The Untamed Arc

Day notes

Today's journey unfolds along a quieter path, one rarely travelled by international visitors — a route rich in story, soul, and natural beauty.

We begin by stepping gently into the world of the San, one of the oldest cultures on Earth. At the Heritage Centre Museum, their stories are shared with us in the warm company of a simple cup of tea — an invitation to pause, listen, and connect with a deeper rhythm of time.

From here, we meander into the wild embrace of the West Coast National Park, where fynbos meets lagoon, and bird calls echo across salt pans and shifting sands. Nature paints quietly here — in soft blues, golden grasses, and the pinks of flamingos.

As the day unfolds, we ease our way through the coastal town of Langebaan and onwards, arriving by afternoon in the charming fishing village of Paternoster — our destination, where the sea whispers its welcome and time seems to gently slow.

Day notes

Step into the laid-back charm of Paternoster, a picture-perfect West Coast fishing village where time seems to slow, and every corner tells a story. With everything within close reach, exploring on foot is not only easy but a joy — from the iconic whitewashed cottages to the colorful boats bobbing in the bay.

But we can’t wait to show you more of Paternoster’s authentic character — the quirks, the culture, and the natural wonders that make this village truly unforgettable.

Hop on a guided E-bike tour and head into the Columbine Nature Reserve, where windswept coastline, indigenous vegetation, and the historic Cape Columbine Lighthouse await. It’s a gentle adventure into the wild beauty just beyond the village.

Back in town? A cold craft beer or crisp glass of wine is calling — and yes, we’ve got you covered.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there…

Climb aboard a thrilling beach buggy ride for a guided dunes tour through thick sands and along remote coastal stretches. This isn’t just about the adrenaline — it's a fascinating journey with opportunities to spot playful dolphins, seasonal whales, duikers and steenbok, and to listen to the melodic calls of the many birds that call this landscape home. You might even need to pause for a tortoise crossing!

Then there’s the beach itself — a wide, flat bay perfect for kayaking or even horseback riding into the sunset.

For a true taste of local life, rise early and watch the fishermen return with their morning catch, cleaning and selling their fish right on the beach. Better yet, venture out with them and immerse yourself in their world — searching for crayfish, mussels, and other West Coast treasures straight from the sea.

Day notes

Today we venture away from the coast and inland, leading into Clanwilliam. Step into the rich history of one of South Africa’s oldest towns with a guided orientation tour of Clanwilliam. Stroll through the charming streets and discover heritage landmarks, including the historic Dutch Reformed Church, the Clanwilliam Museum, and the town’s Rooibos legacy. A highlight of the tour is Park Street, lined with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, offering a glimpse into the architectural and cultural past of the region. This short yet insightful tour is the perfect introduction to the character and stories that define Clanwilliam.

Please Note: Should today fall on a Tuesday or Saturday, there may also be an opportunity to visit a working Rooibos farm, where you can experience the production process of this iconic local tea firsthand.

We recommend visiting strassbergers.co.za ahead of your visit to pre-order any footwear you may be interested in. This ensures your preferred style and size will be ready for collection on the day. ........There's nothing more disappointing than finding the perfect pair—only to discover your size isn't available!

Day notes

Today’s route calls for an early start to allow us time to enjoy the changing landscapes and arrive at our destination before dark. We’ll be travelling at a relaxed pace, taking in the scenic beauty along a mix of tarred and gravel roads. Expect a full day on the road, with plenty of photo opportunities and quiet Karoo vistas.

🛑 First Stop: Citrusdal

Our first leg takes us south from the lodge to Citrusdal, where we’ll refuel. This is also a good opportunity to grab snacks, coffee, or any last-minute essentials. From Citrusdal, we continue toward Cederberg Cellars, passing through the heart of the region’s rugged rock formations and fynbos landscapes. We then ascend the Gydo Pass, a winding and scenic climb that offers sweeping views of the Koue Bokkeveld and surrounding mountains.

🏞️ Through Ceres

The pass brings us into the town of Ceres, nestled among orchards and mountain ranges. Ceres makes for a pleasant stop or lunch break, especially if you'd like to stretch your legs or enjoy a light meal. From Ceres, we push onward to Sutherland , crossing into the open plains of the Karoo. This stretch features classic wide-open landscapes, dusty gravel roads, and that sense of remoteness the Karoo is known for.

Day notes

Today we set aside part of the day to explore the charming town of Sutherland—South Africa’s undisputed Premier Stargazing Destination.

Nestled in the heart of the Great Karoo, Sutherland may be small, but it holds a big place in the sky. This quiet, high-altitude town is rich in character, shaped by its isolation, its people, and its relationship with the cosmos.

Enjoy a relaxed wander through the town, take in its old-world charm, and perhaps stop for a warm drink at a local café or visit one of the quirky shops.

No visit to Sutherland is complete without stepping into its planetarium—a gateway to the universe right here in the Karoo.
Sit back as the stars come to life above you, and experience a guided journey through the constellations, planets, and celestial wonders that have long captured the imagination of scientists and stargazers alike.

A visit to the planetarium deepens the connection between the quiet earth underfoot and the infinite sky above.

Day notes

Today, our journey through the Karoo continues—vast, silent, and endlessly soulful. But as we draw nearer to the final stretch of our adventure, our focus shifts gently toward wildlife and unwinding.

We make our way to Inverdoorn Game Reserve, a haven where the wild meets luxury, and the raw beauty of the landscape is perfectly paired with serene relaxation. Here, the terrain stretches out in golden tones, ideal for both game viewing and simply letting go.

For these final two nights, we've chosen to indulge a little—treating ourselves to a stay that blends the thrill of a Big 5 safari with the comforts of a refined, tranquil retreat. After days of exploration, this is where we pause, reflect, and soak in the magic of the Karoo—spoilt for choice, and loving every moment of it.

Day notes

As your journey draws to a close, ending with a stay at Inverdoorn offers the perfect balance of gentle adventure and quiet reflection. With time to unwind and enjoy the lodge’s welcoming facilities at your own pace, these final days allow you to reconnect, repack, and relax—a graceful conclusion to a truly memorable experience.

When the time comes, we’ll begin the comfortable 2.5-hour road transfer to Cape Town International Airport, giving you time to take in the final stretch of Karoo landscape. It’s a smooth and easy journey… though we know, deep down, a part of you may wish to linger just a little longer.