Karoo Heartland

21/03/2025

Karoopark Guest House is located in the heart of historical Graaff-Reinet and is the ideal location to soak up the relaxed ambience of the Karoo.

All their bedrooms are en-suite with baths or showers. Some rooms are situated in the garden and others overlook the swimming pool. Twin or double rooms with air-conditioning are available upon request.

Karoopark offers B&B or self-catering accommodation and has an a la carte restaurant and bar on site. The swimming pool is a welcome relief on those hot karoo summer days.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/karoopark-guest-house-2/

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities

19/03/2025

Just outside the Police College on the southern outskirts of Graaff-Reinet, a roadside memorial pays tribute to the role of the Jewish ‘smous’ or peddler in supplying Karoo residents with some of the basic necessities of life from as early as the late eighteenth century. Their contribution to the growth of the Karoo economy was pivotal and in times past almost every Karoo town had an active Jewish community and synagogue, however, their numbers have dwindled and the Jewish community has all but disappeared from the Karoo.

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

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities

17/03/2025

Whilst the team at Angler and Antelope Guesthouse in Somerset East loves their fly fishing and focus on it quite a bit, they also cater for the business travelers visiting town during the week. They have made sure that they're geared for that. Every room has a desk or some workspace, and the fibre is good most of the time. With loadshedding suddenly sticking its head out again, they have you sorted. Angler and Antelope have installed solar power and batteries to help with that and most days guests don't even know that there is a long power outage until they go to town to see their clients!

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/angler-antelope/

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities

14/03/2025

What's the chance of finding the grave of an Arctic explorer in the arid Karoo? Well, if you head on over to the Cradock Cemetery you'll find the grave of Reginald Koettlitz. The inscription on his grave reads, "Explorer and traveller, surgeon and geologist to Expeditions North Polar and Abyssinia and with Scott to the Antarctic”.

Koettlitz’s first Artic expedition was in 1894 to Franz Josef Land as physician and geologist on the Jackson–Harmsworth expedition. In 1901, Koettlitz volunteered for Robert Falcon Scott’s Discovery Expedition to Antarctica, as physician and botanist. The story goes that Dr Koettlitz somehow neglected to add enough vitamin C to the polar pioneers’ diet. This was attributed by some critics as having led to the Scott party being in a weakened state before they perished on the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition that followed.

Even though Koettlitz was cleared of wrongdoing, the fallout led to his withdrawal from the world of exploration and moving to rural South Africa in 1905. Here he worked as a country doctor for over a decade, often using a horse or pony-and-trap to call on patients in out-of-the-way places. Not much of a challenge for one who had traveled thousands of miles around the globe, and explored some of its most inhospitable places. He had been deep into the Arctic and, with Captain Scott, the Antarctic, trekked through vast uncharted areas of Africa and, alone, up the Amazon to Manaos.

Reginald Koettlitz died from dysentery on 10 January 1916. Look carefully at the stone and you’ll notice that his French-born wife died on the same day, barely two hours after him.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/the-grave-of-reginald-koettlitz/

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities

12/03/2025

The food at Sterlings at The Ibis Lounge in Nieu-Bethesda is inspired by the Karoo and sourced as locally and organically as possible. Chef Barbara incorporates indigenous medicinal herbs and plants she harvests from the veld into her dishes to enhance your Karoo stay just that little bit more. Their iconic Karoo Food Experience takes you on a culinary journey, telling a story through 6 plates.

Sterlings also have their own veggie garden and will be able to cater for vegetarians too. Their menu changes regularly to incorporate beautiful seasonal ingredients.

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities

10/03/2025

Willowmore’s iconic town hall stands in Knysna Street and has a very unique-looking clock tower. The building was built around 1896 and is the centre point of the Willowmore community. It has been used for film shows, amateur theatrical productions, soirées, wedding receptions and funerals over the years.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/willowmore-and-steytlerville-monuments/

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities

07/03/2025

Outsiders is located on the main road into the village of Nieu-Bethesda. You'll find two stylish en-suite double rooms, each with their own entrance and veranda. Make yourself comfortable on the porch and watch the “traffic” pass you by. If you feel the mood, you can take a stroll to the famous Owl House, right next door.

At night, enjoy peaceful sleep, with no noise to disturb the stillness of the night and no artificial light in the sky. Sleeping between the cotton bed linen and Karoo mohair blankets is divine.

Enjoy your breakfast any time of day. Choose from a hearty cooked breakfasts, fruit, muesli and cereal, homemade bread and jams, tea or freshly brewed “ Sweet Italian” coffee from Mastertons.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/outsiders-bb/

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities

05/03/2025

The Pearston Dutch Reformed Church in the village of Pearston near Somerset East was founded in 1859 with the town being established shortly after. Since 1850 locals have been receiving communion under a big pear tree by Rev John Pears who had to travel the 48km from Somerset East.

At the time of the foundation of the church in 1859, it was the 76th congregation in the Dutch Reformed Church and the 18th in what would later become the Synod of the Eastern Cape. The congregation was named Pearston after Rev Pears, and not after the pear tree that played such a big role in the early days before the church was built.

The church was finally completed and consecrated without debt on 30 June 1887, 22 years after the building work began. The church tower was unveiled in September 1899.

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities

03/03/2025

How typical is this Karoo sunset on Hillston Farm? Big sky, windpomp, sheep, Karoo koppies and landscape.

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities

28/02/2025

Transkaroo Adventures is situated on a sheep and cattle farm in the Karoo, a property that has been in the family since 1912. In 1993 the Transkaroo Hiking Trail was launched. This three-day adventure through the stunning Karoo landscape.

Along the way you will see the most fascinating rock formations that are thousands of years old and quite unique to the Karoo. You will pass through valleys, over streams and even see some rock art that was left by the San people that roamed these plains many years ago. In summer you can enjoy the naturally formed swimming holes, while admiring the huge variety of kosmos. Also be sure to visit the fossilised riverbed. The trail is clearly marked with caracal footprints.

The houses are fully equipped for 12 people. They provide fitted sheets, just bring you own bedding. In the cold seasons they provide an extra blanket per person (only for slack packers). Bring your own towel.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/transkaroo-adventures/

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities

27/02/2025

Fantastic news from within the Karoo Heartland

After not seeing vultures in this region for over 30 years, news of the sighting comes as a huge relief and is a testament to the incredible work Vulpro is doing to improve survival rates of vultures who have been poisoned and hunted to near extinction, with some species already ceasing to exist.

26/02/2025

The old watermill in Nieu-Bethesda was erected in 1860 by Mr B.J. Pienaar, on the original farm, Uitkyk.

The Mill belongs to the Dutch Reformed Church and the income from the mill was used to pay the pastor’s salary. With the help of the late Boet van Heerden from Doornberg, the mill was put back into operation in the 1980s by replacing the original wooden waterwheel with a metal wheel. It was repaired again by the late Pierre Offerman and was to be used as a tourist attraction, however, this plan was abandoned due to children playing on the wheel when it was working and this was deemed unsafe. A group of residents got it working again recently and it is currently in working condition and used to make flour.

If you’re walking from the Owlhouse, cross the bridge opposite the Owlhouse to the west bank of the river to the mill. Or drive around.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/old-nieu-bethesda-mill/

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities

24/02/2025

Experience a piece of South Africa’s history by staying in one of the 9 historic cottages at Camdeboo Cottages Graaff-Reinet in the heart of old Graaff-Reinet. You can also book one of their modern en-suite rooms with French doors leading onto the verandah.
Camdeboo Cottages offers both bed & breakfast and self-catering units with secure parking and a swimming pool.

The unique historic cottages have a fully equipped kitchen and have been lovingly restored. Some still have the original yellow-wood floors or reed ceilings, as well as all the modern amenities.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/camdeboo-cottages-local-guided-tours/

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities

21/02/2025

Tarkastad isn’t a big town with many monuments even though there is a lot of history attached to the town. On the corner of Murray Street and Queen Street, a block away from the Tarkastad War Memorial stands an old gun with the following inspection.

CAPTURED IN THE GREAT WAR
1914 – 18
BY THE ALLIED FORCES
AND PRESENTED TO TARKASTAD
BY THE GOVERNMENT

There doesn't seem to be any information available on the gun, where it came from, what battle it was captured in or why it came to Tarkastad.

The gun is a 7.7 cm Feldkanone 96 neuer Art field gun used by Germany in World War I. Its most likely that this was one of the guns captured by Allied Forces in South West Africa (today Namibia).

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/tarkastad-world-war-i-gun/

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities

19/02/2025

A home to remember in the town you’ll never forget. House No 1 lies in the the heart of Nieu-Bethesda, a magical town where getting a little lost is encouraged.

This well-equipped home has 3 charming bedrooms and a big cosy living room with a wood-burning oven, essential for chilly Karoo Winters. The kitchen, with its 10-seater table, is perfect for cooking family feasts and entertaining. The property is shared with a cottage, available as a separate listing.

https://www.karooheartland.com/listings/houseno1/

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities

17/02/2025

Sunsets are the best time of day to experience God's painting skills. He he never disappoints. Orange, yellow and red; blue, purple and grey. Different shades, hues and patterns. And one of the best places to experience it is at the Valley of Desolations.

📸 Chantelle Marais

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities

14/02/2025

Sustainability and responsible tourism have become two buzz words in the travel and hospitality industry. Angler and Antelope Guesthouse in Somerset East has truly embraced this.

They have installed a rainwater harvesting system that includes tanks holding over 30000 liters of water. They have also installed solar power which means their guests don't even know when there are problems with water or electricity in town. Currently they're working on installing more tanks and solar panels with the hope to eventually go off the grid totally.

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities

12/02/2025

In 1853 Petrus Fourie arranged for the layout and survey of about 80 erven for the establishment of a town named Alexandria in honor of Ds. Alexander Smith, NGK Minister at Uitenhage, who visited the congregation once a quarter. However, by the time the application reached the authorities at the Cape, another community near the coast had beaten Fourie to the name. Jansenville was then decided on in honor of General Janssens, last of the Dutch Governors at the Cape, and Commander of the Dutch forces at the fateful Battle of Muizenberg.

The Jansenville Townhall is one of the town’s historic buildings and a war memorial put up after the First World War is located across the road from the townhall.

Planning a visit to the Karoo Heartland?
Visit the Karoo Heartland website at www.karooheartland.com for more information on things to see, accommodation, restaurants and activities