The Lootsberg pass lies in the heart of the Great Karoo about 70km North of Graaff Reinet on the tarred N9. It is the highest pass in the Karoo and was named after Hendrik Loots who died on the old pass after his carriage overturned. At the foot of the pass, you will find the Pienaarsbaken Farm with the original 200-year-old farm buildings. The Loots History goes back to the late 1700s.

The farmyard is approximately 1500m above sea level and the land stretches to over 2000m above sea level on top of the mountains. The surrounding slopes are the catchment where the Sundays River originates from. The winters are cold with occasional snowfalls occurring.

Pienaarsbaken farm forms part of the “Mountain Zebra Camdeboo Protected Area”, aiming to protect the biodiversity and scenic Karoo landscapes. It also forms part of the “Blue Crane Conservancy” as this is one of the main, natural breeding areas for them. Large flocks of Blue Crane and breeding pairs with young chicks are a common site in this area.

In 2002 the Loots family embarked on a new journey of authentic Karoo hospitality by opening three self-catering cottages on the farm. In 2008 their son Jaco and his wife Amy, with their two children took over the reins and have provided accommodation from their countryside wonder for 22 years!