Gecko Rock Private Nature Reserve

If you’ve gotten all the rugged exploration out of your system, there’s still plenty to do near Gecko Rock. It’s a must-visit destination for climbers, with tons of routes along the crags to get your gear into – if abseiling is more your thing, the team on site will be happy to oblige. There are also training courses for off-roading newbies if doing one of the 4x4 trails or dirt biking still feel a little out of reach. The Gecko Rock squad hosts training along the reserve’s routes or through mountain passes, so you’ll be all set the next time you visit. For something a little less heart-in-your-throat, sign up for a guided tour of the flowers and succulents of the Karoo, or follow one of the marked hiking trails to take it all in at your own pace – don’t forget your camera, as there are oodles of chances for colourful macro shots. Lucky enough to be using Gecko Rock as a temporary stop on your onward journey? The bushman paintings, swimming reservoir, kayaking and horse trails of Anysberg Nature Reserve are less than an hour’s drive away, and Cape Town is within three hours of the site.