Rediscover the open road from Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet – the ideal launchpad for winter escapes and luxury vehicle experiences in the Karoo.
There is a distinct kind of silence in the Karoo. It’s not empty – it’s alive. You hear it in the crunch of gravel beneath your tyres, the hush of wind sweeping across the plains, and the low hum of an engine tracing a solitary ribbon of tar through sun-warmed stillness.
Long described by travel writers as “a grand, somewhat offbeat overland experience” with “immense spaces and wide-angle horizons”, the Great Karoo invites a different kind of travel. In winter, it’s cinematic. The air is dry and crisp, the skies are endlessly clear, and the golden light transforms even the simplest drive into a sensory journey.
With a new fleet of luxury SUVs entering the South African market – from the rugged new Lexus GX to the all-electric Lexus RZ – drivers are seeking out landscapes that do justice to these machines. The Karoo delivers. From winding gravel roads and dramatic mountain passes to unbroken vistas stretching to the horizon, this terrain is tailor-made for the kind of driving that’s about more than reaching a destination.
This winter, the open road beckons. And the best place to start? Graaff-Reinet – South Africa’s fourth-oldest town – where heritage meets hospitality, and the road leads straight into the soul of the Karoo.
Drostdy Hotel: A Landmark for the Modern Traveller
At the heart of this journey is Drostdy Hotel, a meticulously restored five-star retreat that merges colonial elegance with contemporary comfort. Once a magistrate’s residence, it now offers luxury accommodation, blazing hearths, linen-draped beds, and a warm welcome for travellers and road-trippers alike.
From its cobbled streets to its curated cuisine, Drostdy is where road-weary guests slow down, reconnect, and indulge. Expect Karoo flavours reimagined at De Camdeboo Restaurant, revitalising treatments at the Africology Spa, and interiors that honour both heritage and modern sensibilities.
For those balancing leisure and productivity – the so-called “workcationers” – Drostdy provides fast Wi-Fi, serene surroundings, and that rare gift: mental space. It’s where even your inbox feels manageable.
An Ideal Setting for Automotive Brands and Experiences
Drostdy Hotel isn’t just a waypoint – it’s a platform. With experience hosting car launches and activations (including the Renault Duster), and infrastructure to support electric vehicles like BYD, the hotel seamlessly integrates brand storytelling into a memorable location.
Its partnership with Drostdy Toyota, as well as its proximity to scenic drives like the Swartberg Pass and Meiringspoort, makes it an ideal venue for press drives, influencer engagements, and premium launches. On-site display areas, tailored catering, and conference facilities create an end-to-end solution for automotive and luxury lifestyle brands.
The Karoo: A Road Trip Reimagined
Whether you’re behind the wheel of a classic touring car or a state-of-the-art SUV, winter in the Karoo offers more than a change of scenery – it’s a full recalibration. A reminder that driving can still be soulful. Still thrilling. Still about the journey, not just the end.
And waiting at the heart of it all – with cold wine, warm fires, and Karoo hospitality – is Drostdy Hotel.
