Please take a moment to consider that there are just over two months left in the year.

I don’t know when your place of work is wrapping up for the festive season, but the end is in sight and we can almost taste freedom.

For those Capetonians who really want to kick back and relax, with a healthy dose of peace and tranquillity, the Klein Karoo is always a stellar option.

There are few things in this world better than gazing at the stars with a stiff gin and tonic in hand, and a good day’s Big Five game viewing under the belt.

Yes, you can tick all of those boxes with a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town. We’re talking about Inverdoorn Game Reserve, located in the heart of the Klein Karoo, and the perfect go-to for a summer safari escape.

The premier luxury Big Five safari destination within the Karoo, Inverdoorn is filled with an array of wildlife. Aside from the Big Five, you will also find zebras, hippos, giraffes, wildebeest, eland, and springbok, as well as more elusive creatures like the aardvark and aardwolf.

The reserve has made a significant contribution to sustaining the biodiversity of the region, and Inverdoorn’s 10 000 hectares are also home to a successful cheetah conservation centre.

There is a range of luxury accommodation options at Inverdoorn, from charming guest houses for families or bigger groups to chalets, luxury chalets, and exclusive ambassador suites.

Some suites come with their own private plunge pools, and there is also a large pool for all the guests to use to cool off in during the day.

Guests who stay overnight enjoy an afternoon game drive and a morning game drive.

Parking off on a game drive for a toot while the sun goes down? Yes, please.

There is also the option to take a day trip that leaves from, and returns to, the Cape Town CBD, but an overnight stay (or two) really is the way to go.

Sure beats battling the crowds, and trucks, as you make your way up the Garden Route for a getaway.

That’s the kind of traffic I enjoy slowing down for.

To see the range of safaris offered, snoop through the accommodation options, and find out more about the animals on the reserve, swing past Inverdoorn’s website.

You’ll find plenty of snaps over on Facebook, too.

I think it’s fair to say we’ve all earned a holiday this year, so go on and treat yourself.