Bella de Karoo

Bella de Karoo sits on Andrieskraal, a farm on the R62 between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp with buildings going back to the early 1800s. It does a bit of everything: rooms in the old farm buildings, a restaurant and farm stall, and a stretch of mountain veld kept as an eco-reserve. Most people find it as a lunch stop on Route 62, and some stay the night because it splits the drive nicely.

What to expect

The rooms are in two old buildings. The Old Barn, which is about 200 years old, has been turned into guest units, and there are more in the Old Farm House. Each unit takes two to four people, and the buildings keep their thick walls, wooden floors and reed ceilings. Up on the reserve there is also a mountain cottage on a hill.

The restaurant serves farm food. Roosterkoek and farm bread are what it is known for, and the shop sells jams, rusks, preserves, biltong and baking. A small cellar room stocks local wine, port and beer.

Practical details

• Bookings +27 60 413 8310, after hours +27 67 476 9220.
• The restaurant is open 8am to 5pm every day of the year. Groups of 10 or more should book.
• Check-in is 2pm to 6pm and check-out 10am. Arriving after 8pm needs to be arranged with them first.
• Overnight guests can order dinner to eat in the restaurant or take back to the room.

Good to know

The eco-reserve is the part I would make time for. Kudu, caracal, foxes, meerkats and tortoises live there, leopard pass through at night now and then, and some of the plants are said to be around 1,000 years old. Cyclists are welcome: it is certified bike friendly, with secure storage and early breakfasts. The website now runs under the Big Foot Safaris name, so expect emails from that address.

Last updated 7 October 2026. Sources: Bella de Karoo, Bella de Karoo accommodation, Bella de Karoo restaurant, Bella de Karoo eco-reserve, Bicycle South.