By Roxanne Reid
Sprawled in a canvas chair at our private lapa, glass of wine in hand, I watched a spotted eagle owl perch on a rocky koppie where it was silhouetted against the darkening sky. We were at Fossil Ridge eco-lodge in the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve near Oudtshoorn and the heat of the day was fading at last.
Sprawled in a canvas chair at our private lapa, glass of wine in hand, I watched a spotted eagle owl perch on a rocky koppie where it was silhouetted against the darkening sky. We were at Fossil Ridge eco-lodge in the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve near Oudtshoorn and the heat of the day was fading at last.
Whoever chose the site for the lapa was a genius
Fossil Ridge (like its sisters Sweet-thorn and Tierkloof) encourages an eco-friendly and sustainable way of life. So there’s solar lighting, eco-loos and separate bins for recycling glass/tin, plastic, paper and food scraps. The canvas tents and reed-and-canvas kitchen also tread lightly, and paths are laid out among the sweet-thorn trees for a feeling that’s as close to natural as any lodge can hope to be.
Ample space and comfort in the safari tents
The splash pool is bliss on a hot afternoon
Without breaking the bank, there were luxurious touches. The tent was fully carpeted, our bed was king-size, and there were extra chairs for relaxing inside or on the deck. Thick towels, bottles of shampoo, shower gel and body lotion, incense sticks in the bathroom – they were little elements but the effect was big. I loved the place.
Not much more you could wish for in the kitchen
The indoor living area between the lapa and kitchen
There's also the Kannaland 4x4 trail at Gamkaberg and you're only allowed on it if you're booked in overnight at the reserve - another great reason to come here.
In the mornings, we woke to the chatter of birds in the thicket next to the tent. In the evenings, we braaied in the lapa, wandered back to our tent along the windy path softly lit by solar lights masquerading as paraffin lamps, and fell asleep to the hooting of owls. It was perfect.
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In the mornings, we woke to the chatter of birds in the thicket next to the tent. In the evenings, we braaied in the lapa, wandered back to our tent along the windy path softly lit by solar lights masquerading as paraffin lamps, and fell asleep to the hooting of owls. It was perfect.
You may also enjoy
10 Karoo game reserves and nature reserves to visit
Like it? Pin this image!
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