The Karoo is situated on a plateau that ranges from 400m to 2000m, with the highest part 1200m above sea level. The area is arid to semi arid and is defined by its natural vegetation, which includes a variety of succulents and an assortment of low scrub bushes. The region’s name means “land of thirst” in Khoisan and is a testament to its lack of surface water.
When it comes to what the Karoo has to offer, this ranges from a botanical garden, to a number of national parks, as well as the South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland, which also happens to be the coldest place in the country. The main industry in the region is farming, which is usually focused on sheep breeding, ostriches, or wine and fruit.
Places of interest in this particularly dry part of the Western Cape include Beaufort West, which is a stopover point for many long distance travelers to the region, as well as Colesburg, Murraysburg and Laingsburg. Those interested in historical buildings will find plenty in Graaff-Reinet, which is a testament to the town’s cultural significance. Each of the towns boasts Karoo-style architecture that is designed specifically to counteract the extreme temperatures experienced during both summer and winter in the Karoo.
Baviaan is derived form the Old Dutch word meaning baboon. This name was chosen for the area because of the many baboons that use to inhabit the area. Today you will still find a significant amount of the animal specie roaming around.
The Baviaanskloof area includes the Karoo towns of Willowmore and Steytlerville as well as a number of small stock farms and the little town of Patensie. Mountain passes with spectacular views wends it way down through the valley.
Fraserburg is around 5 hours drive from Cape Town and is situated in the Hantam Karoo region of the Northern Cape Province. It is one of the most authentic and well-preserved town left in South Africa.
The town was founded in 1851 and established on a farm called Rietfontein. The original manor house of this farm is still in use today. Before this Fraserburg was home to the local San or Bushman which can be seen in the various artefacts that remain in the area.
The small modern town of Laingsburg (initially called Buffelsfontein) lies just of the N1 highway, around 280km from Cape Town. It is also located in the driest part of South Africa even though the town is set where two rivers meet.
Laingsburg is a wonderland for those who enjoy the outdoors with a number of hiking trails, introducing you to the area’s abundant bird life.
Matjiesfontein is fondly know as “The Grand Dutchess or the Karoo” and derives it name from the weave mats that were made from the reeds of the Baviaans River that runs through the town.
This picturesque village is situated just off the N1 highway almost halfway between Cape Town and Beaufort West and is a popular stop over for train passengers and motorists alike.
The local train station is also a stop over for luxury passenger trains like the famous Blue Train and Rovos Rail.
Murraysburg is a typical old-world Karoo Town, surrounded by picturesque mountains and plains. Intrigued tourist often photographs the town’s wide dusty street and attractive cottages.
The town of Murraysburg is any outdoor enthusiast’s and environmentalist’s dream. This community was once an active farming town and today it draws the more adventurous from the busy highway.
City-dwellers often buy property in Murraysburg to get away from the hectic city life. The rambling old houses and enormous vegetable garden that these properties have to offer is what often charm these buyers into a sale.
Philipstown is situated close to De Aar and Colesberg in a settlement primarily a sheep farming community. The town was originally found in 1863 as a church centre for the area and not much has changed since then.
City-dwellers, who yearn for wide-open spaces, often find the gorgeous old architecture very attractive and one can hardly believe that at one stage house in this town were being sold for less than a regulation door would cost today.
Prince Albert is located at the foot of the beautiful Swartberg Mountains. Here you will find both serenity and charm with beautiful architecture and great Karoo hospitality.
Spectacular night skies and favourable climate attract homebuyers from all over the country. These buyers have a choice of various beautifully preserved Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian buildings.
Prince Albert is well situated for overnight stops from Gauteng, Cape Town And Port Elizabeth. It is also a great based from where tourist can explore the Garden Route and various Karoo attractions.
Richmond is situated half way between Cape Town and Johannesburg and half way between Colesberg and Beaufort West, making this the ideal stop over for those travelling to and from the Cape.
The town climate is superb with warm sunny days with the odd shower in summer and cool to cold conditions in winter – perfect for sitting by the fireplace. The area around Richmond is blessed with miles and miles of open space and incredible scenes of the plains dotted with sheep.
Life in the village revolves around the thriving farming community, with a booming social calendar for its residents.
Touws River is also known as the doorway to the Karoo. This peaceful town is surrounded by Karoo bushes and rolling hillsides where sheep can often seen gazing.
Sheep farming is the major source of income in the region, which also offers interesting attractions as a graveyard of old steam engines and the Loganda pillars, used for astronomical calculations in the 1880’s. There are also various Bushmen painting sites in the Kaggakamma Reserve. |
