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When to Go

Spring (September–November) in the Karoo is ideal, with sunny days and cool nights, though the hot summer months (December–February), when temperatures can reach 100 degrees, are livelier. Just make sure you have an air-conditioned car.

Getting There

South African Airways (800/722-9675; flysaa.com) has daily flights from Washington, D.C., and New York to Johannesburg, with connections to Cape Town. You can pick up a rental car at the airport. For the drive to Barrydale, take the N1 northeast of Cape Town to Worcester, then hop on the N15. Turn onto the R62 outside Montagu.

Where to Stay

The Barrydale

great value 30 Van Riebeeck St., Barrydale; 27-28/572-1226; thebarrydale.co.za; doubles from $84, including breakfast.

Boesmanskop Kruisrivier

R62, Oudtshoorn; 27-44/213-3365; boesmanskop.co.za; doubles from $114, including breakfast and dinner.

De Bergkant Lodge

Stylish Cape Dutch guesthouse with eight rooms and a swimming pool, on Prince Albert’s main street. 5 Church St., Prince Albert; 27-23/541-1088; www.princealbert.org.za/bergkant.htm; doubles from $205, including breakfast.

Feather Palace

Guest Farm R62, Oudtshoorn; 27-44/251-6760; thefeatherpalace.co.za; doubles from $114.

Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa

Lagoon View Dr., Eastern Head, Knysna; 27-44/302-3410; pezularesorthotel.com, doubles from $730.

Samara Private Game Reserve

A six-suite game lodge in Karoo-settler style on 70,000 acres of wilderness. Off R75, near Graaff-Reinet; 27-49/891-0558; samara.co.za; doubles from $805.

Where to Eat/Drink

Jemima’s

Superb Karoo cuisine, such as lamb in muscatel sauce. 94 Baron van Reede St., Oudtshoorn; 27- 44/272-0808; dinner for two $37.

Koggelmander Eatery and Art House

16 Church St., Prince Albert; 27-23/541-1900; dinner for two $36.

Limani Blue

Waterfront Dr., Knysna Quays; 27-44/382-0530; dinner for two $44.

Ronnies Sex Shop

A cult bar and roadside burger joint owned by farmer Ronnie Price. R62, 16 miles east of Barrydale; 27-28/572-1153; lunch for two $15.

Vineyards

Bergwater Vineyards

Prince Albert Valley; 27-23/541-1703; bergwater.com.

Boplaas

2 Saayman St., Calitzdorp; 27-44/213-3326; boplaas.co.za.

Joubert-Tradauw Private Wine Cellar

Vleiplaas, Barrydale; 27-28/572-1619; joubert-tradauw.co.za.

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