The Barracks, Colesberg
Cheekily labelling itself 'The reason for the N1', The Barracks is a four-star full service guesthouse situated in a quiet area of Colesberg.

The Barracks (the property was used as barracks during the Anglo-Boer War) was built in 1851 and substantially renovated in 2004. The original building, which is now the family unit (which is also ideal for guests travelling with dogs), was soon augmented by the main house as the owner, David Arnot, was a prolific breeder of children and needed plenty of accommodation to house his large family.

The comfortable and spacious double rooms, all with private access, have their own bathrooms (each with a bath and separate shower) and private patios. Secure off-street parking is available, but limited. The Dining Room is open for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast, served from 6.30am, is a choice of Continental or Full English (or both) and is included in the rate.

From R340 per person
? Book online at http://iafrica.safarinow.com/go/TheBarracks/.

Kuilfontein Stable Cottage
A perfectly situated stopover ? next to the N1 and near Colesberg ? Kuilfontein Stable Cottages offers superior Provencal-style accommodation in a delightful converted stable block.

The original homestead was built in 1818, and the historic former racehorse stud farm has been in the Southey family since 1875. It has been an ostrich and sheep farm, and racehorse stud, and today is a mixed farming operation that produces South Africa's world-famous Karoo lamb.

The 'Feed Room' was the original feed and tack room of the stable block. A fusion of country and contemporary cuisine is served on gleaming yellowwood tables by a resident chef using the farm's produce whenever possible.

The intimate pub presents the perfect chance for guests to mingle after a long day's drive... while coffee and liqueurs are served in the gazebo, or outside under brilliant starry skies.

Or, if you're feeling slightly more energetic, why not make use of the swimming pool and boules court?

From R411 per person sharing
? Book online at http://iafrica.safarinow.com/go/kuilfonteinstablecottages/.

Traveller's Joy, Colesberg
This grand old guest house is the perfect stop for the tired tourist. This house was built in 1840 and restored to its former glory in 2005. The thick walls, high ceilings and beautifully restored wooden floors ensure a cool and pleasant atmosphere.

All rooms are en-suite, and each has its own separate entrance and patio. Rooms are spacious, and all have tea/coffee facilities. A family unit offers an interleading room with two single beds and a lounge suite, and there's also a self catering unit with a queen size bed, single bed, a lounge suite and a fire place. Safe and secure off-street parking is available, and the guesthouse is within walking distance of restaurants.

From R200 per person sharing
? Book online at http://iafrica.safarinow.com/go/TravellersJoy/.

3 Darling Street, Hanover
Declared a National Monument in the mid-nineties, 3 Darling Street Guest House is a typical Karoo Victorian House. All rooms are en-suite and are decorated in traditional style with antique furniture and works of art including period tapestries.

Log fires in winter make a stay over in Hanover comfortable and relaxing, and the owners grow their own fruit and veggies and are known for the quality of their meals and service. The house was built in 1848, and ample shade from well-established trees make the garden a delight in summer.

From R280 per person sharing
? Book online at http://iafrica.safarinow.com/go/3DARLINGSTREETGUESTHOUSE/.

Groenhuis Guesthouse, Philippolis
The tree-lined dirt roads, simple Karoo-style cottages and pomegranate and quince trees of Philippolis take you back to childhood pleasures, grandma's roast lamb and thick soup served in enamel bowls. Former school principal Jens Friis and wife Naomi, a domestic science teacher, taught at the local school for years. They owned a few properties on the edge of town which stood empty for years. But after retiring they called in the help of their sons Jens and Nico and renovated the cottages, converting them into guest-houses.

"We wanted to retain the stripped, bare look that's in keeping with the simplicity of the Karoo and took great care not to introduce Victorian influences for instance," Jens says. "The look works well with old-fashioned as well as modern pieces." Delicious dinners served by arrangement, and the rooms have private entrances, self-catering facilities and pets are allowed by arrangement.

From R200 per person
? Book online at http://iafrica.safarinow.com/go/groenhuis/.