7 great places to stay

The best way to experience the landscapes of the Sneeuberg region is to stay on a working farm. You can walk in the veld, ride your mountain bike, breathe the wide-open spaces and settle into the quiet rhythm of Karoo life.

- 

1 Ganora Guest Farm

Ganora is about 8 km from Nieu-Bethesda, with splendid views of Compassberg. There are 10 en suite rooms, all elegantly furnished, of varying sizes. Breakfast is included in the rate; you can order dinner in advance.

Then there's Khoisan Cottage, which overlooks the farmstead, sleeps six and is kitted out for self-catering; and a campsite where you can pitch your own tent.

Do a fossil tour (R80 per person), a Bushman artefact tour (R120) or a medicinal plant walk (R140).

Rates: R700 per person in a standard room; R895 in a bigger room. Khoisan Cottage R2 600 per night. Camping R220 per person. Free WiFi.

More info: Hester Steynberg 082 698 0029 ganora.co.za

2 Wheatlands Farm

You can book the whole farmhouse at Wheatlands, between Graaff-Reinet and Jansenville. It sleeps 12 in total and you can either cater for yourself or request delicious meals made by Kirsten Short. The dining room and lounge have fireplaces for cosy winter evenings. There's WiFi, too – you should definitely request the pin for their “Karoo Sundowner Spot”.

If the local teams are playing a cricket match on the farm, don't miss it...

Rates: Base rate R3 000 per night for up to six people. For seven and more, it's an additional R400 per person (self-catering rates).

More info: Kirsten Short 072 251 9022 wheatlands.co.za