Kalkfontein Karoo

This comfortable, stylish and well furnished, self-catering guesthouse can accommodate up to a maximum of 8 people. The house has a big living space with an indoor and outdoor braai.

The kitchen is fully equipped with all necessary appliances to make your stay as comfortable as possible: stove, refrigerator, micro wave, all cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils.  

There also is DSTV available and there is good cell phone reception.

For the hot Karoo days, there is a splash pool for your convenience.

There are 3 bedrooms:  Bedroom 1 – Queen size bed – sleeps 2

Bedroom 2 – 2 single beds – sleeps 2 (can be converted to double bed)

Bedroom 3 – 2 single beds – sleeps 2 (can be converted to double bed).

There are 2 extra beds (sleeping couches) in the living area – more ideal for children.

All linen/ bedding is provided, guests only need to bring own towels.

There is a bathroom with a shower, bath, toilet and basin as well as a separate toilet with a hand basin.

The mountain house is approximately 13 kilometers away from the main guest house, high up in the Nuweveld Mountains. 

The mountain house overlooks the Karoo, and the view stretches to the Swartberg Mountains in the south.

A variety of surprises await our Mountain House visitors:The sunrise in the east and sunset in the west, experienced like nowhere else in South Africa.

The water crib is only 50 m away from the Mountain house where Kudus, Klipspringers, Duikers and Blue Wildebeest come to quench their thirst.

The Black-backed jackal’s bark can be heard and even the shy Brown hyena sometimes makes its way to the water crib.

The bird life is surprisingly abundant; bring your binoculars and books.

The exceptional setting of the mountain house allows for private and secluded romantic getaways or just to relax and recharge one’s batteries.

All bedding is provided. Bring only your own towels.

Room 1: 1 double bed – sleeps 2;   Room 2 – 1 double bed – sleeps 2

There is an extra bunk bed – sleeps 2 and 1 x single bed in the living room.

The bathroom has a hand basin, shower and toilet and there is an extra separate toilet.

There is a cozy, comfortable living room with a fire place for the cold winter evenings.

The kitchen is equipped withcutlery, crockery and cooking utensils, 12-volt solar fridge and a 2 plate gas stove.  There are 12-volt solar lights.

Barbeque (‘Braai’) on front porch overlooking the valley as well as a conversation Fire pit outside.  There is NO DSTV but there is good cell phone reception.

There is a Hot tub on front porch –NB: conditions for use apply.

A once-off, fully refundable deposit of R1500 is due at confirmation of booking. This deposit will be paid back within 7 days after departure, as soon as the mountain house has been inspected for any damage or loss of property, specifically the hot tub.

Kalkfontein Karoo Hiking Trails are found in the Nuweveld Mountains and offers hikers five different trails with immaculate scenery for all nature-lovers.

These Karoo trails boast with open Karoo plains, trails next to the natural flow of rivers that start in the mountains, gorges and unbelievable panoramic views that need to be experienced in person.

The Karoo also has the biggest variety of succulents in South Africa.

The trails do not only offer plants and plains, but hikers will also be spoiled with birds and wildlife on their route. Kalkfontein Karoo Trials have an exceptional bird life. Hikers might also be lucky enough to witness the endangered Black eagle while hiking in the mountains.

Be prepared when turning a corner to be greeted by some of our Kudu, Klipspringer, Blue Wildebeest, Oryx, Duiker, Bles Buck and Springbok. Also be on the lookout for smaller species such as porcupines, squirrels, mongoose, tortoises, hairs, dassies and the Bat-eared fox.

Kalkfontein has 5 separate trails that give all level of hikers a chance to enjoy our spectacular and diverse fauna and flora

• The Dassie
• Porcupine
• Blouwildebeest
• Klipspringer
• Kudu

Trails are all well planned, clearly marked and therefore even inexperienced hikers can tackle the routes without fear. (Trail maps available on arrival).

2 stunning day circular trails

The Dassie and Porcupine trails start and end at Kalkfontein Guest Farm.

These two trails are suitable for all age groups and all levels of fitness.

Dassie Trail / Dassieroete – 4,5km (2 hours)

Porcupine Trail / Ystervarkroete – 8 km (3 hours)

Hikers then have a choice of hiking up to our lovely Mountain house (Berghuis) following our Blouwildebeest Trail. This trail is 9,4kms and takes approximately 4,5 hours to complete. 

Hikers will head up the mountain and arrive at our newest venture – the house build in the mountains, or as we like to call it, our “Strandhuis in die Berg”.  This house also offers a hot tub where hikers can relax under the milky-way and be well rested for the next day’s adventure.

OPTIONAL: From here the “bright and early hikers” can start with one of our more challenging routes: the 4) Klipspringer trail. This trail starts and ends back at the Mountain House (circular day trail). Here you will realize that the best view comes after the hardest climb.

This trail is 6,2 km but will keep you busy for at least 5 hours.

After time well spent in the mountains, hikers will head back down the mountain following the Kudu Trail of11 km. This will take up to 4 hours.

Back at the guest house (Base camp) hikers get time to reminisce about all the magic, peace and tranquility that the Karoo has been shared.

A last evening under the stars will be again spent at Kalkfontein Guest House.

We never say goodbye, just always, “until next time” with a blessed hiking- heart filled with memories.

We are so excited to announce that we have completed our latest trail, The Lion’s Trail.


This 11.7km trail that will take you approximately 6 hours to complete, was inspired by everyone’s favorite lion, Sylvester. On the 5th of June 2015, Sylvester escaped from the Karoo National Park for the first time.

After a history of roaming the Nuweveld Mountains, Sylvester was finally darted from a helicopter on 29th March 2016, in the Mountains of Kalkfontein Guestfarm and transported safely back to the Karoo National Park.

Come join us in the tranquillity of the Karoo and walk in the footsteps of Sylvester. The Karoo graces you with the mesmerizing works of art delivered by nature, different bird species, a variety of games and the knowledge, that you now roam where a lion once did. The journey is worth the effort.

Day 1: Arrival at the guesthouse. There are 2 circular routes for hiking: DASSIE route (4.5km – about 1 hour of walking) and/or YSTERVARK route (8.4km – about 2 and a half hours of walking). Enjoy a 3-course dinner at R150 per person.

Day 2: Hike the BLOUWILDEBEES route to the mountain (9.4km – approximately 4 hours of walking) and spend the night at the mountain cottage.

Day 3: Hike the KLIPSPRINGER route (6.2km – around 5 hours of walking) and stay overnight at the mountain cottage again.

Day 4: Hike the LEEU route (11km – about 6 hours of walking) and spend the night at the mountain cottage.

Day 5: Hike the KOEDOE route (11km – around 4 hours of walking) back to the guesthouse, where hikers can stay overnight. We provide a barbecue dinner at the house.

Day 6: Hikers depart.

Day 1: Arrival at the guesthouse. Hikers can relax. Dinner is provided at R150 per person.

Day 2: Hike two circular routes starting from the guesthouse: – DASSIE – and YSTERVARK routes, and stay overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 3: Hike the BLOUWILDEBEES route to the Mountain Cottage and spend the night there.

Day 4: Hike the KLIPSPRINGER route and stay overnight at the Mountain Cottage.

Day 5: Hike the LEEU route and stay overnight at the Mountain Cottage.

Day 6: Hike the KOEDOE route back to the guesthouse. We provide a barbecue dinner.

Day 7: Hikers depart.

All Bedding/ linen is provided

Meals are provided on request at an additional cost.

All hikers’ equipment can be transported from the guest house to the mountain house at an additional rate. (Slack pack option available).

Hiking trails are suitable for all hiking groups.

Note: The Klipspringer Trail is a bit more challenging trail with interesting rock formations, high kranses, panoramic views you will never forget!! But it is not recommended for the faint hearted.

Our Mountain bike routes meandering over gravel and mountain roads that vary with distances from 5km to 22 km are available for enthusiasts.

When undertaking these routes, whether on bike or by foot, you will be mesmerized by riverbeds, mountains and a variety of game like Kudu, Gemsbuck, Springbuck, Blesbuck and Blue wildebeest.

Admire the magnificent mountain krantzes from your bedroom or while relaxing in the hot tub, peering over the open Karoo plains.