Eco-tourism immerses guests in conservation projects

Roam Private Game Reserve near Beaufort West is located on 5500 hectares of scrubveld in the Great Karoo, an ancient and endless semi-desert landscape covering more than 154 440 square miles in its entirety.

Roan at night

Roan Private Game Reserve at night

Eco-tourism

The looming Swartberg Mountains form the backdrop to Roam, while the surrounding archetypal landscapes of flat-topped koppies, deep rock-filled valleys, dry riverbeds littered with shell fragments, and blankets of acacia scrub define the endless landscape.

The focus at Roam is on eco-tourism and to provide guests with the opportunity to experience a conscious safari in the remote wilderness of the Karoo. The team at Roam has many conservation initiatives that focus on rewilding the Great Karoo. Knowledgeable guides will take you on a once in a lifetime adventure tracking wild cheetah on foot through this vast and picturesque landscape.

Cheetah tracking is one of the many activities on the reserve

Cheetah tracking is one of the many activities at the reserve

You might even get lucky and spot some adorable cubs

You might even get lucky and spot some adorable cubs

A herd of buffalo running along the game drive vehicle

A herd of buffalo running along the game drive vehicle

The Wild

Other notable species that can be spotted on wilderness walks and guided game drives include giraffe, buffalo, bat eared fox, zebra, kudu, springbok, gemsbok, ostrich, eland, meerkats and over 200 species of birds. You are encouraged to get involved in the conservation aspect of a safari, and also participate in bird ringing or observing meerkats at their burrows before sunrise or sunset. Other activities on offer include mountain biking, sundowners and stargazing.

Spotted, a gorgeous giraffe at the reserve

Spotted, a gorgeous giraffe at the reserve

All guests enjoy meals and safari drives together

All guests enjoy meals and safari drives together

Authentic South African drinks and snacks are part of the game drives

Authentic South African drinks and snacks are part of the game drives

The Magic Of The Great Karoo

All meals, excursions and activities are included and guests at Roam Safari Lodge eat their meals together, enjoy game drives on one vehicle and excursions are undertaken with experienced field guides with Master’s degrees in various aspects of conservation and ecology. Read about another spectacular Safari experience here.

Endless horizons, brazen sunsets, star-studded night skies and the magic of the Great Karoo await your arrival.

Located just 6 hours from Cape Town and a mere 2-hour drive from George Airport and the Garden Route; Roam is perfectly placed for a safari add-on to Route 62, Oudtshoorn, Cango Caves, Prince Albert and Swartberg Pass roadtrip.

The immaculate suites are all decorated with an urban feel

The immaculate suites are all decorated with an urban African feel

Adventure awaits

Adventure awaits

The Wines

The reserve wine list of South African wines is the perfect accompaniment to their traditional home cooking.

Guests can enjoy the Diemersfontein Pinotage, with its nose of cherry, raspberry, vanilla, and spices for some of the meatier dishes or in front of the fire in winter. In the mouth it is smooth, rich, and wonderfully round. Primary flavors of cherry, black raspberry and cassis dominate the lively, even juicy body of the wine. Hints of coffee with milk and mulling spices sneak in as the wine heads for a very nice finish. Shop more Pinotage here.

Also on offer is the Steenberg Merlot, rich with juicy red fruit and characteristic herbal highlights of lavender, fennel and anise with a lively eucalyptus edge. The nose offers cherry and redcurrant, while the palate reveals sour cherry, dark chocolate and spicy clove. The velvety texture is enhanced by refreshing acidity, while well-integrated tannins add structure. Shop more Merlot here.

For the summer months or with lighter dishes, the Tokara Chardonnay with aromas of lime zest and orange blossom that jump from the glass with underlying notes of fresh brioche and a hint of toasted almonds. The entry on the palate is vibrant with fresh pineapple, grapefruit and lime zest notes. The mid-palate has a creamy rounded texture, yet the wine finishes bone dry with an aftertaste of toasted almonds lingering for a while. Shop more Chardonnay here.

The La Motte Sauvignon Blanc is light straw in color. Lots of gooseberry on the nose, together with lemon and tropical notes. Very polished and silky on the palate. Higher acidity, but well balanced by the almost medium-bodied weight. The finish is juicy, light and lingering with a fresh finish. Shop more Sauvignon Blanc here.

The Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Pinot Noir is an enticing blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and shows elegant fruit and acidity, creating the perfect balance. You will find an abundance of zesty fruit – most notably white peach, pineapple, and lime, followed by subtle red berry fruit – with a delectable full mouthfeel. hop more blends here.

Shop exclusive South African wines here.

Chicken Casserole With Peaches

Their Chicken casserole with peaches is the perfect pairing with the Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Pinot Noir

A perfect pairing

A perfect pairing

Ingredients

1.5kg chicken pieces, or cut a chicken into 8

1 tbsp Olive oil

1 cup chicken stock

1 cup orange juice (if the cordial use ½)

1 tbsp lemon zest

2 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp white wine vinegar

2 tsp Mixed Spice

4 dried peaches (and then 6 at the end of the cooking)

Method

Pre heat the oven to 180˚C. Brown chicken pieces until golden brown.

Mix the stock, orange juice, zest, sugar, spices and 1 tablespoon of seasoned flour. Stir it all together until no lumps are formed.

Place the chicken in a tray and cover with the stock mixture. Add a good few pieces of thyme and a few dried peaches. Cook for 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and tender.

In the last 10 minutes add the extra dried peaches. Strain the sauce off the chicken and reduce in a pan. Serve with dried peaches and thyme as garnish.

Safaris, sunsets and a surreal experience at Roan

Safaris, sunsets and a surreal experience at Roan Game Reserve

Shop South African wine here and follow Sip & Read to discover more incredible wine destinations. Cheers!

BY Maryke Roberts | May 20, 2022

Maryke is an award-winning, Cape Winelands based journalist who has been writing about local and international wine and travel for over three decades. When she's home, her days are almost exclusively concluded with a walk on the beach and a glass of South African fine wine or spirits.

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