Escape to the Countryside at Rogge Cloof in Sutherland

Imagine a place where the stars blanket the night sky, stretching endlessly above you. A place where the hustle and bustle of the city melt away, leaving behind a serene and tranquil escape. Well, my friend, such a place exists. Welcome to Rogge Cloof, nestled in the charming town of Sutherland.

When you arrive at Rogge Cloof, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking landscape that dances with natural beauty. The sprawling plains, dotted with unique wildflowers, stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s a sight that fills your heart with wonder and appreciation for the wonders of nature.

But it’s not just the scenery that makes Rogge Cloof a remarkable destination. It’s the sense of tranquility that permeates every inch of this idyllic retreat. With no city noise to disrupt the peace, you can truly unwind and reconnect with nature.

As you explore the grounds, you’ll come across a variety of wildlife that call this place home. From graceful gazelles to majestic eagles, each creature adds its own touch of magic to the experience. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a shy springbok or a majestic ostrich.

Accommodations at Rogge Cloof are nothing short of remarkable. With a selection of luxurious cottages and upscale glamping tents, you’ll find the perfect space to rest and rejuvenate. Each abode is designed with your comfort in mind, offering modern amenities without compromising on the rustic charm.

For the adventurous souls, Rogge Cloof offers a range of exciting activities. Whether you fancy a guided game drive to spot wildlife up close, or a hiking trail to explore the natural wonders, there’s something for everyone. And for the stargazers, the night sky at Rogge Cloof is truly a spectacle. With minimal light pollution, the stars shine bright, inviting you to gaze in awe.

At Rogge Cloof, you’ll also have the opportunity to savor the flavors of the Karoo. The on-site restaurant serves up delectable dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each bite is a celebration of the region’s culinary heritage, leaving your taste buds satisfied and your soul nourished.

When it’s time to depart from Rogge Cloof, you’ll find yourself filled with a sense of peace and rejuvenation. The memories of your country escape will stay with you, always reminding you of the beauty and tranquility that awaits at Sutherland’s Rogge Cloof.

Today, life is so busy and chaotic that it can sometimes feel like the city has completely engulfed us. It’s overwhelming, and it’s hard to catch our breath. But thankfully, there’s a place called Sutherland.

By Tauhira Ajam

Occasionally, we all feel the need to escape the city and get away from it all. And now, that moment has arrived. The urge to pack our bags and leave is too strong to ignore. So, we gather our belongings and make sure the car is ready to go.

I couldn’t resist the allure of a true country escape, so I set off on a journey to Sutherland, nestled in the Karoo region of the western Roggeveld Mountains, just under four hours away from Cape Town.

Ah, Sutherland! It’s famous for three things that almost everyone knows. First, there are the snowy winters that blanket the landscape in a beautiful white coat. Second, there’s the mesmerizing night sky that sparkles with countless stars, thanks to the absence of city lights. And lastly, there’s the impressive Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), proudly standing as the largest optical telescope in the southern hemisphere.

Just like those who explored Sutherland long ago and integrated the wisdom of planets and stars into their lives, we, the brilliant minds at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), are constantly amazed by the vastness of the universe.

Thanks to SALT’s advanced technology, we have a window into the depths of space. It allows us to study the formation and extinction of stars and planets, uncover distant galaxies, and document the age and size of the universe and everything it contains, billions of light years away.

Right nearby, you’ll find The Blue Moon restaurant, where I couldn’t resist indulging in a traditional Afrikaans dish called melkkos. This hearty meal is made from just a few basic ingredients – milk, flour, butter, a pinch of salt, and cinnamon. It warms the soul and is served by the most delightful waiter.

Once I finished exploring the captivating mysteries of the universe through my visit to the SALT (Southern African Large Telescope) and had my fill of delicious food, the time came to find a place to rest my weary head.

Just a short 15-minute drive away from Sutherland, I stumbled upon the entrance to the Rogge Cloof Private Nature Reserve, the newest addition to Cape Country Routes. This extraordinary place proudly claims to be “Home to the Greatest Heavens on Earth.”

The accommodations are located 12 kilometers from the main gate. Perhaps it’s the seclusion, the vastness of the expansive plains, or the charming beauty of the reserve, but there was something about Rogge Cloof that instantly put me at ease.

As I made my way along the dusty trail towards the eco-village, I could feel the weight of everyday life slowly fading away. With each bump on the road and every small antelope (bokkie) that crossed my path, a sense of tranquility settled over me.

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When it comes to finding a place to stay, self-catering accommodation offers a variety of beautiful cottages for you to choose from. Each one is more charming than the next.

Hey there! If you’re traveling on your own or with your special someone, Rogge Cloof has got something special for you. Get ready to experience the cozy and one-of-a-kind Heike’s Cottage or the luxurious open-plan Orion Suites. And guess what? It’s all taken care of – accommodation, meals, and even the power supply, which comes from the reserve’s very own solar power system.

Inside each Orion Suite, you’ll find everything to make your stay extra comfortable. How about complimentary hot water bottles to keep you warm during those chilly nights? Plus, there’s a fireplace to add to the cozy vibes and a mini coffee station for a perfect cup of joe. And let’s not forget the breathtaking view from your king-size bed, lounge area, and patio overlooking the majestic valley. It’s like a dream come true, and you’ll be grateful that you answered the call of adventure and packed your bags.

Step into the Rittersaal, a beautifully restored farmhouse from the late 1700s, and get ready for a culinary experience like no other. Here, you won’t find a standard menu, but instead, Chef Paul Nienaber crafts gourmet meals tailored to your tastes and dietary needs, using only the freshest ingredients straight from the greenhouse.

Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll discover a cozy bar and lounge area with a view of the outdoor fire pit and a vineyard that is slowly but surely growing its bountiful grape harvest.

Here’s a tip: make sure you have room in your car! Once you taste the wines at Rogge Cloof, you won’t want to leave empty-handed. Their own collection offers a luxurious array of six wines, including Timbavati Chardonnay and Letaba Pinot Noir from Cape-to-Cairo, as well as the rich Emineo Malbec. It would be a shame to miss out on a wine-tasting experience at this terrific vineyard.

When you visit Rogge Cloof, a place that sits slightly higher than the surrounding Sutherland area, you’ll be treated to a remarkable experience – stargazing. And let me tell you, it’s absolutely awe-inspiring!

With expert guidance from the wonderful Head Guide, Cara Coffee, and her trusty telescope, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the wonders of the night sky. Imagine meeting Orion the Hunter, marveling at the belts of Jupiter, and even distinguishing the vibrant colors of a nebula. All of this while being enveloped by the breathtaking beauty of the milky way.

It’s amazing how quickly the feeling of being trapped disappears, and you can finally take a deep breath.

Imagine being able to see the night sky without the interference of city lights. It’s an incredible experience that is unlike anything else. It’s peaceful, it’s stunning, and it’s hard to believe that you can find this kind of serenity just a short drive away from Cape Town.

Hidden in the vast plains of the reserve, there’s a hidden gem in Sutherland that not many people know about. It’s a place that holds a special significance in the heart of the South African poet, NP van Wyk Louw, and his brothers – a place they used to spend their childhood days. And now, it’s called Poet’s Cave, in honor of the memories and inspirations created there.

As you enter the cave, get ready for a special treat. Heindre Gericke, your guide, will recite a captivating poem by NP van Wyk Louw. Don’t worry if you don’t understand Afrikaans; he will also recite the poem in English.

When you visit the reserve, there’s so much more to do than just taking in the remote atmosphere. You can try out a variety of activities, like:

• Watching wild animals (Rogge Cloof has around 80 springboks in the eco-village, and many more roam the reserve)
• Tracking cheetahs
• Hiking with a guide to Salpeterkop volcano
• Exploring nature and fossil fields on a drive
• Taking a historical drive and walk
• Riding a bike
• Swimming in a farm dam in Karoo

This desire to escape the city is what Cape County Routes (CCR) South Africa specializes in, and it guarantees you won’t be disappointed.

Hey there, let me tell you about CCR, an exciting enterprise that aims to showcase the beauty of our homeland. They offer a range of establishments along the scenic routes between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, providing adventure, tranquility, and enjoyment.

Among CCR’s impressive collection of 4 and 5-star places, there’s Rogge Cloof, a gem in the crown.

Now, let’s dive into the juicy details:

• Location: Rogge Cloof is nestled on the R354 in Sutherland.
• Rates: You can stay for as low as R1,100 per unit, which sleeps up to four people, and it’s self-catered. Quite a deal, right?
• Bookings: If you’re curious and want to experience the wonders of Rogge Cloof, head over to roggecloof.com and make your reservation today!
• Contact: Oh, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give them a ring at +27 23 004 1161.