EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT A KAROO BUSH GETAWAY – A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER WITH WHITE LION LODGE.

Whether you’re a typical ‘bush over beach’ kind of vacationer, heading on a safari splendour is always filled with excitement and baited-breath as to what you might see.

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Whether it’s the sunrises, the smells or the animal sightings that get your heart rate rising, when it comes to the joys of the bush, there’s a big difference between that of a Kruger getaway to that of a Karoo adventure – some of which are unknown to most.

The Karoo is partly defined by its topography, geology and climate, and above all, its low rainfall, arid air, cloudless skies, and extremes of heat and cold. The Karoo also hosted a well-preserved ecosystem hundreds of million years ago which is now represented by many fossils.

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On the southern fringe of the Karoo lies the Klein Karoo, an arid area that still supports sufficient life to make farming viable. Stark mountains are traversed by dramatic passes and towns retain a frontier air. The people here are remarkably hospitable and the atmosphere is markedly different from that of the Cape Region and Garden Route.

The Klein Karoo is very rich in plant species. Almost 3200 have been recorded of which more than 400 are endemic.

One of the highlights of this region is that of the Sanbona Reserve which exists within various flora kingdoms, namely; Acacia Thickets, Nama Karoo, Renosterveld, Succulent Karoo, Central Mountain Fynbos.

We caught up with Gerhild Cuje-Jakoby, Manager of White Lion Lodge, located on the Sanbona Reserve, who highlights 5 questions you should ask yourself when planning your next bush getaway in the Klein Karoo.

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WHAT AM I GETTING IN MY HOLIDAY PACKAGE?

Many bush packages are all-inclusive, including accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner with selected drinks and two nature drives daily (early morning and late afternoon).. The White Lion Lodge offers four individual stilted, unique glass and thatch suites. Each has a spacious bedroom, dressing room, full bathroom and its own outdoor shower. Your safari within the Wildlife Reserve can be carried out at any time throughout the day where you will be guided by your own private field guide in an open game viewing vehicle, who will provide you with insightful information on the fauna and flora of the Klein Karoo.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE I LEAVE?

Booking into a lodge can be very exciting, but it is important to ensure that you are aware of the check-in times to avoid missing out on any of the action planned for your stay. opening times of the game reserve or national park you are visiting. Some game reserves sit within malaria zones, so consult with a travel healthcare clinic before your visit. Also, ensure you have travel insurance to cover you before and after your trip. Depending on the location of your lodge, plan your trip to ensure you give yourself enough time to get there before check-in. The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve spreads over 58000ha in the malaria-free Klein Karoo, along the Route 62, between Montagu and Barrydale, just over 3 hours away from Cape Town.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?

If you’re an animal lover and plan on capturing as many picture-perfect snaps as possible – we highly recommend you pack your camera and binoculars for the best safari experience possible! In terms if attire we suggest you pack an array of cool, comfortable and light-coloured clothing, so the animals (and insects) don’t spot you from a mile away. Don’t forget the hat, mosquito repellent and sunscreen. Even if it’s sweltering during the day, it gets chilly when the sun goes down, so pack a warm jacket for the early morning and night-time game drives. Don’t underestimate the chill, year-round, of the bush in the early morning and evening. Also don’t forget those comfortable walking shoes, swimming costume, hat, sunglasses and of course, suntan lotion. Very little rain occurs during summer, and if it does, it is usually in form of thunderstorms. Normally the area receives about 250mm-350mm of rain per year, mostly in the winter months.

WHEN SHOULD I GO? THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE KLEIN KAROO

A bush break is a fantastic experience year-round, although winter and early spring (May to September) are the most popular times. The climate is semi-arid with rainfall mainly in the winter month. The Klein Karoo is traditionally hot and dry, with cooling south-westerly winds during the afternoons in summer, making it ideal conditions for a lovely sunset game drive. On average the nights cool down to 15C – 20C degrees in summer.

The coolest months are July & August, when the mercury drops to -2 & -4 degrees Celsius on average during the night, but during the day the temperatures range between comfortable 15-20 degrees, ideal safari conditions.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

Much like all game lodges, you are sure to be treated to a safari experience that will keep you wanting more! At White Lion Lodge, we operate a nature-based tourism business and like to introduce our guests to the biodiversity hotspots, Fynbos and Succulent Karoo Biomes together with indigenous free-roaming animal species, that what the San saw hundreds of years ago. We take a “safari stay” one step further by offering an educational experience where our guests are introduced to a new and different landscape that they may not necessarily be used to. Experience the silence of the Klein Karoo while our discreet staff ensure impeccable and personalised service, all whilst sipping on local wines and enjoying true African cuisine.

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What does a 2-day stay typically look like for a first-time booker?

DAY OF ARRIVAL

On the day of arrival lunch is served between 13:00 – 14:00Your suite will be ready and waiting for you at 14:00

The Afternoon Botanical 4×4 Tour through the South will start around 16:00

Dinner will be served after your return from the afternoon drive around 19:30 / 20:00

SECOND DAY

Your day will start with coffee and a light snack in the kitchen at 05:30The morning drive, a Karoo Safari will take you to the Northern part of the concession in the Wildlife Reserve, starting at 06:00At 10:00 – 10:30 you will return to the Lodge and breakfast will be servedAround 14:00  a light lunch will be servedAfternoon drive through the Southern part of the concession in the Wildlife Reserve will start at 16h00Dinner will be served after the outing around 19:30 / 20:00

DAY OF DEPARTURE

Your day will start with coffee and a light snack in the kitchen at 05:30The morning drive, a Karoo Safari will take you to the Northern part of the concession in the Wildlife Reserve, starting at 06:00At 10:00 – 10:30 you will return to the Lodge and vacate your room

Breakfast will be served

After breakfast it is time to say good bye and depart for your next destination

A Karoo Wilderness Retreat on Route 62, offering a unique nature and wildlife experience near Cape Town. The privately-owned White Lion Lodge is situated in the southern part of the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. It offers luxury accommodation, exceptional personal service and delicious cuisine combined with safari’s through a 30000ha concession of the Reserve.

The network of wooded kloofs, valleys and river channels that dissects much of the Karoo provides habitat for specialist woodland browsers such as Black rhinoceros and Kudu; and in addition makes for exquisite panoramic views from your private suite.

When it comes to a getaway destination, the White Lion Lodge ticks all the boxes as to a quality destination with all the right traits and services. A must-visit lodge!

For more info, visit: https://www.whitelionlodge.co.za