North of Mossel bay, over the Outeniqua mountains, lies a district that is, if anything, the exact opposite of the lush green Garden Route. It is a perpetually dry arid landscape, which receives very little rain throughout the year. But this in no way means that the Klein Karoo (little Karoo) is a place to be avoided. In fact it is very reason that makes the Klein Karoo Region such a wonderful surprise.

With such little rain that falls in the region it is quite a wonder that the Klein Karoo is home to some great wine farms along the Klein Karoo Wine route, which also forms part of the Route 62 wine route (the longest wine route in the world). The Klein Karoo is also home to some of the most beautiful and breathtaking Mountain Passes in South Africa. Take a ride and enjoy the view over the virtually untouched landscape

Of course the Klein Karoo is synonymous with Ostrich Farming, and there is no better place to see these marvelous flightless birds than in the Ostrich Capital of the world, Oudtshoorn. While there take a turn past the Cango Cave and experience the wondrous stalagmite and stalactite formation which date back millions of years.

It might not be everyone’s idea of beautiful, but the Klein Karoo has a charm and presence unto itself. A breakaway to this part of the country will surely only benefit the Mind, Body and Soul.