Herold, Karoo

Herold doesn’t need much by way of imaginative writing to inspire a visit. The little hamlet lies right on the Montagu Pass cradled by some of the most majestic mountain scenery in the country on the R62, (Route 62) one of South Africa’s newest and most scenic travel routes that meanders between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, dotted with quaint towns and undiscovered villages like Herold.

Herold lies almost halfway between George and Oudtshoorn offering not only moments of idyllic tranquillity and peaceful contemplation, but access to both the coastal and inland attractions of the Klein Karoo and the Garden Route. The area abounds with outdoor activities, and bird watching, hiking, mountain biking, wine tours and panoramic countryside are right on your doorstep. There are also guided hikes up the nearby Cradock and George peaks.

Some of the original village buildings of Herold are now incorporated on one of the guest farms in Herold whilst the remains of what was once the blacksmith’s shop, which dates back to the 1860s, is visible from the Montagu Pass.

You are not short of things to do when staying in Herold, although you may well be tempted to slow to the pace of life here and venture no further than your doorstep. But should you set out, the Cango caves are but 30 minutes’ drive from here; Herold wines - set on the slopes of Cradock Peak - offers public wine tasting and cellar tours; the beach is only half an hour away, and there are steam train trips between Knysna and George that are well worth the minor effort it would take to get there.