Central Karoo

Journey to a place where more than 300-million years of history is recorded in stone. A place where the sound of pre-historic men and beasts is almost audible in the vast silence. Where mythology and magic co-exist in the legends and tales of an ancient people.

This is the Great Karoo. A place of pioneers and prophets. A place where winding passes stretch forever up the faces of majestic mountain ranges whose peaks pierce the perfectly blue skies in search of life-giving rain. Here the scars of millennia-old glaciers are etched into the now beautifully arid landscapes, and twisted rock formations tell tales of the movement of thousands of meters of ice across the planes as continent separated.

Be transported back in time to the larges San rock art site in the Karoo with its fascinating recollections of more than 30 000 years of history of the San and Khoi Khoi people who once called this religion home.

Lose yourself in the wide open spaces, or reveal in the simplicity of life in the many villages and small towns scattered throughout the area. Rediscover the colonial part of South Africa’s past at the uniquely British settlement of Matjiesfontien, with its London bus parked beneath the Union Jacks that adorn the entrance to the English country hotel.

Liberate your soul with a stay on a Karoo farm, and watch sheep graze lazily in the midday sun or cool off in the water reservoir fed by a squeaking windmill. Relive the life of one of South Africa’s greatest sons with n visit to the boyhood home of heart transplant pioneer Dr Chris Barnard and marvel at how far medicine has come with a tour of replica of the operating theater in which the first ever human heart transplant was performed.

Reconnect with an undiscovered world of scenic beauty and wonderful people. Surround yourself with open spaces, stretch out your arms, close your eyes, and feel the warmth of the Great Karoo wash over you.

Western Cape… Springboard into Africa

Although the allure of the Western Cape has the power to keep even the most time-constrained traveler enthralled for many weeks, some may wish to squeeze in a visit to an adjacent region or neighboring country. For this, the Western Cape Provides an ideal and convenient springboard, and, once you’re bid a warm (albeit sad!) farewell, you’re sped efficiently on your way to any one of several exciting destinations, via the transport mode that suites both your budget and traveling style. Be it few hours by aero plane or roughing it by overland safari.

Because our Africa surrounds provide similarly unforgettable travel experience, Routes Unlimited has compiled valuable travel information on how to reach your new destination, quickly and easily.

Overberg

To experience the Overberg is to reawaken to the joy of life. Small wonder, then, that this is the place to which Southern Right whales travel when it’s time to welcome their young into the world. Join in the celebration and follow the whale carrier to where you will be captivated by the sight of a mother showing off her new calf, so close to the shore that you feel as if you could almost reach out and touch them.

Or get even closer to nature’s awesome splendour by joining the majestic Great White sharks in their natural habitat as you drop below the surface of the clear blue ocean in a diving cage.

Taste nature’s goodness with a fresh-picked apple in the heart of the Cape’s apple country, or discover a world of traditional foods and preserves in one of the many roadside farm stalls. Here, the fantastic tastes and aromas of farm-cooked meals and treats are perfectly complemented by the hospitality and friendliness of the people of this beautiful region.

Release your stress and tension as you lie back in the healing, iron-rich waters of the Caledon hot springs. Flirt with lady luck at the Casino or explore the history and culture of this welcoming region at one of the many quaint towns, many of which boast traditional Cape Dutch architecture and all of which will lift your spirits with their peaceful and friendly approach to life.

Be mesmerized by the grace and beauty of the majestic blue cranes that flock to the farmlands in this area. Or stand at the foot of the African continent, where two oceans meet and the pure white beaches stretch on forever, interrupted only by the occasional lone fisherman patiently awaiting the day’s catch.

The Overberg is a place where wholesome enjoyment meets exceptional beauty. Where the people welcome you with open arms and the places have a way of creeping into your heart so that you never want to leave.