Colesberg is a traveler's oasis on the main Cape Town-Johannesburg route, the N1, offering many attractive accommodation establishments and entertaining, educational distractions.
The town lies in typical Karoo veld and is surrounded by koppies (little hills). The most famous is Coleskop, which can be seen from a distance of over 40km. Early travellers called it "Towerberg" that translates into "Magic Mountain". The curious thing about this koppie is that as you travel towards it, it never seems to get nearer.
In a sheep-farming area spread over half-a-million hectares, greater Colesberg breeds many of the country’s top merinos. It is also renowned for producing high-quality racehorses and many stud farms, including one owned by legendary golfer, Gary Player, are nearby.
Many of Colesberg’s original buildings, in pristine condition, are fine examples of early Karoo architecture. The homes in the main street are typical of architecture in the farming communities dating back to the 1880’s. Simple white washed gable, with very small gardens.
The Information Office will happily organize a walking tour lasting about three hours. Learn of the approximately 40 families comprising the Karoo Nomads, get a grasp of local history, revisit the past in the old cemetery, and visit the town’s churches and many of its original reed-ceiling, yellowwood beamed homes where you will enjoy the uniquely Karoo architecture and warm hospitality.
