Extremes of temperature, a bit off the beaten path
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
The Klein (Little) Karoo, or place of great Dryness as it was called by the indigenous people. Geographically it is a fertile valley (enclosed by the Swartberg, Langeberg and Outeniqua mountains) full of many wonderful rock formations and cave paintings.
Location:
As implied by the name, the Little Karoo is the smaller, more southerly of the two Karoo regions (the other being the Groot Karoo). Situated in the Western Cape province of South Africa, the road infrastructure is adequate while the local people are friendly in a way that only people who live in small towns are. It is also convenient as most of the sites can be seen in a days drive from Cape Town, so there is no need to book accomodation. Of course if you really want to experience the area properly, then a couple of days is the minimum requirement.
The Klein Karoo stretches along the R62 from Barrydale in the west to De Rust in the east. And while travelling through the Klein Karoo, visitors while be able to view fruit growing, wine producing and ostrich farming towns such as Oudtshoorn, Calitzdorp, Ladismith and Barrydale. Coupled with the regions natural beauty, including wonderful landscapes and an abundance of natural flora and fauna, all of these activities contribute towards making the Western cape the 2nd strongest economy in the country.
History:
First explored by European settlers in the late 17th century, who encountered the Khoisan people living in a semi-arid area, a lot of the town's and buildings in this area are quite old, mostly hold overs from when South Africa was still a British colony. Both of the Karoo areas were recommended to British citizens suffering from consumption in the early to mid 20th century, as doctors believed that the clean, dry air would help to alleviate their condition.
Also featuring prominently in the history of this area, is the Boer war of 1899-1902. Although not seen as a major war by most historians, the lessons learnt were to have far reaching consequences. Today there are still scattered reminders of the war in the form of fortifications and graveyards. Even in places as far afield as Edinburgh, you can find memorials to the "brave" soldiers who died in this war.
What to do:
The Klein Karoo is one of the best wine regions in South-Africa, with a generally dry climate, its vineyards grow mostly along river banks where the soil is richest. A large selection of wines are made possible by a range of "micro climates" with a selection of dry, fortified, port and muskadel all being produced. Also a great area for making brandy, for those of you who like a stronger tipple. Those looking for something of the sweeter persuasion will be delighted by the selection of Dessert wines available.
Other highlights of the region include the Cango caves (which includes the Devils Chimney....not for the claustrophobic!!), ostrich farms at Oudtshoorn, the Swartberg mountain range and pass as well as the Meiringspoort Gorge. All of the above make for some good photo opportunities, so make sure to bring the camera along!!
There are also a number of Nature reserves in the Klein Karoo, which includes the Doringrivier Wilderness area outside Oudtshoorn, the Gamkaskloof Nature Reserves near Calitzdorp, the Anysberg Nature Reserve near Ladismith and the Swartberg area linking the Klein Karoo to the Groot (Great) Karoo.
Conclusion:
I would have to say that this area is a must for any traveller, not just for the nature buffs. You can feel the atmosphere here, and in certain parts it's as if you have travelled back into a bygone era. A very enjoyable experience, one without which your South African trip is incomplete.
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