KAROO CUISINE

eating

Eating and drinking in the Karoo is a culinary experience not to be missed.

The Karoo is a large area with many towns! The region offers a variety of traditional and wholesome Karoo dining experiences to suit all tastes and budgets! From the deliciously diverse flavors of South Africa’s indigenous and multi-cultural rainbow cuisine to culinary specialties from all over the world.

The Karoo is well known for its Lamb.

It is believed that Karoo lamb is tastier and more flavorsome than lamb from other regions, the reason being the different types of shrubbery which the sheep in this region feed on. The fragrant bushes in the Karoo impart an unmistakable ‘herbiness’ to the lamb. Here, the sheep roam freely on farms eating the Karoo vegetation to their heart’s content!

Braaivleis (BBQ): The word braaivleis is Afrikaans for “roasted meat.” The word braai (pronounced “bry”, rhyming with the word “cry”; plural braais) is Afrikaans for “barbecue” or “roast” and is a social custom in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. It originated with the Afrikaner people but has since been adopted by South Africans of many ethnic backgrounds.

The word vleis are Afrikaans for “meat”.

Bobotie: Bobotie, a staple of South African cuisine. It is believed to have originated with the Dutch and gets its name from the Indonesian word “Bobotok”. Bobotie has been part of the South African cuisine since about the 27th century. Back then it was made mainly with mutton and pork which were combined.

Nowadays it is usually made using either beef or lamb mince. Dried fruits such as raisins and apricots can also be added. Flavored with mild curry, the mince is then topped with a milk and egg mixture and baked in the oven. Usually served with yellow rice with raisins.

http://www.south-africa-info.co.za/country/article/279/karoo-cuisine

Personalized guest experience

Personalization is a concept that lies at the very heart of the travel industry: the art of making people feel at home.

The key to successfully personalizing the guest experience is to know your customers, thanks to technology all is changing.

For most of the human population, meeting their personal needs are quite a satisfaction. It’s nice to know that when you visit places and you overnight that they meet your personal needs. It is always said that at the end of a relaxed holiday and you are back home there is nothing better than sleeping in your own bed.

How nice will it be that while you’re on vacation or maybe just on a weekend break, it really feels like home, just with a little bit more flair.  As a typically Karoo person, we love long, good and interesting conversations, delicious food and a good night’s rest.

After all, kindness and good stories alongside the campfire doesn’t cost much.

Every experience that you take on must ensure pure excitement at the end of the day. So that one day all of these extraordinary stories may be told next to the campfire of Karreekloof for the young ones to hear.

It sure is nice to have peace of mind, that when you check in at a certain place and the people receiving you know exactly who you are, where you come from and what your likes and dislikes are.

Here at Karreekloof, we love the taste of good food, we laugh often and we enjoy sitting next to the campfire. You can be assured of a good night’s rest and plenty enough fresh air.

Come and relax with us, lick your fingers clean after a good meal and enjoy the campfire stories.

Comfort in the Upper Karoo

Driving for hours and hours is not easy. Especially when you arrive at your first destination and the accommodation is not up to standard at all. That’s when you realize that looks can be deceiving.

Any tired person just wants to feel comfortable when it comes to a good night’s rest. Even in far of places, it should feel as if you are sleeping in your own bed. Comfortable accommodation is the most important part at the end of the day.

The Karoo is not small, driving long distances, have fun, relax and at the end of the day, choose comfort. The bed you lay your head upon must take you away in the pursuit of relaxation. Take on the new day fresh and full of courage.

On the 35km dirt road on top of a hill, just before it feels like you have reached Kairo, you will discover Karreekloof. The small paradise with its white walls, renewed with brush and paint lay long days of relaxation and good accommodation.

Choosing the right Accommodation is always a trying task, and with the huge number of promotions, deals, and programs out there, it can be downright overwhelming.

Since every traveler has different needs when searching for accommodation, you’ll need to ask yourself what’s most important to you. Whether you’re looking for a great deal, a great location or a great B&B.

When people travel for any reason, their basic needs are the same: a clean room and comfortable bed in which to sleep, confidence in the safety of their accommodations, and helpful, friendly front desk staff.

Come and enjoy a comfortable sleepover with us here at Karreekloof.

Wildlife photography tips

The day breaks, with the wind that starts to light up from early morning. I hear the windmill wheel cracking while turning slowly.

Thinking, how do the people who call themselves photography experts takes such beautiful scenery scenes? Well, it looks so easy with those grand lenses of them. But what makes that special moment to press the button? Google is wonderful to find out, but it’s about the moment you find yourself in. That perfect time and the perfect place where the particular moment or picture is captured. Many people can look at the same picture but not many people see the same picture. That makes every moment so special. Let’s look at some of the experts’ advice:

They say that the most important tip is to ‘Train Your Eye’ a photographer’s most important tool.  First, look at a scene, close your eyes and open them again. Does the scene cause the same effect as when you first saw it?  Go for walks and practice framing in your mind different scenes.

Beginners photography:  it can be overwhelming because photography is about more than pointing a camera and pressing a button.  It’s about getting a shot to match your vision.  Don’t shoot your subject straight at eye level every time.  Change your elevation, your angle, your distance.

That golden hour occurs generally about an hour or so before sunset and an hour after sunrise and produces some of the gorgeous light ever.  At that moment you should start taking your landscape shots.

Get in close, the closer you are to the subject, the better you can see facial expressions too.

Shoot every day as much as you can that is the only way you can practice your skills.  Before you raise your camera, see where the light is coming from, and use it to your advantage.  If it is an extremely bright day outside and the sun is creating harsh shadows on your subject, switch on your flash.

Be present, make eye-contact, engage and listen to your subject.  With the eyes – lower that camera and be human.  Bring the camera up for a decisive shot.  Keep it simple, don’t try to pack too many elements into your image; it will just end up looking messy.  Shade can be your best friend.  If there is no way you can make the available light work for your photo, shoot in the shade.

Never shoot with the sun directly behind you.  It creates boring, flat light on the subject.  If you shoot with the light source to the side or behind the subject, you are able to shape with the light, creating a more interesting photo – Patria Jannides

With time, patience and perseverance, you will get better; with each and every photo you take!  Make jokes, natural smiles on photos are much better than to say: ‘smile’.

Break the rules, experiment and have fun.  Learn from your mistakes and make memories where ever you go!

A true safari experience at Karreekloof Lodge

Karreekloof is an incredible place, the only one of its kind.

On the road to Karreekloof with the big star country surrounding him, and wide-open spaces where the sun is so slow that the colors slowly change from yellow to deep orange and pink. Here you literally feel the goosebumps on your skin, it’s like magic.

In Swahili, the word safari means ‘journey’. Take the ‘journey’ to Karreekloof Lodge with its natural beauty and its breathtaking wildlife with endless wilderness plateau and warm hospitality.

Karreekloof is a family-friendly destination, its sheer size, clear skies, elaborate sunsets, dazzling starry nights and incredible silence, is mesmerizing.

Come and experience the endless landscapes, feel the heat of the sun on your shoulders as you explore the upper Karoo with its wide-open spaces.

Relax, enjoy a sundowner in a peaceful evening, take in so much fresh air that your toes will turn around. A must-see destination rich in history. Sit back and relax at our own trading store, shake it up with a milkshake and take a look through our own little shop.

The Karoo has a rich human record. People have continuously inhabited the area, so as I would say:  The Upper Karoo is a cool place, you just got to love it!

Nature gives in so many ways – we just need to tune in.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing” – Helen Keller

An authentically educational experience

Teenage Volunteering

Teenage volunteering is fantastic way to make new friends, see the world, and participate in unique and incredible community service initiatives. Join GoEco on fantastic programs around the globe, all organized to accommodate teenagers. All volunteers will receive certificates of completion. These projects are amazing resume-builders, great for college and job applications. Teenage volunteering abroad is also a great way to cultivate the foreign language you are studying in school, meet incredible people, and of course do your part to give back to less-fortunate communities abroad.

Teach Children and Surf in Cape Town

Volunteer at a surf and adventure club for children from disadvantaged areas in Cape Town. Be part of an opportunity for children to learn life lessons and stay off the streets. Volunteers receive surfing lessons during the school day and help teach the kids after school.

Cape Town Orphan Care

 

Travel to the exciting tourist destination of Cape Town, South Africa, and give back to the orphaned children in extremely under-served communities. Teach, mentor, and play with these children who desperately seek attention and care.

Cape Town Physical Education and Sports

Spread your passion for sports to children who have had few opportunities to learn and develop their skills in a structured yet fun environment. Inspire children to set goals and stay active, both on and off the sports field.

Orphanage and Teaching in Victoria Falls

 

Volunteer in the majestic and beautiful Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe! Make an impact in the lives of at-risk children by showing them that you care! Have fun, meet new people, and learn about Africa and its incredible culture.

Under 18 Community Involvement

This is the ultimate teen volunteer adventure experience! Enjoy the culture and beautiful beaches while you help with construction and renovation projects at local schools.

Cape Town Community Projects

 

Make an impact on communities living in Cape Town settlements through education, skills development and community improvement projects.

  • Africa: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana