottage (both with twin beds) with one bathroom (shower and bath), portable air-conditioning and a fully equipped kitchen. This cottage is situated 30m from Vineyard Cottage.
Red Rock Cottage – 4 star:
A two bedroom cottage with en-suite bathrooms (spa baths and shower), satellite television, a fireplace in the lounge, an open hearth in dining room and fully equipped kitchen.
Bushman Cottage – 4 star:
A three bedroom cottage (two bedrooms with twin beds and one with a double bed) with two bathrooms (one with a shower and one with a bath), portable air-conditioning, a separate fireplace in the lounge, an indoor braai (barbeque) (old wooden hearth), satellite television and a fully equipped kitchen.
Enon Cottage:
A two bedroom cottage (one with twin beds and one with a double bed) with one bathroom (shower only and leads from the bedroom with twin beds), an indoor braai (barbeque) (old wooden hearth), television and a fully equipped kitchen. This cottage is situated next to conference centre.
All cottages have tea and coffee facilities, fully equipped kitchens and open hearths or fireplaces. A conference centre that can accommodate up to 50 delegates is also available.
Activities on the farm:
The owners farm with ostriches, cattle, sheep, tobacco, maize and vineyards. They have a variety of animals on the farm.
- Bird-watching;
- Hiking trails;
- Horse- and pony riding;
- Mountain biking;
- Bushmen paintings;
- Swimming (in the river or pool);
- Private ostrich tours;
- Walking trails;
- Spotting small mammals and antelope;
- Tractor rides; and
- An 8km 4×4 scenic trail – (60km trail nearby).
