Klaarstroom, 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.
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.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
El Yolo One
El Yolo One is a working Karoo guest farm situated at the foot of the Swartberg mountain range in the Great Karoo. Guests have a choice of self c...
Klaarstroom Guest House
Take a step back in time. Slow down. Rest and remember what a delight it is to just take it easy. Klaarstroom Guest House is a restored Victorian...
Die Letterhuis
Die Letterhuis is located on a farm 36km from Prince Albert and offers comfortable accommodation In two holiday homes. On the koppie next to the ...
Klaarstroom Hotel
The vintage and quaint Klaarstroom Hotel originally opened its doors in 1874 and still retains many of its Victorian features, while offering its...
De Aap Farm Lodge
Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Swartberg Mountains lies De Aap Farm Lodge, an idyllic retreat offering accommodation in Klaarstroom. Thi...
Avondrust Farm Stay
In the foothills of the mighty Swartberg Mountains near the small village of Klaarstroom, Avondrust Farm is a working farm offering you a memorab...
Things to do in the area
Self Drive Oudtshoorn to Meiringspoort
Route: Oudtshoorn, Swartberg Pass, Prince Albert, Meiringspoort, De RustDescription: Follow the road that winds along the banks of the Groot Rive...
Meiringspoort Waterfall
The exquisite beauty of the Klein Karoo is ideally represented by the small town of De Rust, nestled among the Swartberg Mountains. This town is ...
Noteworthy attractions
Anysberg Nature Reserve
In the heart of the Cape Fold Mountains, the natural abundance of the Anysberg Nature Reserve is situated in the Little Karoo of the Western Cape...
Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden
In Roux Road on the outskirts of Worcester, some 120 kilometres from Cape Town, lies a unique gem of a garden - the only truly succulent garden i...
Cango Caves
Almost 30 kilometres outside of Outshoorn in the Klein Karoo, and certainly one of the main reasons for placing this little town on your itinerar...
Karoo National Park
The Karoo National Park is situated close to the N1 highway between Cape Town and the hinterland, approximately 1000 km south of Johannesburg and...
Gamkaberg Nature Reserve
Lying in the Little Karoo is the remote Gamka mountain range, isolated because of the conduit of the Gouritz River that slices between the Gamkab...
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...
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
At the foot of the Warmwaterberg, in the heart of the Little Karoo, between Montagu and Barrydale on the famous Route 62, the vision of the San i...
Swartberg Nature Reserve
The Swartberg Nature Reserve lies in the Oudtshoorn district between the Great Karoo and Little Karoo, bordered by the Gamka River in the west an...
Meiringspoort
The towering sandstone cliff walls and breathtaking rock formations of Meiringspoort lie on the N12 between Beaufort West and Oudtshoorn. The poo...
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