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Province: Western Cape
Region: Central Karoo
Towns:
Beaufort West
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Laingsburg
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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
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2010 Accommodation bookings and enquiries
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