Karoo Heartland

09/09/2024

The Anglo-Boer War memorial on the corner of Donkin and Somerset streets in Graaff-Reinet bears the Latin inscription “Dulce est pro patria mori” which translates as “𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺.” The memorial erected in 1908 commemorates the ex*****on of eight Boer Commandos by the British for high treason and in the instance of Commandant Gideon Scheepers, for war crimes. Scheepers was executed in the dry river bed of the Sundays River in an area now covered by the Nqweba Dam, the other Commandos were executed in their home districts within the Cape Colony.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/graaff-reinet-monuments/

06/09/2024

SA National Parks Week takes place next week and both the Karoo Heartland parks, namely the Mountain Zebra National Park outside Cradock and the Camdeboo National Park at Graaff-Reinet, have free entry into the parks from Monday 9 September through to Sunday 15 September.

Please take special note of the fact that free access to the national parks at this time does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.

04/09/2024

Martin Luther King famously said, "I have a dream" in 1963. In 2004 Alan Hobson said the same. He had a dream to relocate back to the Eastern Cape from Gauteng and develop his passion for fly fishing into a business.

The perfect place was found in Somerset East, but it needed a little work. A little as in removing countless truckloads of rubble from the site, bringing in 240 tons of topsoil and on top of that another 200 tons of stone to build the stone walls and walkways to finish off the landscaping.

Today the Angler and Antelope Guesthouse is a magnificent four-star guesthouse with seven rooms, a family cottage and a family suite. But wait, like in a good infomercial, there's more. The guesthouse's dining room as well as Nigel's Pub with its collection of over 70 Malt Whiskies is located on-site inside the town's original Roman Catholic church building. Adjacent to the guesthouse you will also find Wild Fly Fishing in the Karoo's fly shop.

02/09/2024

The steel Lady De Waal Bridge outside Steytlerville was built in 1911/12 to span the Groot River in the direction of Uitenhage. It was inaugurated in October 1913 by the first administrator of the Union, Sir Frederick de Waal who named it after his wife, Lady De Waal.

During the 1916 floods, the bridge was washed away. Rebuilt, it was again washed away in the 1921 floods. This time the bridge was rebuilt nine feet higher as a single-lane steel-girder bridge.

When a new double carriage concrete bridge was constructed in 1974, residents requested the old bridge remain as part of the history of the town.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/lady-de-waal-bridge/

30/08/2024

When you ask people to think about food from the Karoo, the first thing most would come up with is Karoo lamb. Today we share with you a recipe for Karoo Leg of lamb, slow-cooked in Thornsprings pizza oven.

20ml Coarse Salt & Pepper
20ml Cajun Spice
100ml Olive Oil

Combine the salt & pepper, cajun and olive oil and rub into the lamb
Sit for 20 minutes

1 Sachet Tomato Puree
20ml Brown Sugar
1 Tin Tomato Onion Relish
2 Cups of Red Wine
1 Cup of Water

Combine tomato puree, tomato-onion relish, brown sugar, red wine, and water and pour over the lamb.
Sprinkle with more salt and pepper

2 Large Onions
1 Garlic Clove
Bunch of Fresh Rosemary & Thyme
Place garlic, onions, and fresh herbs on top of lamb
Cover and place in a pre-heated pizza oven until soft and tender – be careful not to have it on top or too close to the coals or the fire – as the oven will generate enough heat.

Serve with loads of fresh thyme – and enjoy 😉

https://www.karooheartland.com/thornsprings-slow-cooked-leg-of-lamb/

28/08/2024

The Andries Pretorius Memorial is located by the entrance to the Camdeboo National Park along the N9 just outside Graaff-Reinet. The sculptor, Coert Steynberg, designed the memorial incorporating oxen and a wagon wheel with Andries Pretorius gazing resolutely towards the north – the direction the Great Trek took to escape British rule in the old Cape Colony of the early nineteenth century. The inscription “Eenmaal sal daar wel ‘n wiel oor ons wereld rol wat vir u en vir my onkeerbaar is” (“One day a wheel will indeed roll across our world and neither you nor I will be able to stop it”) are the words used by Andries Pretorius to Sir Harry Smith during their discussions in 1848.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/graaff-reinet-monuments/

26/08/2024

Ganora Guest Farm is a sheep farm situated just outside Nieu Bethesda in the foothills of the majestic Sneeuberg Range sixty kilometres north of Graaff-Reinet in the Karoo Heartland. The farmstead and guest cottages nestle deep in the slopes of a depression carved into the bedrock by ancient rivers in pre-historic times. The surrounding rock formations and rich fossil beds on the farm bear testimony to the events that contributed to the formation of this vast and beautiful land.

Ganora offers comfortable 3-star accommodation in renovated old farm buildings. Relax in the peace and tranquility of the Great Karoo or enjoy activities like the fossil museum, fossil or medicinal plant walks, 6 marked hiking & biking routes, swimming or birding.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/ganora-guest-farm/

23/08/2024

Olive Schreiner (1855-1920), was a political activist, feminist and author of the world-renowned novel, The Story of an African Farm

Olive Schreiner, her husband, Samuel Cron Cronwright, their baby and their dog were buried in a sarcophagus on top of Buffelskop on the farm Buffelshoek, 24km south of Cradock.

From the top of Buffelskop one gets a beautiful view across the Great Fish River Valley, the sight that so impressed Olive herself and which was the reason for her decision to be buried there. The walk up the mountain and visit to the grave site (420 meters higher than the parking place) is only recommended for those who are reasonably fit and who are interested in Olive Schreiner or who particularly wish to see the view from there since at least half a day is needed to complete the trip

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/olive-schreiner-grave/

21/08/2024

Hartland Huis offers two self-catering (catering available on request) units located in one of the oldest houses of historic Graaff-Reinet. Both units, Voetpad Cottage and Tradesman Shop, are stylishly decorated in an eclectic, yet true Karoo style.

While staying here why not also book a unique Karoo experience with Toerboer Travel for a memorable and immersive excursion into the surrounding countryside.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/hartland-huis-and-karoo360-tours/

19/08/2024

One of the dessert favourites on a Karoo farm stay is Pecan Pie. Especially if nuts are grown on the farm. Bakers have been asked, actually begged, to give it to everyone who has tasted it. So here it is. It has an indecent amount of butter (margarine can also be used), but now and then it is such a joy to eat something so decadent and mouth-watering that, oh what the hell, just do it! It’s usually served with lightly whipped cream otherwise you can also serve it with ice cream.

PECAN PIE

Pastry
300-gram Flour
3 level teaspoons of Caster sugar
210 gram Butter (or marg)

Rub well together (you can also use a food processor)
Keep 1/3 aside
Line a tart dish, sides as well

Filling
1 tin Condensed milk
2 Tablespoons Syrup
1-2 Tablespoons Vanilla
100 grams of Pecan nuts (or walnuts)
125 grams Butter (or marg)

Melt topping ingredients in a pot – DO NOT BOIL
Allow to cool slightly and add nuts
Pour over pastry in the dish
Crumble the remaining pastry over the filling

Bake at 180 deg for +- 35 minutes until brownish

If there is anything left afterwards it can be put out at breakfast the next morning and there will always be a few who can’t resist a small piece with their coffee. Utterly indulgent!

https://www.karooheartland.com/pecan-pie/

16/08/2024

The town of Jansenville was founded in 1854 on the farm Vergenoegd, owned by Petrus Jacobus Fourie. The need for a new parish was evident from 1848 and the establishment of the village is largely due to the efforts of Minister Alexander Smith from Uitenhage.

The new parish was named Jansenville in honour of General Jan Willem Janssens, the last Dutch Governor of the Cape of Good Hope.

Jansenville quickly grew into a thriving agricultural community. The town’s location in the Noorsveld made it ideal for farming sheep and goats. In the late 19th century, Jansenville became a major center for the mohair industry. Angora goats are well-suited to the harsh climate of the Noorsveld, and their hair is highly prized for its softness and durability. The earliest Angora flock in the Jansenville district was established from stock imported by William Cary Hobson on the farm Martyrsford in 1871.

The outbreak of the 2nd Anglo Boer War in 1899 pitted the many the Dutch speaking residents against their English neighbours. Although a number of the Dutch inhabitants were loyal to the Colonial Administration the majority favoured the cause of the Boers. This resulted in Martial Law and the town and district came under military occupation under the command of a Captain Gould.

In January 1901 the Town Guard decided to fortify the town against the growing threat of lightning raids by Boer Commandos and constructed two blockhouses and the Jansenville Fort. The fort still stands on the hill immediately to the north of the village.

The town is home to several historical buildings, including the Dutch Reformed Church and Jansenville Museum. The Dutch Reformed Church was built in 1860 and is a fine example of Cape Dutch architecture while the Jansenville Museum is housed in a restored Victorian building and exhibits artifacts from the town’s history.

https://www.karooheartland.com/history-of-jansenville/

14/08/2024

𝟐𝟏 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐄𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐎 𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐈𝐄𝐔-𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐃𝐀!

1. The 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦 - You will find it in Martins Street, watch an introductory video to the Owl House there and see some letters miss Helen wrote and some other items.

2. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐰𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 - Weird to some, wonderful to others, the Owl House is a work of outsider art created by Helen Martins between 1945 and 1976. She transformed her world with light, colours and texture. Tel: 049 841 1733. Website: www.theowlhouse.co.za.

3. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐰𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩 - Find it in the Helen Martins Museum in Nieu Bethesda for everything from pillows, bags, shoes, watches, earrings, art, fabric, tea towels and mugs as well as literature related to the Owl House. Tel: 049 841 1733.
Also visit the Crafters outside the Owl House where you can buy replica's of Miss Helen's statutes as well as other crafty things.

4. 𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 - Explore a small exhibition centre which reconstructs life in the Karoo 255 million years ago. Fossil tours with experienced guides available. Tel: 084 500 3902 or 071 6095 5035.

5. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥 - a quaint stone building housing an ancient watermill in Nieu-Bethesda. It was built in 1860 and used to grind wheat. Tel: 083 654 7014.

6. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 - see graves dating back to the 1700s. Unique stones made with beautiful local rock slabs. Open to the public. Tel: 072 400 3195.

7. Look at the beautiful 𝐃𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 in Nieu-Bethesda, which was inaugurated in 1905 and still has it's original gas chandeliers. Open to the public on request. Tel: 0823318983.

8. 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐀𝐫𝐭 & 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 - See Bushman rock art, Anglo Boer War engravings and a private fossil museum at Ganora Guest Farm, 7km from the village. Guided tours available. Tel: 049 8411 302 or 082 698 0029.

9. 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦 & 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩 - A unique museum of contemporary art made by living Bushman. Permanent collection of stunning tapestries made by local Bushman artists on display. Tel: 049 8411 731 or 073 028 8887.

10. 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐤𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐭 by artist Ryno Greeff, is a permanent outdoor installation of stone figures carefully placed in the landscape of Ongeluksloot, on the farm Doornberg, outside the small Karoo village of Nieu Bethesda in the Eastern Cape. Tel: 082 447 5117.

11. Walk the 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐡 at Gregg Price Gallery - The Labyrinth at Gregg Price gallery is a space for visitors to enter and enjoy at any time. It is a replica of the medieval labyrinth found at Chartres Cathedral in France. Tel: 083 258 3104.

12. 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 & 𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 - Walk in the poplar forest and follow the ancient water furrow supplying Nieu-Bethesda with water. Perfect for picnics. Directions: Access it easily past Boetie’s Pub, taking a left from Hill street.

13. Walk the 𝐒𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 (also known as Jubileum Bridge) over the Gats River to connect to sections of the village. Beautiful views of the village. Directions: Access via Parsonage or Pienaar Street signage.

14. Visit 𝐃𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 - A unique bookshop experience with over 10 000 titles (both new and secondhand) that span a vast variety of genres and subjects. Cards, journals, children’s activity books and a limited stock of art supplies available. Tel: 082 517 0045.

15. 𝐓𝐨𝐭-𝐇𝐢𝐞𝐫-𝐓𝐨𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐝𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 - Buy jams, preserves, biltong, drywors, frozen meat, Karoo handmade gifts, homemade ginger beer and more. Take the kids to see farm animals. Eat at the restaurant. Tel: 082 579 7460.

16. Visit the 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 & 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨'𝐬 in Nieu-Bethesda -
Gregg Price Gallery, Infinity Gallery, both in Martin Street, Coert Steynberg Art Gallery at 229 Hudson Street and Frans Boekkooi Sculpture Studio in Pienaar Street.

17. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐲 & 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢 - Enjoy some craft beer and ciders made with local ingredients served with fresh homemade bread and cheese platters with local meats, pickles & preserves. Tel: 081 015 7996.

18. 𝐁𝐨𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐞’𝐬 𝐏𝐮𝐛 - a visit to this quirky drinking hole in Nieu-Bethesda is a must. Try homemade infused garlic and cherry rums as served by owner and barman, Boetie Bester. Watch Sport on the big screen! Tel: 078 206 2925.

19. 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐛'𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 - Enjoy a slow-paced guided tour with Jacob van Staden's donkey cart. Contact Jacob on 072 987 9831.

20. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 - there are no street lights in Nieu-Bethesda, which makes it the ideal place to star gaze.

21. 𝐆𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 around Nieu-Bethesda, climb the Compassberg or do the Nieu-Bethesda Camino, a 100km walk over 5 days with scenic Karoo and mountain views. Tel: 072 460 3621. E-mail: [email protected].

Bonus nr 22 - 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐚𝐭 at one of the many great restaurants with a special shoutout to the Karoo Food Experience offered at Sterlings at Ibis Lounge.

Thank you to the friendly folk at Nieu-Bethesda Tourism for this awesome list.

https://www.karooheartland.com/nieu-bethesda/

12/08/2024

Somerset East lies below the Boschberg mountain which is anything but typical Karoo. The mountainside is covered in forest and they say that after good rains up to 16 waterfalls can be seen from town.

Located in a hidden valley not far from town is the Glen Avon Waterfall. The waterfall, the scale of which is only appreciated from close up, is said to have one of the highest drops of water on private land in South Africa.

Getting to the waterfall isn’t just a park and stroll. It’s at least a 10 km hike that takes you through indigenous forest into a riverine-forested valley where sneezewood and cabbage trees grow. The waterfall and the kloof have been declared the Glen Avon Falls Natural Heritage Site (No 71). Bird watchers have identified 235 species of birds, ranging from small sunbirds to birds of prey, and an occasional sighting of the rare Cape Vulture.

Access is by prior arrangement only

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/glen-avon-waterfall/

09/08/2024

The Karoo is home to one of South Africa's living treasures: sheep that in their time graze among scattered bushes. Karoo Lam now boasts a certificate of origin (geographical indication), just like Rooibos, French Champagne and Italy's Parma Ham.

Only sheep grazing in an area with at least two of six native bush types, from ankerkaroo to kapokbos and brakganna, wear the crown. According to the statement outlining this status, kapokbos, also called wilde roosmaryn, is "a favourite food of the sheep and one of the seasonings that give Karoo Lam its unique taste". Or as the farmers of that world like to say: "On the hoof" flavoured.

Some of the conditions of being labelled Karoo Lamb are that only lamb born, raised, and slaughtered in the Karoo qualifies as the product concerned. They have to be free-range grazing on indigenous Karoo vegetation and animals originating from feed lots or reared on cultivated or planted pastures, do not qualify for the official classification.

07/08/2024

At The Ibis Lounge in Nieu-Bethesda, you are invited to enjoy the Karoo in the lap of luxury. Managed by a powerhouse hospitality couple that has worked in the hospitality industry throughout Africa for over 20 years, The Ibis offers three beautifully decorated and spacious rooms. Each room has its own unique look and feel leaving you wanting to stay longer.

Sterlings at The Ibis can be found adjacent to the guesthouse and serves hearty gourmet Karoo dining. Their dedication to seasonality, sourcing local produce and combining only the freshest and most sustainable ingredients into a dining experience makes sure to evoke all the senses.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/the-ibis/

05/08/2024

Most Karoo farmers’ wives probably bake a Roly-Poly pudding from memory. This recipe probably comes pretty close to the ones they use.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups flour (500 ml)
3 teaspoons baking powder (15 ml)
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 cup butter (125 g)
2 eggs, beaten
milk, a few tablespoons as per the instructions below
teaspoon vanilla
apricot jam

SAUCE
1 1⁄2 cups boiling water (375 ml)
1 cup sugar (250 ml)
2 tablespoons butter (30 ml)
1 teaspoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 180 deg Celsius.
Grease a suitable oven dish, like a rectangular Pyrex dish.
Mix the flour, baking powder and salt, and rub in the butter.
Add the beaten eggs, and then just enough milk, tablespoon by tablespoon, to make a fairly firm dough.
Roll the dough out quite thinly — on a surface sprinkled with flour — and form a rectangle, by cutting off bits and adding it on again.
Spread the dough with apricot jam.
From one of the LONG sides, roll it up like a swiss roll.
Cut this roll into 1-inch slices, using a serrated knife such as a bread knife. The jam WILL ooze out.
Pack the slices, cut sides up, closely together, in the greased dish. Scoop the jam which oozed out on the surface you used, and just plonk back onto these rolls.
In a pot, mix the boiling water (from your kettle), sugar, butter, and vanilla and stir until the sugar dissolves.
With a tablespoon, ladle evenly over the slices of pudding, but beware: you will have more sauce than the baking dish can take.
Usually, you’ll be left with about 3/4 cup. KEEP IT.
Bake for about 40 – 45 minutes.
When the sizzling pudding comes out of the oven, carefully pour the extra sauce over the center slices.
Now the hot pudding will absorb much of the leftover sauce in seconds. Use as much or as little as you like.
Serve hot, with custard, ice cream or whipped cream.

This pudding will definitely have you come back for seconds and perhaps even thirds if there are any leftovers at that stage.

https://www.karooheartland.com/traditional-roly-poly/

02/08/2024

The tranquillity, fresh air, and sweeping views across the open Karoo farmland to the nearby Renosterberg mountains make the peaceful farmstead of Erin Farm House - South Africa outside Middelburg the perfect place to relax and unwind. Erin offers guests individual farm-style cottage accommodation only a few minutes’ drive from town. Located just off the N9 between Middelburg and Graaff-Reinet, the farm provides an excellent stopover point approximately halfway between Johannesburg and the Garden Route/ Cape Town.

Expect a warm Karoo welcome at this pet-friendly establishment with units fully equipped for self-catering. At Erin, they respect your right to quiet, undisturbed solitude, and there are no televisions or radios in the rooms, and no music or other disturbances are allowed. Enjoy watching the sunset over the Renosterberg mountains in the west, perhaps with a sundowner and a braai. Spend your time going for a walk, watching the birds and the stars, or sitting back and enjoying tranquillity at its Karoo best.

31/07/2024

On 27 June 1985, Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkhonto and Sicelo Mhlauli, were detained by the security police outside Port Elizabeth. Goniwe and Calata were rumoured to be on a secret police hit list for their active participation in the struggle against apartheid in the Cradock area. The South African security police murdered them and burned their bodies.

The South African apartheid government denied that they had ordered the killings, but a document leaked to the press years later resulted in the removal of several police officers. At the second inquest, a judge ruled that the “security forces” were responsible, but named no one individual.

In 2007, the Cradock Four Garden of Remembrance was created just outside Cradock off the N10 towards Port Elizabeth.

29/07/2024

Construction on the Old Drostdy in Graaff-Reinet began in 1804 and after completion two years later served as an official building and provided accommodation for such luminaries as Lord Charles Somerset and Sir Rufane Donkin. From 1819 the Old Drostdy was used as a residency for the local magistrate until 1847 when the building together with the surrounding land was sold by public auction.After the building was bought by Henry Kromm in 1878 it was converted into a hotel and became known as Kromm’s Drostdy Hotel,

The Drostdy was refurbished to a five star hotel with 48 exceptionally beautiful rooms recently. Stretch’s Court incorporates 31 rooms; the Ferreira precinct has seven rooms, each in its own secluded area; and Kromm’s Court has a further 10 rooms. The much acclaimed De Camdeboo restaurant at the Drostdy serves a wide selection of delicious Eastern Cape fare and is open daily for breakfast lunch and dinner.

Staying at the Drostdy Hotel is an absolute treat in luxury Karoo hospitality.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/drostdy-hotel/

26/07/2024

The hamlet of Middleton is located near Cookhouse and was first established in 1879 as a train station to act as a layover point between larger towns. At the turn of the 20th century, the Middleton complex was developed by Mr George Webster, a blacksmith by trade. The site played a very important part in those transport days.

In 1901 he donated land to build a church and the little church was built as a Methodist Church in 1903. At the time Middleton comprised of a hotel, smithy building, general dealer’s shop, church school and 500 morgen of veld. In 1992 the church became part of the All Saint’s United Church and it’s utilised by the residents of Middelton regularly.

The old train station has now been converted into a pub.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/middleton-all-saints-church/

25/07/2024

If you're in Graaff-Reinet or passing through on the first or last Friday of the month, Paardekraal Produce has a popup shop selling free-roaming farm eggs, goat milk cheese, pies, mutton curry, bredie and more at Lot44 between 10am -1pm.

24/07/2024

Join one of the Mountain Zebra National Park rangers on an early morning walk to find the park's cheetahs. The morning starts with a drive following the signal to find the cheetah's location. Once at the closest road point, you're off on foot with the ranger in the lead. The park's cheetahs aren't tame, but they are used to guests on foot as long as they keep a respectful distance.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/mountain-zebra-national-park/

22/07/2024

Karoo River Rafting is set in the stunning surroundings of the Eastern Cape Karoo. This perfect farm get-away combines the breathtaking beauty of the veld, expansive horizons, blue-grey mountains, wide-open skies and all-year-round exciting river rafting. Perched on the banks of the Great Brak River at the confluence of the Teebus, this idyllic spot offers inviting accommodation and first-class facilities. Perfect for families or groups looking for adventurous fun-filled weekends and relaxation. Also the ideal get-away for companies wanting away-time for team-building or teachers looking for action-packed development programs for children and teenagers.

River rafting trips range from 4 km to 12 km, 16 km and multi-day trips. Special discounts are available for families, schools and corporate teambuilding events.

19/07/2024

The Valley Of The Flags is located on the R329 outside Steytlerville. The rocks next to the road are colourfully adorned with flags that have at some stage been national flags of South Africa.

The first flag, the South African flag used between 1928 and 1994, was painted by farmer George Craven in 1982 using a rope to assist him. The flag reflected the Union of South Africa’s predecessors and incorporated the Prince’s Flag of the Netherlands with the addition of a Union Jack to represent the Cape Province and Natal, the former Orange Free State flag, and the former South African Republic flag.

After 1994 the new (current) South African flag was added next to and slightly over the old one. The new flag was intended as an interim measure, but it proved so popular that when the Constitution was finalised in 1996, it became the permanent flag of South Africa.

Subsequently, the other older flags were added. The history of these flags can be found at the Open Air Implement Museum.

17/07/2024

Did you know that for a short period in the late 1700s Graaff Reinet was a self declared Independent Colony?

The Drostdy at Graaff-Reinet was established in response to petitions from the Boers of the region. The satisfaction that this provided was short-lived. The attitude of the officials of the Dutch East India Company antagonised the Boers who resented being oppressed. Their desire was to be independent of the authorities at Cape Town, thus on 6 February 1795, a gathering proclaimed the “Graaff-Reinet Colony” and hoisted the red, white and blue flag, the “Prinsevlag” as it was called, of the Republic of the Netherlands.

The residents of Swellendam also did this. Before the leaders of the Cape Colony could retake the new republics, the Cape Colony (together with the two rebellious areas) was itself conquered by Great Britain in 1795 (Graaff-Reinet not until August 1796). After the Netherlands regained the Cape Colony from the British, it was finally taken over by the British in 1806.

The Independent Colony Monument can be found on the corner of Church and Parsonage Street.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/graaff-reinet-monuments/

15/07/2024

Tanya Kroon from Paardekraal Produce in Graaff-Reinet produces a selection of high-quality fresh farm produce, chicken eggs, pies, goat’s cheese, chili products, and more.

Paardekraal makes a selection of Goat’s milk products, all from the goats on the farm. Pies are another item made on the farm, and fresh eggs are regularly collected from Paardekraal’s flock of hens. They also produce cheese, organic vegetables and other home-cooked dishes. All produce is made from free-ranging animals and they do not administer growth hormones or antibiotics on a routine basis.

Paardekraal Produce is sold at a pop up stand on the stoep of Lot44, 44 Somerset Street Graaff-Reinet, on the first and last Friday of the month.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/paardekraal-produce/

12/07/2024

Visit the historic town of Graaff-Reinet and discover the rhythm and beauty of the Karoo. Start your day at Villa Reinet Guest House with the early morning birdsong in the trees and a hearty outside breakfast before exploring the attractions around town. Return to your accommodation to relax a bit and head up to the Valley of Desolation for sunset. Alternatively enjoy the tranquillity of the green gardens, sitting areas, and a small splash pool.

Villa Reinet Guest House is perfect for your much-needed break in a historic building in the country town of Graaff-Reinet.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/villa-reinet/

11/07/2024

Karoo Heartland sunsets in winter are just the best

Winter sunset peace

10/07/2024

The history of Grootfontein dates back to 1781 when a certain Hendrik van der Walt made his living as a loan farmer on the then modest property, Grootfontein, situated just north of Middelburg EC.

The British Department of War bought farms in Middelburg district which were consolidated under the name of Grootfontein in 1903. During this military period which terminated in 1910 between 12 000 and 15 000 British soldiers were stationed at Grootfontein. The Anglo Boer War cemetery can be visited.

The foundation of the Grootfontein College of Agriculture dates back to the year after Union in 1910. The farm Grootfontein was transferred to the Union Government by the Imperial Government in 1911 and an agricultural school was started in the same year. The total size of the ground 11 418 ha.

In 1939 Grootfontein gained College status and is one of the oldest agricultural colleges in South Africa. It has a proud training and research history contributing to the prosperity of livestock farming in the Karoo and other arid regions. The vision of Grootfontein is to be the world’s leading centre of excellence in training, research and extension in small stock and in agricultural production in semi-arid to arid climates.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/grootfontein-college-of-agriculture/