Under the Karoo Stars: A Journey with the Shepherds Behind Our Lamb

At The Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein, we believe that great food tells a story — not just of flavour, but of heritage, tradition, and the people behind the plate. Recently, our senior management team laced up their boots and set off on an unforgettable journey to connect with the source of one of our menu’s star ingredients: the famously succulent Karoo lamb.

What began as a curiosity soon turned into a deep appreciation. We joined a local sheep farming family on a 7-day, 125 km transhumance trek — the traditional, time-honoured journey that farmers in the Karoo still make twice a year, moving their flocks between the winter and summer grazing lands. Starting in the Merweville area of the Great Karoo and finishing in the rugged Roggeveld near Matjiesfontein, the journey brought us face-to-face with the soul of the Karoo.

These treks, which can stretch up to 160 km and take as long as 15 days, are not just about moving livestock. They’re a way of life. The farmers — often with children, grandparents, and faithful sheepdogs in tow — walk every step of the way. They sleep under the open skies, brave the elements, and care for their flock day and night. It’s a ritual that has endured for generations, rooted in a deep respect for the land, the animals, and the rhythm of nature.

Walking alongside them, we witnessed the bond between shepherd and sheep, the resilience it takes to thrive in the Karoo, and the sheer determination behind every forkful of lamb we proudly serve. There were no fancy camps, no shortcuts — just dust, stars, cracked heels, campfire coffee, and stories passed down across time.

This experience wasn’t just about learning — it was about honouring. The Karoo lamb on our menu is more than just a dish; it's a tribute to this incredible tradition and the hardworking families who keep it alive. It's the taste of the veld, the scent of the dust, the echo of a shepherd’s call across the hills.

So next time you savour our Karoo lamb at The Lord Milner Hotel, know that it’s seasoned not only with salt and rosemary but with respect, connection, and the spirit of the Karoo.

Come taste the journey.