Carnarvon - Cape - Accommodation, Safaris, Adventure

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Province: Northern Cape
Region: Karoo
Town: Carnarvon

Carnarvon 
Communities of Xhosa moved up to the Orange River as early as 1795. One group subsequently settled at Schietfontein, which was served by a Rhenish mission, and a village named Harmsfontein was established in 1860. In 1874, it changed its name to honour the British Colonial Secretary, Lord Carnarvon. The district is well known for its corbelled houses, some built between 1811 and 1815. Carnarvon is set among flat-topped hills and is one of the region's busiest farming centres. 
Tourist information: The information officer PO Box 10, Carnarvon 8925. Tel: (053) 382 3029. 

Activities and Attractions 
Blikkies Kroeg (Bar) A collection of 3 000 beer cans. 
Corbelled Houses Domed-roofed houses built of flat stones because of a lack of wood for roof trusses. The cement was a mixture of chaff and soil mixed with water and kneaded to the correct texture. Anthills were used for their lime, an excellent binding agent. Floors were smeared and coloured with a rich red mixture of fat and oxblood, polished with smooth stone. 
Museum Old Church Hall 
Nature Reserve 60 mountain tortoises can be found here. Each respond to their name and will come for a titbit when called. Tel: (02032) 3002. 

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