Central Karoo - Cape  - Budget Accommodation, Game Lodges, Luxury Accommodation

ADVERTISE IN THE 2010 SOUTHERN AFRICA TRAVEL GUIDE SERIES  |  HOME  

Back one page

 
Province: Western Cape
Region: Central Karoo

Towns:
Beaufort West  |   Laingsburg  |   Leeugamka  |   Murraysburg  |  Matjiesfontein   |  Prince Albert


About 280-million years ago, when the earth was much younger, the Great Karoo was a vast swamp. Today, among the world's most fascinating arid zones, it is a place of infinite horizons and endless plains, rimmed by blue mountains. Visually, it is stark, but its very starkness distills into grandiose beauty that is often awesome. Sunsets and dawns stun with their vivid bursts of colour and cloud shows, while night skies are filled with stars you can almost touch. 

The Karoo, the world's largest plateau outside Asia, is five times the size of great Britain and considered a wonder of the scientific world. Its name comes from the indigenous word for thirstland. In South Africa it stands alone; globally the region is an envied rarity. Ancient and fossil-rich, the Karoo features the largest variety of succulents found anywhere on earth. Some of the world's most important archeological and stone age sites are located in the Karoo. A rich legacy of rock art and artifacts makes it integral to the work of many scientists. A myriad species of indigenous and rare game roam these plains, while birdlife is abundant. 


Over a century ago, British soldiers, with all the paraphernalia of battle, moved across the plains of the Karoo to engage the Boers in the Anglo-Boer War. Now lonely graves dot these plains and the silent blockhouses still guard the railway lines as grim reminders of those turbulent times. 


The Karoo is indeed a place of infinite enchantment and mystery. Those who linger in its vastness soon sense the magic are drawn back again and again. 

Beaufort West is often referred to as the 'Oasis of the Karoo'. 

The Karoo National Park just outside the town is home to the endangered black rhino and riverine rabbit. Activities include hiking, 4x4 routes, mountain biking and bird-watching. 

The village of Matjiesfontein has been restored to its Victorian splendour and is a national monument. South Africa's largest privately-owned museum can be found at the old station. 

Prince Albert is a beautiful small town. The Fransie Pienaar Cultural History Museum includes an exhibition relating to early 19th century mining activities. Local traditional witblits (white lightning) is distilled and sold here. Prince Albert is the closest town by road to Die Hel in Gamkaskloof. Some 150 years ago, trekboers made this remote valley in the Swartberg Mountains their home. Today, it is a nature reserve administered by Cape Nature Conservation. The Swartberg Pass, which is a gravel road, is one of the most spectacular in Africa. 

Central Karoo Tourism
P O Box 56
BEAUFORT WEST
6970
SOUTH AFRICA
Tel: +27-(0)23-414 3001
Fax: +27-(0)23-414 3675
E-mail: karootour@internext.co.za