The broad, mostly sandy,
expanse of undulating plains known as the Karoo is divided between the
Little Karoo, nearer the coast and the Great Karoo, which seems to stretch
into the interior forever. The Karoo, which means 'great thirst' in the
local Khoi-San language, receives little rain so the rather dramatic landscape
exhibits interesting geological features. The broad expanse of the endless
plains is broken by flat-topped mesas and kopjes (conical hills), which
display interesting stratigraphy, contorted fold structures and deeply
striated glacial pavements. The Karoo is particularly rich in dinosaur
fossils, many of which can be seen at the Old Library Museum in Graaff-Reinet.
Many people consider the
Karoo something to be endured in order to get from Johannesburg to Cape
Town, or vice versa but it really is an attraction in its own right. The
two national parks, the Karoo National Park near Beaufort West and the
Mountain Zebra National Park near Cradock are nothing like the bushveld
reserves around the Kruger National Park. The vegetation is much more sparse
but, strangely, far more interesting, as it's characterised by low-growing
succulents and aromatic shrubs which, upon closer inspection are very beautiful
and many of which flower spectacularly for a short season.
There
are black rhinos in the Karoo National Park and, not surprisingly, many
of the beautiful, endangered and rather rare Cape Mountain Zebra in the
Mountain Zebra National Park.
Although midday can be over-bright
and washed out, the quality of light in the Karoo is magnificent. Sunrises
and sunsets are awe-inspiring with pastel shades of purple, blue, pink
and gold filling the entire horizon. The sky before a storm is particularly
dramatic, with shafts of light burning down through indigo clouds and rainbows
dancing merrily just behind the thunder and lightning.
And
the clear skies and freedom from light pollution makes for wonderful stargazing
- the recently built Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) is in the
small, rather remote Karoo town of Sutherland.
As well as showcasing some
very pretty Victorian houses, the many small towns reflect a sort of sleepiness,
which is appropriate to their status as urban centres in a large sheep
farming area.
On the edges of these vast
plains lie lovely, almost unexplored mountains, with deep gullies, pretty
streams and overhangs filled with rock art. And even the older buildings
- one-roomed stone cottages, corbelled huts and old stone sheds are coming
into their own as they are renovated as tourist or hikers accommodation.
Graaff-Reinet and Cradock
offer a wealth of cultural attractions as well as some great accommodation
Nieu Bethesda is the site of South Africa's best known outsider art - the
Owl House, created by Helen Martins. Nothing happens very fast in the Karoo.
It's a place to go to relax, to sit back and watch time move gently over
the purple hills.
The Great Karoo stretches
over part of the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape and the Northern Cape.
Beaufort
Manor, BEAUFORT WEST Some of the beautiful scenery
one can expect to see when visiting Beaufort Manor in Beaufort West. Beaufort
Manor offers tasteful Karoo dinners, by candle light, either in our dining
room or under the brilliant stars during summer months. Choose a bottle
of wine to accompany your five course meal, served by our friendly staff.
Guests can expect dishes such as our famous Leg of Lamb, home made chicken
pie, bobotie, mouth-watering gammon and organic vegetables straight from
our Garden. Please book to avoid disappointment. Guests are invited
to relax in our cosy bar, which boasts a wide variety of whiskeys and brandies,
to mention but a few. We even stock 'witblits' for the adventurous and
daring. A selection of cigars is also available.
Karoo
Lodge B & B, PRINCE ALBERT Where else in the world
will you find a sky painted from a different palette each day, 5 natural
water sources feeding a bountiful almost subtropical valley year in and
year out, majestic mountains standing guard over the sun drenched Karoo
plains, every hiker's and mountaineer's dream, mountain passes built at
the turn of the 1800's and still in use today, the warmest welcome, delicious
hearty meals, outstanding accommodation and the most wonderful and hospitable
hosts? Karoo Lodge nestling in two acres of tranquil gardens, is
a haven to the most discerning traveller passing through this oasis of
the Great Karoo. Take time, enrich your life and discover the hidden
jewel of the Karoo - Prince Albert, whilst enjoying the QUALITY and COMFORT
offered at Karoo Lodge.
Lemoensfontein
Guest House, BEAUFORT WEST Set in the vast expanse
of the South African Great Karoo, this beautiful homestead/lodge dates
back to 1850. Built slowly and soundly to the exacting standards and architectural
style of the time, the building remains unchanged with characteristic high
ceilings, original wooden floors and wide verandahs which offer guests
a sweeping panoramic view of the Karoo landscape. The self same atmosphere
can still be felt throughout the old building even though modern comforts
like ceiling fans, wall heaters, air-conditioners and en-suite bathrooms
have been added to ensure our guests a comfortable stay. All accommodation
leads out onto wide verandahs. Comfortable en-suite bedrooms have tea &
coffee making facilities, toiletries and hairdryers. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks
around the honesty bar in the lounge, which has a cosy fireplace for the
chilly winter nights.
Saxe-Coburg
Lodge, PRINCE ALBERT We are in a central; position
in the delightful village of Prince Albert, within walking distance to
all the local restaurants and places of interest. Our historical
Victorian guest house (circa 1860) has luxury air-conditioned bedrooms
with en-suite bathrooms, private entrances, patios, tea and coffee trays,
safe, overhead fans, heaters, hairdryers, Satellite Television and Bar
fridges. The five new garden bedrooms have spectacular views of the
Swartberg Mountains. The Honeymoon room has a Spa bath. The self-catering
two bed roomed one bathroom family flat with lounge and a most unusual
private bar displaying Boer war memorabilia, a private patio and Barbecue
facility. Guest can relax in our park like garden with Swimming pool
and stunning views of the nearby Swartberg Mountains. We are
fluent in German and French.
Suretta's
B&B, BEAUFORT WEST A warm welcome awaits the
weary traveller at Suretta's B&B. Our place of rest offers three cozy
rooms, two of them en suite. In total a number of eight heavenly comfortable
beds. Mouthwatering homecooked traditional and international meals served
in the small idyllic garden for a very reasonable price make Suretta's
B&B the perfect stopover between Johannesburg and Cape Town - directly
on the N1. Beaufort West is about 470 km from Cape Town on the N1
national road. It is one of the few towns that the N1 actually runs through,
so it's not unusual to see huge trucks thundering down the main street.
Beaufort west has an airport located about 10 km's out of town.
Tree
Top Guest House, BEAUFORT WEST Tree Top Guest House is
one of the oldest residential buildings in Beaufort West. Restored to a
magnificent 3-star guest house, this could be your accommodation establishment
of choice on a journey through the Karoo. Easy accessible and situated
in quiet surroundings, this will make it an unforgettable experience for
the discerning tourist or businessman. Come and unwind in the shade of
huge pear trees, enjoying sundowners overlooking Birdstreet, unmistakably
the most beautiful street in the Karoo. We offer eight stylishly
decorated en-suite rooms with airconditioning, dstv, secure parking, swimming
pool, barbeque area, licensed bar, dinners and breakfasts. All rooms with
private entrance.
Ko-Ka
Tsara Bush Camp, BEAUFORT WEST Ko-Ka
Tsara Bush Camp is situated 470km from Cape Town just 7km off the N1. 7
stylishly decorated en-suite private thatched chalets (each with 4 beds)built
in a camp style with fully equipped kitchens and own private braai areas.
Dinner is served in the open-air boma around a roaring camp fire in true
Karoo style where the well-known Karoo lamb and springbuck fillet often
appear. Ko-Ka Tsara offers day and night game drives in open-landrovers,
4x4 routes, hikes, trails, swimming pool, bar, 23 different game species,
196 bird varieties. Safe parking, child friendly, wedding facilities, conference
facilities and the perfect family reunion venue. 3 star graded, semi-finalist
in AA Accommodation Awards 2003. AA South Africas Best 2003.
Cactus
Blue Cottages, Self-Catering Cottages, PRINCE ALBERT Prince Albert is a delightful
gem of a village in the Karoo, and the gateway to the spectacular Swartberg
Pass, a National Monument and part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, designated
as a World Heritage Site. It is also the nearest village to a fascinating
valley called ‘Die Hel’ where a small proud community lived in simple isolation
for more than 100 years until 1964. This picturesque and tranquil
village nestles at the foot of the magnificent Swartberg Mountain range.
The cottages are situated in the heart of the village and are within a
few minutes walk of a dozen restaurants. If you need to unwind, this
is the place … Simple and restful living in an informal tranquil
oasis. Recently refurbished and landscaped, Cactus Blue is designed
to accommodate three couples or a small family with older children, in
two separate cottages, overlooking the smallest registered vineyard in
the country.
Olive
Grove Guest Farm, Country House, B&B, Self-catering, DBB BEAUFORT WEST Olive Grove Guest Farm is
owned and hosted by Ian and Sonia Taylor. In the AA Accommodation Awards
2007, Ian and Sonia won the prize for the Host and Hostess that go the
extra mile for their guests, throughout the Western Cape, this ensures
a high standard of service and hospitality at this establishment.
The unique combination of Olive, Sheep and Game farming makes this a Karoo
experience that cannot be missed. Accommodation choice is between
7 stylish chalets and 5 luxury suites, self-catering or country cuisine
from our Karoo Kitchen. This Karoo farm is 7000ha in extent and our
guests are welcome to roam freely by walking, driving or mountain biking
the various roads and paths. The discerning traveller will apprectiate
the peace, hospitality, safety, charisma, beauty and good value.
Die
Blokhuis, Self-Catering Houses on an Olive Farm, LAINGSBURG Blokhouse was built in 1901
and housed 30 soldiers to protect the bridge during the Anglo Boer War.
The Blockhouse is a National Monument situated on the farm. Geelbeksbrug
is also a working olive farm and guests can enjoy awesome stargazing. The
owner will take you on Geological & Paleontological walking tours where
you can see how erosion exposed ancient rock formations. 37 species
of birds have been ringed, watch birds, swim in the dam or just enjoy the
nature of the karoo.
Skuinshuis
Artist's Cottage, Self-Catering Cottage, PRINCE ALBERT The romantic Skuinshuis
Artist’s Cottage facilities comprise a fully equipped vintage and contemporary
kitchen, a small lounge/dining room with IPod speaker system, adjoining
bedroom with double bed, aircon/heating, mosquito net and hanging storage
space. Lush fabrics combine with smart styling for a contemporary, New
Karoo look. En suite bathroom has a long bathtub, new shower and
hand basin. The sunny courtyard terrace leads onto a sheltered seating/lounging
area facing pool, main house and large garden. All quality linen,
towels and dressing gowns are provided. The cottage is serviced 1 x weekly
(more often on request), laundry service at small extra fee on the premises.
A breakfast basket is provided.
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At a first glance, the arid
Karoo which transfrontiers the north-eastern part of the Western Cape and
southern parts of Northern Cape, looks deserted and barren, but if you
look closely you will see that there are numerous welcoming towns inhabitat
by people who have their own stories to tell, to whoever wishes to hear
it...
The name 'Karoo' comes from
karusa a Khoi word that means 'dry', 'barren' or 'thirsty land' and this
is exactly what you would think as you first enter the Karoo. It is hard
to imagine that these vast dry plains were once an inland sea, with lush
green vegetation and huge mammals roaming its shores. Its only after the
Gondwanaland break-up approximately 200million years ago, that the region
turned into the semi-desert area we know today.
The "Oasis of the Karoo",
Beaufort West, is the oldest town in the region. With a colourful history
his typical platteland town was once inhabited by the Bushman and many
of their rock art sites can still be seen on sourrounding farms and nearby
Nelspoort.
Many choose Beaufort West
as a destination simply to explore the ecology and to walk through the
streets and have a good look at the beautiful old buildings that display
a mixture of architectural styles dating back to the mid nineteenth century.
Most of the little towns of the Karoo have their own unique style of architecture,
which deveoped around simple structures with prominent covered verandahs
as protection against the harsh sun.
One building that you cannot
miss is the Neo-Gothic Reformed Church on the N1; it was built in 1892
and designed by James Bisset. This beautiful church is situated on what
is affectionately known as "Amen Corner", with its spire forming the focal
point of town. Another landmark on the N1 is the jail house that stands
in the middle of the road, and no one to this day really knows why a jail
house was built here.
Be sure to explore the isolated
but welcoming villages of the region which sit between the flat-topped
koppies in desolate valleys. Names like Vosburg, Griquatown, Witput and
Three Sisters, speak of fascinating stories that await to be told in vibrant
Karoo colour.
To the south of the Karoo
is the 75 000ha Karoo National Park where one can see the endangered Riverine
Rabbit and the Black Rhinoceros. The Quagga, which until recently was thought
to be extinct has also been 'resurrected' and roams freely on the grounds
of the park. It is also home to lots of indigenous buck, mountain zebra,
wild ostrich and five tortoise species, and for the birders there is an
abundant range of species that call the park home.
Go on the fascinating fossil
trail and learn more about the fossils that were discovered in this area.
Round off your exploration with a scenic drives, take a challenging hiking
trails into the koppies, go biking in the mountain trails or take a leisurely
stroll through town.
With so much to do and discover,
the Karoo is a top-class eco-destination.
There
are black rhinos in the Karoo National Park and, not surprisingly, many
of the beautiful, endangered and rather rare Cape Mountain Zebra in the
Mountain Zebra National Park.
And
the clear skies and freedom from light pollution makes for wonderful stargazing
- the recently built Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) is in the
small, rather remote Karoo town of Sutherland.
