Places of Interest
The Great Karoo expands over various small towns and places of interest that are sure to entice any traveller. The Karoo Climate is interesting though, as it has both extreme heat and cold, so pack for all seasons and weather when venturing into any part of the Great Karoo - you never know what the day (or night) might bring.
The settlement of Nieu Bethesda in the mountains is lovely during winter time, and you’ll be able to enjoy a Karoo Ale at the town’s brewery to warm up. A traditional Karoo supper (anything meaty, really) at various towns, including Cradock (stop there if you want to see beautiful architecture from yester-year) or Colesberg (a Victorian-era town with lots of character).
At Sutherland, you can gaze at the stars the most accurate way possible - through a telescope. The town is home to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) and you’ll see the heavens above in a whole new way. In the Upper Karoo, stop over in the town of Williston to enjoy local charm, such as the Nama Riel dancers at the Williston Winter Festival in September. Nearby, you can experience a seasonal display of spring daisies at Calvinia.
You might find yourself inclined to stop at the unofficial ‘Capital of the Karoo’, Graaff-Reinet. There you’ll have magnificent views of the Valley of Desolation, providing you with a face-to-face view of the vastness of the Karoo. Fossil-spotting is popular in the beautiful Karoo National Park outside Beaufort West. The Baviaanskloof Wilderness area is a great spot for outdoor activities due to its rugged terrain. Prince Albert is also worth a visit, as it is known as the gateway to the Great Karoo.
Adventure Opportunities
The extent of adventure opportunities upon the Karoo’s ancient plains and peaks are bound to dazzle the uninitiated, but those in the know will pack their hiking boots, bikes, climbing gear and, in fact, every piece of outdoor kit they own. Blazing summer heat and sub-zero winters may either serve to intimidate or inspire, but once you’re outside, the mind space will blow you away.
Mountain Bike into ‘Die Hel’, hike the Swartberg Trail, 4x4 onto the tortuous bends of the historic Swartberg Pass, do adventure spelunking in the Cango Caves, stroke a big cat at a wildlife ranch, feed an elephant, have a snowball fight or view big game. Get outside, get adventurous...get yourself into the Great Karoo.