Sky Full of Stars at Sutherland’s Rogge Cloof
Just outside the borderlines of the Western Cape lies Rogge Cloof, a cozy lodge located in the stillness of the Karoo that offers an otherworldly experience for stargazers and nature lovers alike.
Part of the Cape Country Routes, this private reserve, located near the small town of Sutherland in the Northern Cape, is a testament to the raw beauty of the region and a gateway to the cosmos.
Rogge Cloof means wild rye, named after the rye growing in the area upon discovery, but the resort offers so many integrations with nature, its the perfect retreat away from the city.
THE BEST OF ROGGE CLOOF
- Loads of activities, some included, some extra charge.
- Very comfortable and warm suites, surprising for the area.
- Beautiful game viewing from springboks to cheetahs.
- Excellent rangers, very knowledgable and passionate about nature, very informative.
- Activities are well planned with mixed media, not too long or boring.
- Great place to visit with kids or on a couples retreat.
A Sky Full of Stars
Sutherland is renowned for its clear, dark skies, making it a prime location for astronomical observation. The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is located here for good reason. At Rogge Cloof, you’re treated to some of the most spectacular stargazing opportunities from the comfort of the lodge.
As night falls, the sky comes alive with a dazzling array of stars, planets, and the misty sweep of the Milky Way. The absence of light pollution allows for an unparalleled view of the celestial sphere. On our first evening at Rogge Cloof we joined their star gazing tour which included a tutorial from our lead guide and observations through their on-site telescopes. It was a breathless evening which made it even more spectacular.
Luxury in the Wilderness
While the night sky might be one of the main attractions, Rogge Cloof offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from cozy cottages to houses for families, all designed to blend seamlessly with the rugged Karoo landscape. During our stay, we enjoyed experiencing the Orion Suites, a series of bungalows equipped with modern amenities.
The chalet includes a lounge with complimentary sherry, cupboard, indoor fireplace, en-suite bathroom and kitchen counter for basics like tea, coffee and a kettle. The only amenity missing from the room was a fridge, which we did miss as we enjoy having sparkling water with us at all times. The chalets are solar powered through so the farm is mindful of power consumption.
We loved the viewing deck which lead the eye from grazing springboks in front of the porch, down the way towards South Africa’s best preserved volcano: Salpeterkop. The resort is in a shallow ravine which protects it from the wind, but the light continues to fade across the valley with the most beautiful colours.
Daytime Adventures
During the day, Rogge Cloof reveals a different kind of beauty. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife including springbok, ostrich, and the elusive aardvark. Nature walks and game drives offer opportunities to explore the unique flora and fauna of the Karoo, which we enjoyed on 3 separate outings:
- Feeding the springboks first thing in the morning.
- The fossil drive in the afternoon.
- Cheetah tracking on foot
For the more adventurous, guided hikes in the nearby Roggeveld Mountains provide breathtaking views and a chance to see ancient rock art left by the San people thousands of years ago. They also offered a gin tasting which was a fun afternoon activity for the adults.
A Taste of the Karoo
For those staying in the Orion suites, breakfast and dinner are included in your stay. The meat main dishes were particularly good, as well as the breakfasts. The desserts left a bit to be desired (good flavours, bad textures) and the starters were neither here nor there.
Overall though, the food is enjoyable and it’s fantastic not to have to worry about cooking. Do bring along a few afternoon snacks though (that don’t require refrigeration). Pair your meal with a bottle from the extensive wine cellar, featuring some of South Africa’s finest vintages or order a drink from the bar and enjoy your evening next to the indoor fireplaces at Rogge Cloof.
When to Visit Rogge Cloof
Rogge Cloof is a year-round destination, but the best time for stargazing is during the dry winter months (May to August) when the skies are at their clearest. If you have some leeway on your dates, check the moon cycle. The less moonlight, the better the stars. However, each season offers its own charm, from spring wildflowers to summer thunderstorms rolling across the vast landscape.
Getting There
While Rogge Cloof’s remote location is part of its appeal, it does require some planning to reach. Cape Town is about 3 hours away, however, there is a private airstrip nearby, which you can ask reception about potentially using to fly in.
The journey itself is an adventure as the lodge is 7km from the main gate, down a long winding road. You will be able to reach the lodge in a sedan but we recommend an SUV or 4×4 simply for the rougher terrain and height for better views.
Overview: Rogge Cloof is Stellar
The more time has passed since our visit to Rogge Cloof the more I have appreciated what a special reserve it is. With passionate staff members, lots of on-site activities, informative lectures and comfortable chalets, it’s one of my favourite places we’ve stayed to date.
Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking an escape from the bustle of everyday life, Rogge Cloof offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It’s a place where the beauty of the earth meets the wonder of the cosmos, leaving visitors with memories that will last a lifetime.
