Central Karoo Heartland

Including Middelburg, Cradock, Cookhouse, Patterson, Somerset East, Aberdeen, Queenstown, Cathcart, Nieu Bethesda, Graaff-Reinet, Somerset East, Gariep Dam, Aliwal North

A tough, largely arid region with dramatic landscapes and vast sweeping plains, overlooked by flat-topped hills (mesas).   It's an area known for its sprawling sheep farms, hardy succulents and low shrubs, Wide-open spaces, the incredible play of light by day - and immense, star-studded skies by night.

Towards the northern region, you'll find the contrast of green, rolling hills, pristine trout rivers and the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains.

The area is served by the Friendly N6, which connects East London to Bloemfontein in the interior and the N10 from Middelburg to Port Elizabeth.  Nearest airports are Port Elizabeth and East London.

The area is warm and temperate so good for visits all year round.  However, Karoo days can be extremely hot in summer and nights extremely cold in winter.

[MAP]

Top 10 attractions:

• 4th-oldest South African town, Graaff-Reinet with over 220 proclaimed national monuments
• Karoo Nature Reserve near Graaff-Reinet (town is totally surrounded by nature reserves)
• Ancient & haunting Valley of Desolation near Graaff-Reinet
• Eerie Owl House at Nieu Bethesda
• Olive Schreiner House, author of 'Story of an African Farm' in Cradock
• Historic Dutch Reformed Church, Cradock (replica of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields of London)
• Mountain Zebra National Park, near Cradock
• Denorbin Farm, near Elliot, longest known San rock art gallery
• Historical Queenstown (named after Queen Victoria).
• Dortrecht Trout & Flyfishing trails

                                  The back yard of Helen Martin's Owl House in Nieu Bethesda showing some of the concrete statues.