FACILITIES
At Rogge Cloof, we offer a variety of facilities to make your stay truly memorable. Take a refreshing dip in our farm-dam swimming pools, indulge in stargazing under the pristine Karoo skies, or enjoy delicious meals at the Rittersaal Dining Hall. Explore our vineyard, where we grow our exclusive Rogge Cloof wines, and visit our hothouse to see how we cultivate fresh produce sustainably, or immerse yourself in nature at our Adventure Camp. Each experience captures the beauty and serenity of the Great Karoo.
rittersaal dining hall
The Rittersaal is an authentically restored historic farmhouse, dating back to the late 1700s, lovingly transformed into a grand dining hall reminiscent of the Middle Ages.
It serves as a guest dining hall, not a restaurant, operating at fixed times with set menus.
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With a comfortable capacity for up to 50 guests, the Rittersaal is perfect for dining, functions, weddings, and celebrations. The outside patio, or 'stoep,' offers additional space for outdoor dining and gatherings around a bonfire.​
Springbokke & Trekbokke
Great Springbok Migration
Springboks used to form very large herds to migrate, with more than 1 million animals together, over the Karoo Plains. This was called a "trek" or "trekbokking". The migrations were so large that you could see the dust of the springbok many kilometres away. The most recent migration took place in 1896 and unfortunately since then, hunting, roads, fences, urbanisation, farming and other human developments have wiped it out.
One of Rogge Cloof’s dreams and projects is to recreate these huge herds of springbok grazing on the Star Plains to remind and bring us back to the huge herds of Trek Bokke from the 19th century and before. Rogge Cloof boasts some of the largest springbok herds in the world.
Visit Rogge Cloof and experience springboks performing a number of vertical stiff-legged jumps up to 2 m high, with the head down, hooves bunched, and an arched back, called “pronking.” These leaps are a spectacle when performed playfully by the young springbok. The pronking is used by springbok to distract predators like cheetahs and lions.
vineyards & Wine cellar
Rogge Cloof offers guests the chance to explore its vineyards and enjoy wines that capture the unique essence of the Roggeveld region.
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The vineyard's microclimate features low humidity, dry winds, clear skies, and intense sunlight. Due to its remote location and cold winter temperatures, typical vineyard diseases are absent, allowing the vines to thrive without the use of insecticides or pesticides.
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While the cold protects the vines from disease, it also presents challenges. Black frost in spring poses a risk to young shoots, and the growing season in Sutherland is both later and shorter than in other parts of South Africa.
Spaceport Karoo Dark Sky Reserve
Rogge Cloof Private Nature Reserve is a gateway to the wonders of the Karoo skies. As part of the Sutherland Dark Sky Reserve, South Africa’s largest dark sky area, it offers unparalleled stargazing experiences while helping preserve the pristine night sky.
Located near the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) and SALT (Southern Africa Large Telescope), Rogge Cloof is perfectly positioned for astronomy enthusiasts.
Spanning over 20,000 hectares, its “Star Plains” have captivated guests with breathtaking views of the night sky. Many describe it as a place where "the stars have never been so bright and close."
At Rogge Cloof, you’re truly in a Spaceport to witness the most spectacular heavens on Earth!
Astronomy Research
In conjunction with private companies, universities, research organisations and hobby astronomers, Rogge Cloof facilitates and conducts astronomy research.
Various stands are available for lease and Rogge Cloof provides internet, power and technical assistance onsite.
Current research includes satellite tracking, meteorite research and many more.
For more information and opportunities, please contact us at info@roggecloof.com
Hot House
Eco-consciousness is woven into every aspect of life at Rogge Cloof, where our hothouse plays an important role in our self-sustainability efforts.
In an area known for its extreme conditions and limited resources, the hothouse allows us to grow fresh produce year-round, complementing our other initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint.
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At Rogge Cloof, eco-living is a daily practice. Solar panels power the entire Eco-Village, and we rely on borehole water for sustainability. Our buildings are insulated with materials like recycled plastic bottles, and we repurpose stone, metal, and other resources found on the farm for construction.
Even discarded porcelain pieces discovered around the Reserve are transformed into unique mosaics and décor for our units. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the Great Karoo while making the most of its resources.
adventure centre
Discover the wonders of the Great Karoo at Rogge Cloof, where your group can experience starlit skies, endless landscapes, fascinating wildlife like the cheetah, and the natural beauty of historic volcanoes and fossils.
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Our dormitory-style lodging is ideal for school or student groups, offering space for 10 to 50 guests in bunk beds (mattresses provided). Please note that bedding and linen must be supplied by guests. A self-catering kitchen is available, and separate accommodations are provided for teachers or facilitators.
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Customized quotes, including group meals and activities, are available on request.​
Karoo Farm Dam Swimming
Guests at Rogge Cloof can enjoy a refreshing dip in one of our two farm-dam swimming pools, perfect for cooling off and relaxing in the serene Karoo landscape.
Take a swim at the Poplar Tree Pool near Rittersaal or enjoy exclusive access to the Oryx House farm-dam pool for Oryx House guests.