Ganora Guest Farm, Camping and Excursions

We first stayed at Ganora in 2012, in one of their guest rooms, and we were delighted to find that true Karoo hospitality was still to be found here. This time we stayed with our 2 children in the Khoisan Cottage. The cottage is very quaint and cosy, with comfy beds, an indoor fireplace and outdoor stoep with a braai place and lovely views. It is also spotlessly clean. During our 3 nights here we took a couple of drives into nearby Nieu Bethesda to explore, took a number of lovely walks on the farm, had a medicinal plant walk with local expert Henry, which was super interesting, the kids swam in the pool, and we had a delicious meal of Karoo ostrich made for us by the guest house's chef. Ganora is an absolutely wonderful place to stay for those wanting to relax, wind down and enjoy a slower place for a few days. Nature and animal lovers especially will not be disappointed. Hester and JP have created a little piece of heaven on a working sheep farm, and we will be sure to return.

We recently visited Nieu Bethesda and decided to stay at Ganora Guest Farm, conveniently located just outside town (about 8 km). Ganora is a working Karoo sheep farm but provides guests not only with a typical Karoo Farm experience where one can hike, mountain bike, bird watch stargaze and hand feed new born lambs but also some unique activities not often encountered. One of these is a fossil museum where the host shares his extensive knowledge about the ancient past of the Karoo. There are also guided walks to various of these fossil sites. Another surprise is the guided tour to a Bushman rock art site where the guide will point out some of the culture and beliefs of the Bushmen. Regarding Accommodation - We stayed in the Self catering cottage that was well equipped and comfortable. There is a fireplace in the lounge that served as well in winter as well as a convenient braai on the veranda overlooking the farm and the Karoo scenery. The farm was also the ideal base to visit Nieu Bethesda Town and the Owl House of Helen Martin. We were four adults and decided to extend our stay to two days.

Ganora Lodge is in a wonderful location, so unique with so much to do; from walks, fossils, bushman paintings, medicinal walks, the sheer beauty of the surroundings, fantastic food, ambience, hosts are amazingly friendly, go out of their way to help and are so knowledgeable . The rooms are beautifully stylish with original art by the hostess and meticulously clean and comfortable. We will be back for sure ! Ganora is a winner, unbeatable.