My only memory of Springbok is spending a very, VERY cold night camping on a hard community hall floor with what seemed like the most threadbare sleeping bag to keep me from losing my toes to frostbite. This was about 18 years ago, during a stop-over on a kids’ holiday camp to Namibia, so aside from waking up to the early cry of roosters (if I actually got any sleep) and seeing tons of rocks and aloes, my memory is a little hazy. I do, however, recall the feeling of never wanting to repeat that night again – ever! It may be the passage of time or my insatiable wanderlust, but I have finally considered revisiting Springbok.

Now you may be wondering what there is to do around this little dorp in the Northern Cape. Well, for starters, it is home to the famous Namakwaland wild flowers and succulents, offering a unique experience amid spectacular scenery – something that can only be truly appreciated when you see it for yourself. Other nearby activities include hiking trails, Orange River rafting, 4×4 shipwreck tours to the west, and a tour of Richtersveld in the north.

After a little searching, my accommodation of choice would have to be Naries Namakwa Retreat, a beautiful and romantic hideaway on the edge of the Spektakelberg between Springbok and Kleinzee….and a far cry from that freezing hall floor of my childhood recollections! The fact that my chosen accommodation lies 27km out of Springbok has nothing to do with avoiding the town itself. Naries lies on a 6 000 hectare piece of semi-desert that I think enhances the romantic experience of the Northern Cape’s rural life (in a luxurious setting of course) and really lets you appreciate being away from the day-to-day stresses of frenetic urban life. And any establishment that has the word “Retreat” in its name is a major draw-card for a well-needed break.

So why did I choose Naries Namakwa Retreat? To be honest, it was initially based on beautiful photographs that instantly took me from behind my desk to La-La-Land. The unusual and ultra-luxurious, yet brutally rustic Namakwa Mountain Suites first caught my attention. These thatched, dome-shaped, en-suite cottages resemble large boulders scattered about the landscape, with a state of the art, rock-lined interior that will make you feel like a love-struck caveman. (That’s about the most fitting description I could come up with.) The remote suites offer ultimate privacy and lie approximately 1km from the Manor House, where all meals are served (no heels to dinner ladies!). With no TV, mobile phone signal, or Wi-Fi, these suites are perfect for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.

Naries offers other accommodation too. Scaling down the luxury factor, but keeping with the superb quality, are the classic and elegant Manor House en-suite rooms. Each room has its own offerings and they vary with the selection of facilities available. While some rooms have a private patio and twin beds, others are wheelchair friendly, are furnished with a double bed, and have a bathroom with both a shower and bath. No matter what you choose, you will be guaranteed all the creature comforts for a relaxing break, including a crystal-clear swimming pool and shaded veranda.

Naries caters for all budgets, so if the above accommodation options are out of your price range then you can look at staying in the beautiful Family Self-Catering Cottages. These Cape Country style cottages are both elegant and tranquil, with top quality finishes, perfect for families who like to self-cater. Each cottage has 2 en-suite bedrooms, one with a king-sized bed and the other with twin beds. The units have an indoor braai/fireplace and an outdoor braai area, where you can enjoy amazing mountain views and a spectacle of stars.

Although Naries Namakwa Retreat offers accommodation on a dinner, bed, and breakfast basis, it does not have a public restaurant on site. Meals are carefully planned, prepared, and served for guests only, and they are happy to cater for all dietary preferences if notified in advance. Their “food from heaven” is said to be a highlight for many visitors. If you as a self-catering guest would like a meal prepared, simply book in advance by email, but be prepared, because no children under 12 are allowed.

If there’s anything that has inspired me to rethink my impressions of Springbok and visit this part of the Northern Cape again, Naries Namakwa Retreat is it. I can’t wait to start planning my next trip, and I’m sure it will include plenty of river rafting, star-gazing, and flower photography! Have you ever been to this region? What do you recommend I put on my “To Do” list?