Escape Life For a Little While At Eco Karoo Lodge, a Rustic, Pet-Friendly Destination

Eco Karoo Lodge is the perfect pit stop between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Only a 40-minute detour from the N1, a stay here will transport you to the remote Karoo. Secluded, stylishly decorated, and pet-friendly, it beckons weary travellers who need a slice of luxury on a road trip.

Here's our experience and what you can expect when you book a night at Eco Karoo Lodge!

The Eco Suites

Eco Karoo is an off-the-grid escape with three suites that can accommodate 2 to 12 guests. If you're road tripping in a group, you can easily book out the whole place!

Each suite comes with a massive king bed and two twin beds in a second bedroom (ideal for travelling families or groups of friends!). There is a stunning ensuite bathroom with minimal decor and a private outdoor shower.

The rooms have fully stocked fireplaces - perfect for cosying up on those cold Karoo nights!

The Lodge

The rest of the lodge has communal areas for all the guests to enjoy. 

The standout feature is, without a doubt, the kitchen! It's fully equipped with everything you need to cook up a delicious South African meal. Think potjie pots, braai areas, and an open-air kitchenette for meals under the stars. Before arriving, you can pre-order packs of meat from the farm and buy wine bottles to go with your meal.

Next to the kitchen is the lounge and indoor dining area. It's the only place where the Wi-Fi works, which is a lovely excuse for a digital detox.

The lounge has big glass sliding doors which open up to the stunning 6-metre infinity pool. Overlooking the arid plains, you'll want to take a dip here to cool off from the Karoo heat after a long day of driving.

After dinner, Alfreds (the on-site manager) will light lanterns all around the property and start the boma fire. Curl up here after dinner, and watch the night's sky light up with millions of twinkling stars!

Tips for Visiting with Dogs

It's not often you find such an exquisite property which is pet-friendly. However, if you're planning on travelling with your pooch, here are some things to keep in mind before making your booking:

1. The property is not fenced: You'll want to keep your dog on a lead if you're not comfortable with your pup having free range.
   
   
2. Consider your dog breed: The Karoo is hot, and it's possible longer haired dogs will experience overheating.
   
   
3. Other dogs: If you haven't booked out the entire place, you need to consider other dogs might be there.

What to Do 

Eco Karoo has two beautiful hiking trails on the property. The walks are easy, scenic, and you don't need a high-level of fitness to conquer them.

Plus, your pups will love the hike too!

Final Thoughts

Karoo Eco Lodge is an incredible gem! The seclusion is amazing, and you feel like you're the only people in the world. While the decor is simple and rustic, it's stunning, and you'll have all the creature comforts for a wonderful stay.

One thing to keep in mind is the road to the lodge. When leaving, don't turn right even if the GPS says it's the shortest route. The road is for 4x4 vehicles only, and there is no reception if you do get stuck.