Karoo Heartland, Eastern Cape
Often referred to as the ‘dry heart’ of South Africa, the Karoo Heartland is but a portion of the Karoo set on the eastern periphery of the central plateau. The Karoo, regarded in the past by many as something of a desolate, barren backwater best driven through at breakneck speed, is a huge semi desert encompassing close to 150 000 square miles that manages to sit astride all three Cape provinces.
The Karoo Heartland’s rugged and intense beauty is dominated by vast, flat plains, rocky mountains, and the biggest assortment of succulents in the world. This beautiful area, subject to red dust, thorny acacias, stunted vegetation, aloes, windmills, sheep and the odd Angora goat, boasts some of the quaintest towns in the country, authentic farmstays, the dramatic valley of Desolation, the Owl House and the Camdeboo National Park. Today the Karoo Heartland has been repackaged as an enviro-region that charms with its unusual and unpretentious characters, eccentricities and diversity of activities.
Destinations / Town & Suburbs of Karoo Heartland
Cradock
Where to Stay: Karoo Heartland Accommodation
Lying on the banks of the Great Fish River, on the site of what was intended as a Boer fort to contain the Xhosa who competed for grazing grounds for their cattle in this part of the Cape, is the historical town of Cradock ... cradock information
Graaff-Reinet
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Graff-Reinet
The oldest town in the Eastern Cape and the fourth oldest in South Africa and certainly one of the most atmospheric, Graaff Reinet lies enclosed by a bend in the Sundays River, overshadowed by the Sneeuberg Mountain within ... graaff-reinet information
Middelburg
Where to Stay: Karoo Heartland Accommodation
Lying in the middle of the Karoo, surrounded by mountains in an area recognised for its prolific and naturally occurring herbal plant life, San rock art and a scenic beauty beyond description, Middelburg is and isn’t ... middelburg information
Nieu-Bethesda
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Nieu-Bethesda
The fame of this tiny village rests on the work of Helen Martins, who created an eccentric artistic genre which was largely unrecognised during her lifetime. The Owl House was the setting for Athol Fugard's play ... nieu-bethesda information
Queenstown
Where to Stay: Karoo Heartland Accommodation
Queenstown lies at the foot of the Hangklip Mountain, whilst other towns in the district include Dordrecht, Molteno and Sterkstroom. The area not only provides incredible scenery, but it is a hive of activity for the outdoor ... queenstown information
Somerset East
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Somerset East
Somerset East is very close to the Boschberg Nature Reserve, which has a number of very popular hiking trails. This is bird-watching country and the natural beauty of this haven is yet a relatively undiscovered treasure. In ... somerset east information
Steytlerville
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Steytlerville
The little town of Steytlerville, with its wide streets - originally to allow ox wagons to turn around - is exceptionally beautiful and worth a visit for this reason as well as the richness of local game and bird life ... steytlerville information
Tarkastad
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Tarkastad
Just outside the town of Tarkastad rest two distinct flat-topped hills, aptly named Martha and Mary - they sit like two heavy women on a stoep, weary from a day’s hard work awaiting the return of men from the fields and ... tarkastad information
Karoo Heartland
Featured and "Must See" Attractions in Karoo Heartland
Mountain Zebra National Park
The craggy heights of the Mountain Zebra National Park's Bankberg embrace rolling plains and deep valleys, and has become an entrancing preserve for the Cape mountain zebra. The proclamation of the park in 1937 saved these animals from extinction, and currently their population stands at 350 ... more information
Valley Of Desolation
The Valley of Desolation is a geological phenomenon; a sheer cliff face, declared a national monument that lies within the Camdeboo National Park - a unique Karoo landscape and ecosystem that surrounds the town of Graaff-Reinett, creating a type of oasis in the midst of the aridness of the ... more information
Camdeboo National Park
Formed hundreds of millions of years ago, the Karoo of South Africa is one of the great natural wonders of the world. Camdeboo National Park provides the visitor with insights into the unique landscape and ecosystem of the Karoo as well as splendid scenic beauty. The greater portion of the Camdeboo ... more information
Tsolwana Game Reserve
Nestled against the northern slopes of the Winterberg Mountain range at the edge of the Karoo, Tsolwana Game Reserve lies between Cradock and Queenstown, near Tarkastad. It is situated in a mountainous area with its grassy plains and acacia thornveld home to a wide variety of wildlife that makes game viewing ... more information
Karoo Heartland
Featured Things To Do in Karoo Heartland
Birding with the Graaff-Reinet Bird Club
Where: Graaff-Reinet
How much (per person): On Request
Birders of all levels are welcome to join the Graaff-Reinet Bird Club whose 30 members range from experienced birders to eager learners. The ... more information
Visit the Owl House
Where: Nieu-Bethesda
How much (per person): On Request
The Owl House houses Helen Martin’s very special and unique art work. Her intriguing sculpture in concrete and glass - assisted by Koos Malg ... more information
Karoo Heartland
Holiday Accommodation in Karoo Heartland
For accommodation in Karoo Heartland see:
• Graaff-Reinet Accommodation
• Nieu-Bethesda Accommodation
Or to see all accommodation in this region at once, visit Karoo Heartland Accommodation.
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