Beaufort West

Beaufort West - Tourist centre for the Central Karoo Western

Beaufort West offers you a glimpse into the Anglo-Boer War. Beaufort west is the oldest town in the Central Karoo and you will be able to hear many interesting stories about the Boer-War that took place through this majestic landscape.

Professor Chris Barnard the famous heart surgeon is honoured in three historic buildings, all national monuments, which make up Beaufort West’s museums. All gifts awards and presentations made to Chris Barnard are on display in the old Beaufort West town hall, which was built shortly after Beaufort West was proclaimed South Africa’s first municipality in 1837. It too is now part of the museum.

Capital of the Karoo

Beaufort West, on the main route from Cape Town to Johannesburg, was established in 1818, on the farm Hooivlakte at the foot oof the Nuweveld Mountains. The town was named in honour of the Duke of Beaufort, father of the then Governor of the Cape, Lord Charles Somerset. Over the past decade, the town has developed into a major centre of commerce and is often referred to as the ‘Capital of the Central Karoo’. This region is ideally suited for sheep farming and is known for it’s merino stud farms. Beaufort West is, because of it’s healthy climate, a popular winter holiday destination and also popular as a venue for congresses and sports tournaments. Recreational facilities include an open-air municipal swimming pool, tennis, badminton and squash courts, bowling greens, a golf course, rugby, cricket and jukskei grounds. Pear trees, some dating back to 1830, grace some of the town’s sidewalks and, only 5 km to the south is the Karoo National Park, a prime eco-tourism attraction. Beaufort West, also referred to as the ‘Oasis of the Karoo’, is the largest and oldest town in the Central Karoo. The town is the birth place of Dr. Christiaan Barnard, the world famous heart transplant pioneer.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Cape Town 463 km, Worcester 353 km, Colesberg 318 km, Bloemfontein 535 km, Johannesburg 942 km, Pretoria 1000 km.

HISTORICAL VIEW

Anglican Church

Built in 1855, the church has been converted into the Christ Church Lodge.

Barnard House

Parsonage and birthplace of Dr Christiaan Barnard

Blockhouse

Built in 1901 to guard the railway line during the Angelo Boer War

Clyde House

Once the waiting room for the town’s first medical doctor (at the time the only medical doctor in a 200 mile radius), can still be seen (built 1873).

Ellis’s Cycle Shop

The oldest shop in town still goes about doing business (1899).

Matoppo Inn

Onve the Drostdy of the magistrate of Beaufort West . Built in 1834. Rich in romantic history.

Old Jacob House

Bird Street 111. The oldest house in town built (1825).

Old Mission Church

Depicts the town’s history and fashions from the past.

The Arch Church

This church in the coloured community has been given this name due to the fact that it resembles Noah’s Ark. Built by the church people from wood and stone found in the district.

The Commercial

The building which housed the first hotel (1845).

The Town Hall

The old town hall, built in 1867, houses a museum focusing on the lives of pioneer heart surgeon ,Dr Christiaan Barnard and Dr Eric Louw, parliamentarian and South African Foreign Minister from 1957 to 1963.

Voortrekker Park

Commemorates the pioneers of Beaufort West who embarked on the Great Trek into the interior.

Wagon Wheel Motel

The first motel to be built in the country (1852).

NATURE

Karoo National Park

Towards late afternoon, the great, unyielding canopy slowly softens it’s fierceness, and from patel shades of pink and blue, the colours deepen, setting the endless Karoo canvas ablaze with glorious hues of orange and red. The Great Karoo is a vast and unforgiving landscape of which the Karoo National Park is but a small portion. Being the largest ecosystem in South Africa, the Karoo is home to a fascinating diversity of life, all adapted to survive in these harsh conditions. The Karoo National Park is dominated by the lofty Nuweveld Mountains and rolling plains, where many species which originally occurred here, now occupy their former ranges. The Karoo National Park has a wide variety of endemic wildlife. Many species have been relocated here – such as black rhino and buffalo, as well as Cape mountain zebra. Over 20 breeding pairs of black eagle find sanctuary within the park. There is also a wide diversity of succulent plants and small reptiles.

Climate

Annual rainfall totals 260 mm, with the plains being hot in summer, and the mountain areas relatively cool throughout the year. During mid-winter snow occurs regularly on the peaks of the Nuweveld Mountains.

Travel

The Karoo National Park is situated close to the N1 highway between Cape Town and the hinterland , approximately 1000 km south of Johannesburg and 500 km north of Cape Town. The restcamp is approximately 10 km from the town of Beaufort West. There is also an airport some 10 km north of Beaufort West, just off the main highway (no scheduled flights). Car hire is available in Beaufort West. All internal roads are tarred, with the exception of the 4x4 trail and access roads to the Mountain View Restcamp.

Gate hours

05:00 – 22:00 arrival after 22:00 are not permitted. The reception office is open from 07:30 – 20:00. visitors with reserved accommodation who arrive after 20:00 may collect the keys to their accommodation at the entrance gate.

Accommodation

Main Restcamp

All accommodation is serviced daily and is equipped with bedding, towels and soap. Six bed Cape Dutch style guest cottages, each with two bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms (bath and shower) and fully equipped kitchen. One has been adapted for handicapped persons. Three bed Cape Dutch style bungalows, each with bathroom (shower) and kitchenette with basic equipment. Two have been adapted for handicapped persons. Camping Award-winning camping and caravan site amidst a veritable green oasis in the rugged Karoo environment with communal ablution and kitchen facilities. All caravan sites equipped with 220 v power points. A maximum of six persons, one caravan with a side tent and one vehicle, or one tent and one vehicle, or one autovilla or motorised caravan will be permitted per site.

Facilities

Fully licensed al la carte restaurant also serving light refreshments. Shop where curios and basic commodities may be purchased. Two information centres where slides and video’s can be viewed in the evening. Washing machine and tumble drier. Picnic facilities for day visitors (outside peak periods). Public telephones.

Activities

Game viewing in own vehicle. Scenic drive along the picturesque Klipspringer Pass with environmentally sympathetic style of construction and scenic viewpoint at Rooiwalle.

Karoo 4x4 Trail

Maximum of eight persons. This trail may be undertaken in your own vehicle, or in a park vehicle in the company of a guide. The 4x4 trail offers one overnight hut on the plains. The hut contains mattresses only, an outside toilet and drinking water. Persons on this trail may also stay overnight at the Doornhoek Guest house.

Other

Night drives, under guidance of trained staff. The park offer two nature trails, one of 800 m, and one of 11 km. The Karoo Fossil Braille Trail is 400 m long and has been specifically adapted for handicapped visitors. It depicts the geology and palaeontology of the Great Karoo. There is a swimming pool for resident guests only, and a bird hide at the dam near the main restcamp.

Handy Hints

Cool clothing for summer and warm for winter – the region is subject to sudden changes in weather, particularly in the mountains. Remember to bring a hat, walking shoes, sun block, camera, binoculars and wildlife reference books.

Take Note

Pets are not allowed in national parks, Firearms must be declared at reception where they will be sealed. The seal will be broken upon departure. Motorcycles or bicycles are not allowed. Hospital, doctors, pharmacies, as well as vehicle repair and police serves in Beaufort West. Fuel available in Beaufort West. Full conference equipment and catering service. Reservations can be made through the central reservations offices in Pretoria.

ACTIVITIES

4X4 Routes

Karoo National Park

Hiking

Blydskap Hiking Trail, Gannakraal Hiking Trail, Juriesfontein Hikes

(The Springbok hiking trail in the Karoo National Park has been closed due to the reintroduction of endemic wildlife species such as the black rhino and Cape buffalo. Both species make use of riverine thickets as their chosen habitats and to ensure the safety of both hikers and animals, the trail was officially closed down on 31 December 1998).

Mountain biking / cycling

Blyde Bike Trail, Gannakraal Bike Trail

WHERE TO STAY

Lemoenfontein Game Lodge & Chalets

Lemoenfontein is situated on an 11 000 ha game farm with 23 species of game and an abundant birdlife. The lodge, 4 km off the N1 near Beaufort West, was built during the 1850’s and offers 13 en-suite bedrooms with wide verandahs and stunning views. Farmstyle meals are serves. Ko-Ka Tsara Buschcamp offers seven self catering chalets, set in a magnificent kloof, 8 km off the N1. Both establishments offer swimming pools and fully licensed bars. Game drives offered. Hiking, as well as 4x4 trails.

Accommodation in and around Western Cape