Beaufort West, Karoo

Beaufort West lies between the Gamka and Kuils Rivers, just south of a ridge of hills and north of the Nuweveld Mountains in the Central Karoo, where rocks date back some 230 million years. Although for many South Africans, travelling on the N1, it is yet another typical ‘platteland’ dorp (town) in which they must stick to the speed limit or risk a fine!

This quirky town - the oldest in the Central Karoo - is rich in history that holds intrigue for the scientist, the historian and the eco-tourist. Not only was the first reptile fossil discovered near here, in what has subsequently been described as the world’s richest collecting ground for these fossils, but the town’s historic centre displays an eclectic mix of historical architecture that makes a stop-over here essential.

Beaufort West lies in an area that might be semi-desert today, but was initially a swamp. Some of the world’s most interesting Stone Age sites have been discovered near here and a legacy of rock engravings have been left by Bushmen on farms in the area and at Nelspoort. Collections of ancient reptile fossils now grace exhibitions in museums all over the world and they form the basis of work set to uncover the truth about life when the earth was young.

Beaufort West displays flamboyant Victorian, elegant Georgian, Edwardian, Romanesque, Cape Dutch, Neo-Gothic, Neo-Classic and Contemporary styles of architecture in an easy walk through the centre of town. Some of these are national monuments today, such as the old town hall, mission church and the Barnard House (heart-transplant pioneer Professor Chris Barnard, considered the town’s famous son, is honoured here as part of the museum).

Included here is the Anglican Church, built in 1850 in a Romanesque style and designed by Sophie Gray, the wife of Robert Gray, first Bishop of Cape Town. The north end of the street houses a local jail, built in 1873 but obviously not very functional as its first jailer, also jailed for negligence on duty, managed to escape never to be seen again.

Local farms provide a popular eco-tourism stop offering walks, hikes and challenging 4x4 routes, whilst the Karoo National Park, just outside of town, is home to a huge variety of indigenous buck and birds. It is also a sanctuary for the endangered black rhino and riverine rabbit.

Additional Reading

For more info about Tulbagh see our articles on the SA Travel News Blog: • Beaufort West, so much more than a typical Karoo dorp.

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options

Things to do in the area

Noteworthy attractions

Find accommodation in Beaufort West

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / Karoo Accommodation / Beaufort West Accommodation

Beaufort West as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Beaufort West property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
Destinations
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.