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Fossil Ridge eco-lodge in the Gamkaberg: a perfect spot

16/10/2013

8 Comments

 
Fossil Ridge eco-lodge, Gamkaberg Nature Reserve
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.

Fossil Ridge has a gorgeous setting at the foot of a rocky koppie, with paths laid out among the sweet thorn trees. The tents are big and there are extra chairs for relaxing inside or on the deck. There’s even a splash pool with lounging deck and umbrella, especially attractive in the soft light of late afternoon. The kitchen is well equipped and there’s a living area with a couch and picnic table.
Fossil Ridge eco-lodge, Gamkaberg
Whoever chose the site for the lapa was a genius
Like its sisters Sweet-thorn and Tierkloof, Fossil Ridge 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.
Fossil Ridge eco-lodge, Gamkaberg
Ample space and comfort in the safari tents
Fossil Ridge eco-lodge, Gamkaberg
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.
Fossil Ridge eco-lodge, Gamkaberg
Not much more you could wish for in the kitchen
Best of all was the lapa, with gravel to keep down the dust, a rock circle for a fire, a half-barrel braai, four canvas chairs, a picnic table with umbrella and a superb view of the koppie where a spotted eagle owl perched to hoot at us on our last evening.
Fossil Ridge eco-lodge, Gamkaberg
The indoor living area between the lapa and kitchen
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.

Things to do at Gamkaberg
  1. Drive the Zebra 4x4 trail (grade 3) up the Gamkaberg for 16km to Oukraal campsite, or the new 32km Kannaland 4x4 trail (grade 3). The Kannaland route is open only to overnight guests at Gamkaberg.
  2. Do one or more of the four easy short walking trails, from 20 min to 2.5 hours. Get a Bossie ID guide from reception to enrich your walk by identifying 20 common plants along the trails.
  3. Hike the Tierkloof trail, with options from a 14.4km day trail to an overnight trail (13.2km on day 1 and 11.6km on day 2).
  4. If you’re feeling meditative, walk the labyrinth marked out with rocks.
  5. Go birding and look out for Karoo endemics.


You may also enjoy
10 Karoo game reserves and nature reserves to visit

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Want to stay at the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp in the Karoo, South Africa? Take an inside look at one of the intimate eco-lodges, Fossil Ridge. Gamkaberg accommodation #karoo #Gamkaberg #GamkabergNatureReserve
Want to stay at the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp in the Karoo, South Africa? Take an inside look at one of the intimate eco-lodges, Fossil Ridge. Gamkaberg accommodation #karoo #Gamkaberg #GamkabergNatureReserve
Copyright © Roxanne Reid - No words or photographs on this site may be used without permission from roxannereid.co.za
8 Comments
Webster
16/10/2013 02:13:50 pm

What a lovely getaway. Cape Nature has certainly got their act together. Thanks for the insight.

Reply
Roxanne link
17/10/2013 01:03:40 am

It has indeed, Webster. What I love is that the eco-friendliness at Cape Nature reserves doesn't come at the cost of comfort or atmosphere.

Reply
Francois De Klerk
26/8/2016 12:45:03 pm

Does these comfortable tent(houses) have there own full bathroom? or is that of communal nature.

Roxanne
26/8/2016 12:50:35 pm

Francois, the bathroom is separate but there are only two tents at Fossil Ridge and they don't book other people even if you're only two so you're at least sharing with friends.

Reply
Jo Goddard
28/11/2020 09:59:22 am

I see there is a fridge in the kitchen, so presumably electricity despite mention of solar lamps? Looks lovely

Reply
Roxanne
1/12/2020 11:19:10 am

Yes, Jo, there's a fridge that runs on solar energy. Cooking is with gas - or of course a braai.

Reply
Trysie Brand
22/2/2023 10:06:24 pm

Can I get there with a normal sedan car or do I need a 4x4?

Reply
Roxanne Reid
23/2/2023 09:04:57 am

You can definitely get there in a normal car, even though it's a gravel road. You obviously won't be able to do the 4or trails but you can swim, go birdwatching, hiking, etc.

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    I'm an independent travel writer and book editor with a passion for Africa - anything from African travel, people, safari and wildlife to adventure, heritage, road-tripping and slow travel.
    My travel buddy and husband Keith is the primary photographer for this blog.
    We're happiest in the middle of nowhere, meeting the locals, trying something new, or simply watching the grass grow.
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