The vastness, the silence, the towering Dolerite columns, sweeping vistas across arid plains and The Valley of Desolation are must-sees for this region. The gem of the Karoo is South Africa’s fourth oldest town, Graaff-Reinet – a heritage nerve-centre with more national monuments than any other city in South Africa. The fame of the tiny village of Nieu Bethesda, off the N9 motorway, rests on the legacy of the eccentric artist Helen Martens, who decorated her mystic sculptures and home with crushed glass. Her personal story and creations inspired the film The Road to Mecca.
ITINERARY (price upon request)
Day 1:
Port Elizabeth to Graaff Reinet area
Depart PE and travel via Uitenhage and Jansenville over the plains of the Camdeboo. Visit Wheatlands Mohair Farm.
Day 2:
Travel to the 200-year-old Boer town of Graaff Reniet to visit historic buildings such as Reinet House, Urquhart House, the Groot Kerk, and also the fossil museum and SA Mohair offices. Visit the Valley of Desolation outside the town and enjoy a sundowner between the dolerite pinnacles inside The Camdeboo National Park.
Day 3:
Leave Graaff Reinet for Nieu Bethesda. See the Owl House then go to Ganora Farm and see Bushman rock art plus British soldiers’ engravings from the Boer War. Visit the Mountain Zebra Park on the way to Cradock.
Day 4:
Tour Cradock, including Olive Schreiner’s house and the Cradock 4 Gallery . Overnight at Victoria Manor or Tuishuise, a row of renovated houses from yesteryear.
Day 5:
Return to Port Elizabeth to visit Cape Mohair.
SA GUIDED TOURS 