This lovely little town lying under the Boschberg Mountain is steeped in history; and has something for everybody – from gentle strolls along Paulet Street with gracious old buildings, heritage roses, and the Walter Battiss Art Museum and Old Parsonage Museum, to hunting, fishing, hiking and mountain bike routes and Wild Fly Fishing in the Karoo. The mountain holds many treasures for birding, plant, and tree enthusiasts, with over 325 different birds recorded. The beautiful nine-hole golf course hosts events throughout the year, and the Bowling Club’s greens are utilised by locals and visitors.
The slopes of the Boschberg, long considered to be the most beautiful mountain in Southern Africa, with sparkling waterfalls, deep kloofs covered with indigenous forest, giant trees and magnificent flora were thought to be home to the Unicorn during the 1700’s, and this has yet to be disproved. Early botanists found many plants endemic to the area. A wide range of vegetation – 5 biomes – Nama Karoo, Grassland, Forest, Savannah, and Thicket, surround the town, often referred to as a green oasis on the edge of the Karoo. Stock and game farming, as well as fruit and crop farming flourish in the area.
Hunters, anglers, cyclists and athletes enjoy the pollution and malaria free environment. The venerable Bruintjieshoogte Marathon is still staged early each year, and attracts hundreds of runners.
There is a wide range of accommodation options, from camping to up market guesthouses, something to suit everybody. Whether you wish to hunt, mountain bike, or fly fish; visit the museums, or stroll and admire the gracious buildings and lovely gardens, Somerset East will deliver what you need to relax and enjoy yourself.
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