Klaarstroom, Karoo

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Klaarstroom, Karoo

Klaarstroom
Near Klaarstroom, Klein Karoo

The tiny hamlet of Klaarstroom, positioned at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains at the Great Karoo entrance to Meiringspoort, is the genuine article when it comes to Victorian working farm villages - little affected by time and change in South Africa.

Klaarstroom, meaning ‘clear stream’, functioned as a stop for farmers from the Karoo on their way to Mossel Bay, to wash their precious cargo of wool in the clear mountain streams. The wool-washing facility that was established has subsequently disappeared, but the peaceful village is a perfect retreat for those wanting to explore the Great Karoo and the Karoo National Park, only 120 km north of Klaarstroom.

Time stands still here. Hot days, the vastness of blue skies above your head, the tranquillity of the endless plains of the Karoo, star-filled, crisp evenings and silence make a refreshing change to the hustle and bustle of life in the 21st century. Don’t let the size of the town fool you, there is plenty to do here. There are a number of informal mountain bike routes and walks in the surrounding veld.

Meiringspoort, near Klaarstroom
Meiringspoort, the beautiful gorge through the Swartberg Mountain range linking the Groot and Klein Karoos, is definitely worth a visit. Rest sites throughout the poort provide information boards offering insight into the animals, birds and plant life here.

Prince Albert, just 60 km east of Klaarstroom, offers a Saturday morning market that includes fruit, cheese, homemade delicacies, cakes, breads and vegetables. You can stock up on Karoo lamb and enjoy an early morning cup of coffee, whilst the town’s annual Olive Festival, which usually takes place in April/May, is legendary.

Then there’s Klaarstroom's bi-annual Carp Derby at the nearby Stompdrift Dam for angling enthusiasts or Domein Doornkraal, close to Oudtshoorn (take in the Cango caves whilst you’re there), and Mons Ruber, just outside De Rust, offer indulgent wine-tasting opportunities. Make sure you take a quick look at the local police station in Klaarstroom - a charming example of Victorian architecture built in 1880.

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Featured Attractions in (or near) Klaarstroom

Anysberg Nature Reserve

Anysberg Nature Reserve lies in the Little Karoo between Ladismith, Laingsburg, Touwsrivier and Montagu, and is approximately four hours drive from Cape Town. The Anysberg reserve offers the visitor some of the most striking scenery in the Karoo as well as fascinating wildlife and plants and various ... more information

Bontebok National Park

Sheltered by the Langeberg Mountains and bordered to the south by the Breede River, the Bontebok National Park provides a refuge for not only bontebok, but also for other species such as the Cape mountain zebra, red hartebeest and grey rhebok. The park is situated within the Cape Floral ... more information

Kammanassie Nature Reserve

Lying in the Little Karoo between the Swartberg and Outeniqua Mountains, lies an inselberg or monadnock - an isolated hill or small mountain that rises abruptly from the surrounding plain - called Kammanassie Mountain. The entire mountain catchment area, and a large portion of state land, make up almost ... more information

Marloth Nature Reserve

Lying just three kilometres from the pretty little town of Swellendam, the Marloth Nature Reserve conserves the central Langeberg Mountains that lie between the towns of Swellendam, Ashton, Barrydale and Suurbraak. The Marloth Nature reserve includes what residents of Swellendam call ... more information

Meiringspoort

Soaring cliff walls with spectacular rock formations line the 25 km tarred road which winds along the floor of the gorge, crossing the Groot River 25 times. Entry to the poort is via Klaarstroom, 55 kms east of Prince Albert en route to Oudtshoorn and the coast. Hardy plants cling to the precarious ... more information

Swartberg Pass

The 27km Swartberg Pass is considered one of the finest mountain passes in the world: an untarred road that winds to the summit 1583 metres above sea level in steep zigzags and sudden switchbacks with breathtaking views at every turn. The road is supported in places by hand-packed stone walls, a ... more information

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