Mieliefontein Karoo Guest Farm

The KhoiSan Karoo Conservancy is an 8,000-hectare nature reserve located between Colesberg and Hanover in South Africa's Northern Cape, situated 8km off the N1 highway. This strategic location serves as an ideal halfway point between major destinations including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Upington, Port Elizabeth, and the Garden Route.

The conservancy features two main lodging areas: New Holme Nature Lodge at the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve, and Mieliefontein Guest Farm at the Hanover Aardvark Nature Reserve. Together, these facilities can accommodate up to 86 guests across various accommodation options, including modern en-suite stable rooms, self-catering cottages, and a tented camp. Both New Holme and Mieliefontein are 4-star establishments offering traditional "plaas kos" (farm food) through three-course dinner experiences.

Visitors can engage in numerous activities including early morning birding drives, guided walks, horse riding, stargazing from a dedicated deck, hippo drives, and viewing KhoiSan etchings. The property also features mountain bike trails and a swimming pool. The area is known for its Shy Five wildlife viewing opportunities, offering an alternative to the traditional Big Five safari experience.

The conservancy has gained recognition through various media outlets, including BBC Wildlife and The Daily Maverick, which have highlighted its transformation from traditional farming to a sustainable tourism and conservation enterprise. Under the leadership of P.C. Ferreira, the conservancy works closely with central Karoo municipalities and conservation organizations to protect and restore the area's wildlife and biodiversity.

The property connects to the Seekoei (Hippo) Valley Meander, a scenic route linking New Bethesda to Hanover and Colesberg via dirt roads, suitable for both vehicles and mountain bikes. Additional nearby attractions include Orania, the Van Der Kloof Dam, and a notable Suricate (meerkat) colony that responds to farmer calls.