Sutherland has a typical Karoo ambience, and one can nearly imagine you’re time-lining back to its early days during the 1850s on a summer Sunday afternoon. (This could also have something to do with having a few too many with the friendly residents at the local watering hole). Other than the hotel, you will find a bank, a couple of schools, a service station, the odd B&B, some general dealers and a café or two.
Stargazing Capital
Sutherland is certainly not the easiest dorp to get to in South Africa, yet it is one of those places that rates pretty top-of-mind on most back-road explorers’ must-visit list. The reason for this is probably two-fold: firstly, Sutherland is world famous for the South African Astronomical Observatory and, secondly, it always gets a mention as one of the coldest towns on the evening weather broadcast.
Sutherland boasts an all-time low of -16.4 oC, recorded in July 2003. You do not, however, have to be a member of the polar bear club to visit this dorp perched 1450 m above sea level upon the southwest escarpment of the Roggeveld plateau.
Astronomy enthusiasts from around the world get all ‘starry-eyed’ when you mention Sutherland, as the clear, dark night skies make it the perfect place to marvel at the stellar bounty twinkling on high. (This is also the reason why the observatory has been built close-by).
Did you know? Sutherland is an important tulip growing area; the Rev M B Brink had studied in Holland for years and, since he started cultivating the flowers here, has distributed more than 100 000 yellow tulip bulbs throughout South Africa.
Situated in the Northern Cape, the Karoo Highlands Route route covers a very unique part of South Africa. The Karoo also offers some of the ...