The Heartland
Known as windmill country, Cradock was established as a frontier stronghold by Lieutenant Governor and War Leader, Sir Andries Stockenstrom, in 1812. It was named for Sir John Cradock, the incumbent Cape Governor from 1811 to 1813, and proudly stands as one of South Africa’s oldest towns. To put its time line in context: the town saw the start of the Great Trek, survived the collapse of the ostrich boom, and was home to Apartheid’s revolutionists, the ‘Cradock Four’.
Here within ‘The Heartland’, visitors can learn more about these anti-Apartheid icons or explore the town’s treasure trove of historic buildings. These include the likes of the Victoria Manor, a hotel since 1841, as well as the homes of literary legends such as Olive Schreiner.
Beyond the hustle and bustle, a typically rugged broken-Karroid landscape awaits discovery. Dove-egg blue skies by day and scintillating starry skies at night, plus a constant supply of crisp Karoo air will regenerate mind, body and soul. Beware ‘mad-dog’ summer temperatures, and winter nights when the temperature will drop way below zero.
Exceptional Architecture
Cradock boasts some exceptional architecture, a couple of good museums, the spectacular Mountain Zebra National Park and a range of quaint, old-world accommodation options. The townsfolk are a welcoming, sporty lot and will encourage you to experience their environment on hikes, mountain biking or rafting the Great Fish River that gushes past their doorstep.
The early inhabitants left behind a rich legacy of buildings, streets wide enough to turn an ox-wagon in, water gurgling in the furrows and a frontier atmosphere. To add to the charm, the mountains of the Karoo press from every side, working their magic on the townsfolk.
‘Such a sense of wild exhilaration and freedom comes to me when I walk over the Karoo,’ - Olive Schreiner.