Prefer not to hurry? We get it. In South Africa’s Great Karoo, the historic town of Robert Sobukwe (formerly Graaff-Reinet) is a great place to embrace the concept of slow, immersive travel. Here, Camdeboo National Park surrounds the town and nearby Sneeuberg Mountains, providing a multitude of trails ranging from easy botanical walks to challenging ascents at altitude. Distinguished by a landscape of expansive, semi-arid plains and colossal natural volcanic columns comprised of igneous lava, this region has earned the name Land of Great Thirst.

© 3Sixty Photography

When you go, you can immerse yourself in the striking natural drama while gravel biking or hiking. Cyclists can choose the challenging Ouberg Pass, or pedal along farm roads leading to the Owl House in Nieu-Bethesda, where late artist Helen Martins transformed the interior surfaces with ground glass. Inside and out, Martins created a menagerie of cement animal sculptures including camels, birds, peacocks, pyramids and owls, often aided by friend and fellow artist Koos Malgas. Designated as a South African provincial heritage site, Owl House is now a fascinating museum.

“We are seeing a significant shift in what international traveler seeks,” said Tebello Polisane-Casper, general manager, Drostdy Hotel. “It is no longer enough to just see the Karoo from a car window. People want to earn the view. They want dust on their boots and the sun on their faces.”

© 3Sixty Photography

To fully appreciate the grandness of the surroundings, hiking routes include the Eerstefontein Day Walk, where Cape Mountain zebra might be part of the experience; the Driekoppe Trail through the Sneeuberg’s rugged terrain; the Valley of Desolation; and the nearly-mile long Crag Lizard Trail across the tops of cliffs.

At the end of the day, settle into one of the 48 curated guestrooms at centrally-located Drostdy Hotel, a 5-star luxury retreat reflecting signature Cape Dutch style. Guests can relax in the Africology Spa and enjoy authentic cuisine inspired by the Karoo served up in De Camdeboo Restaurant — accompanied, naturally, by a selection of unparalleled South African wines.