Nestled amongst the Ikara-Flinders Ranges in South Australia and set within the stunning backdrop of the iconic Wilpena Pound and the Elder Range, sits Arkaba Conservancy.
This slice of luxury is just over four and a half hours from the Adelaide CBD and is an extraordinary introduction to one of the best outback experiences we have had the pleasure of being a part of, in South Australia.
The Wild Bush Luxury property in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, known as Arkaba Conservancy, is situated in the one-time sheep farming homestead, upon 65,000 acres of some of Australia’s most picturesque outback scenery. It is there that you meet your guide and team before embarking on the Arkaba Walk.
The four day walk for groups of up to 10 walkers has you accompanied by an expert guide that takes you on a magnificent journey to secret spots on the private wildlife conservancy.
As you approach Arkaba Conservancy, you are greeted by lush green foliage on one side and a wonderfully red and proud mountain range and on the right. The dry, arid land and sheet grandeur of the landscape takes your breath away. The vision of the 1851-built farmhouse, complete with its cool flagstone floors and impressive verandah materialises almost out of nowhere.
You are greeted with a cool hand towel and a fresh concoction of watermelon and mint, a welcome reprieve after your drive across the views of the flora and fauna of the area and the stillness of the imposing views. Complete with a pool, numerous ornate rooms with their own ensuite, and a talented chef, Calvin Von Niebel, creating culinary delights that have been inspired by his time with Yotam Ottolenghi, this is luxury like you have never seen.
The homestead is your home away from home before you commence the Arkaba Walk, what is described to you as a bucket list journey, with all the trimmings. You pack a daypack and the rest of your belongings are delivered to you at each rest point of the journey.
Leading us through this trekking journey is a South African born character that is just as unique and impressive as the surroundings, Bruce Lawson. Bruce is the Conservation Manager of Arkaba Conservancy, also responsible for the intensive training of each field guide to ensure they have the knowledge and know-how to lead the walking groups across Arkaba.
He’s an individual that has walked every single kilometre of the Heysen Trail, a portion of which you walk yourself as it crosses over Arkaba. The individual that is trying to connect your inner wilderness with the outer wilderness.
Under his trusted guidance, you are led to the entrance of the Ikara-Wilpena Pound National Park to begin your approximate 45 km journey where you are encouraged to look up, look out and enjoy.
This experience is a far cry from the concrete jungle of the city where you can hear the wind and you can see the light illuminate part of the ranges. The trek provides you with serenity unlike anything you have ever felt. It’s easy to lose yourself (happily I might add) in your surroundings as you place one foot in front of the other throughout this journey.
You trek through the most undisturbed, untamed and perhaps the most unappreciated landscape you will ever experience. It will leave you at times breathless but provide you with breathtaking views and memories to match.
You may question how the luxury you experience at the homestead will be matched as you march through the Arkaba landscape to your camping locations and you are pleasantly surprised by what greets you.
The quaint, open air camping facilities are the most enjoyable part of the experience. It is camping comfort like I have never seen. Each evening you shower overlooking the vast and expansive ranges, you enjoy a three course, decadent meal as you watch the sun set on the Arkaba landscape and you sleep in a covered alcove with the ability to move your bedding to gaze up at the stars.
Breathtaking just doesn’t cover it. The Arkaba Conservancy group is, as your guide Bruce Lawson states is all about, “rewilding the human spirit”. This epic four day journey (there are plenty of other more relaxed opportunities to explore and enjoy the Arkaba Conservancy too) is just the tip of the iceberg.
Your time at Arkaba, no matter how long or short you stay, is never enough.
One thing you can’t help but notice when you leave Arkaba is you might have the same body but you certainly have a different soul.
To read more about this extraordinary experience, click HERE.
Follow along their journey across Instagram, HERE.
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