Places to visit & things to do in the Karoo
Graaff-Reinet has numerous sites that are worth visiting and there's plenty do whilst in town. We at Karoopark Guest House recommend the following:
Visit the Valley of Desolation & whilst driving along the top of the mountain marvel at Graaff-Reinet’s aerial view from the Toposcope.
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| Visit Gideon Scheepers Monument en-route to the Valley of Desolation. Commandant Gideon Scheepers was one of the Boer commando leaders who fought the British during the Anglo Boer War (1899-1902). He was executed on the 18th of January 1902 at 15:30pm on the Murraysburg road, close to the Van Ryneveld’s Dam, now know as the Nqweba Dam. At the age of 23, his commando consisted of 150 young men. The monument commemorating him is situated about 3km outside of town on the R63 leading to the Valley of Desolation & Murraysburg. |
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Visit the Camdeboo National Park - There are 43 species of mammals, 336 species of plants and over 225 recorded species of bird life to be found in this Karoo region. Early explorers were amazed at the vast herds of game that roamed the area, especially the Springbok. People fondly recall that these herds took 3 days to pass. These animals are still prevalent in the district and many farms carry the white and black Springbok.
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| Township Tours - A two-hour trip through Graaff-Reinet's Xhosa township - Umasizakhe. Walk around with your local guide and visit a family where you enjoy tea and roosterbrood - a small bread baked on an open fire. You pass the house where Robert Managaliso Sobukwe, the founder of the Pan African Congress, grew up. The people of Umasizake have undertaken to broaden the tour by exhibiting and demonstrating the Xhosa culture and having handmade goods for sale. Contact Karoopark to book your trip – 049 89 22557 or info@karoopark.co.za. |
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4x4 routes in the Camdeboo National Park. The 4x4 routes are only accessible in a 4x4 vehicle. For more information click here.
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| Hiking Trials - Eerste Fontein Hiking Trail - There are three routes available - 5, 11 and 14km long and good picnic spots are situated en route. The trail starts & ends at Spandaukop Gate situated in Berg-en-Dal suburb. Maps and additional information are available at Karoopark Guest House’s reception. |
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| The Andries Pretorius Monument - The monument is situated about 4km outside of Graaff-Reinet on the Middleburg road. He was one of the main leaders of the Voortrekkers during the start of the Great Trek. A large group of trekboers under his leadership decided to move from the Graaff-Reinet area northwards. |
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A historical walk around town link to quick tour page is a must. Follow the route that takes you past all the main highlights or arrange for a local guide at Karoopark Guest House – enquire about a 2 hour guided walk of Graaff-Reinet at info@karoopark.co.za.
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Visit Nieu-Bethesda - Enjoy a day’s outing to the Owl House, see fossils, sheep shearing and Khoi San rock paintings.
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| Visit Aberdeen – Travel to the architectural treasure of the Plains of the Camdeboo. |
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| We have numerous tours on offer in the Eastern Cape - contact us at info@karoopark.co.za with your requirements. | |
