• The Great Karoo
• Towns in the Great Karoo
• Aberdeen
• Adelaide
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• Calitzdorp
• Cradock
• Graaff-Reinet
• Jansenville
• Ladismith
• Matjiesfontein
• Middelburg
• Murraysburg
• Nieu Bethesda
• Norval's Pont
• Oudtshoorn
• Prince Albert
• Somerset East
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The Great Karoo

The Karoo means different things to different people.  To geologists it is an ancient formation of largely sedimentary deposits covering much of south east South Africa.  For the purposes of this site we have used the term loosely to mean the interior of the old Cape Province.

Others see the Karoo as a huge, hot and arid empty space they need to cross to get somewhere else.  This is an unfortunate perception as the Karoo encapsulates much of what is unique to South Africa.  Bushveld and savannah can been seen elsewhere in Africa but only the Karoo offers the combination of geology, geography, history and lifestyle that is unique.

We hope that this site will encourage more people to explore the Karoo to discover its beauty, interests, wildlife and above all the hospitality of its people.

Featured Accommodation in the Karoo

Andries Stockenström Guest House Graaff-Reinet Accommodation Andries Stockenström Guest House in Graaff-Reinet is widely known for its cuisine, being also the home of renowned Gordon's Restaurant where food is taken very seriously, only the freshest and is the stuff that great memories are made of.

The Manor at Samara Graaff-Reinet Accommodation The Manor at Samara is unique in its warm design which reflects the local landscape and traditions whilst retaining a light contemporary twist and affording guests comfortable luxury in this exclusive use venue. Privacy and romance are assured.

Ganora Guest Farm Nieu Bethesda Accommodation Ganora Guest Farm outside the village of Nieu Bethesda, in a beautiful setting in the foothills of the Sneeuberge, offers accommodation in four quaint buildings, each part and parcel of the history of the farm.

Latest News in the Karoo (click here for all news)

Opening Of Hunting Season The annual provisional opening of the hunting season in Jansenville will be the first friday of june 2012. The Opening of the Season offers great atmosphere and lots of fun. Come and join us next year!

Oudtshoorn - Prince Albert - Swartberg Pass R10 million has been earmarked for the upgrading of the Swartberg Pass between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert. The Acting Municipal Manager of The Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality, Mr Lluwellyn Coetzee said at the Tourism Bureau's annual general meeting that the upgrading of the pass is a project of the National Department of Environmental Affairs.

Montagu Pass restrictions The Montagu Pass is no longer freely open to traffic and restrictions are in force. This situation may continue into October. Permits are required to use the pass and will be issued primarily to local residents that need daily access to the pass.

Latest Events in the Karoo (click here for all events)

"The History Boys" at John Rupert Theatre, Graaff-Reinet The History Boys focuses on a group of eight students, all of them deemed by their overeager Headmaster (Clive Merrison) to be the best and the brightest. Though they've been coddled by their humanities-loving instructor, Hector (Richard Griffiths), and their acerbic history teacher, Mrs. Lintott (Frances de la Tour), the boys are deemed in need of additional tutoring; thus, the brash, young Irwin (Stephen Campbell Moore) is recruited to challenge them further. 1st February 2012

The Camdeboo National Park's Birding Weekend The Camdeboo National Park's Birding Weekend will take place between 23 and 25 March 2012. It costs only R100 and this includes dinner! 23rd March 2012 to 25th March 2012

Opening of the Hunting Season - Jansenville The annual Opening of the Hunting Season in Jansenville is on the first Friday of June 2012. The Opening of the Season offers great atmosphere and lots of fun. Come and join us in 2012! 1st June 2012 to 3rd June 2012