Latest news with #Karoo-style
Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Daily Maverick
Discover Victoria West — gateway to the Upper Karoo, rich in history and scenic landscapes
Victoria West stands at the junction of the N12, the N10 and the R63 national highways, and has historically been a significant stopover for travellers heading to the diamond fields of Kimberley and, further on, the gold fields of the Witwatersrand. Today, it's a little quieter in Victoria West, as the major local industry is centred on the sheep farms that surround it. But for visitors it is the perfect launch pad for day trips around the Upper Karoo region. But first, Victoria West itself has a gem well worth exploring: the local museum. Here you learn about the area, its inhabitants from the past, the Karoo Victorian era, the wars that swirled around it and some of the individuals who carved their names in local and international history. South Africa's only original (restored) art deco movie theatre is here — the Apollo, home to occasional events. The Victoria West Museum houses displays of fossilised fish, Stone Age implements, photographs of devastating floods from yesteryear and the story of one 'Dutch' Hugo, a World War II flying ace in the RAF who was born and raised not far from this town. Heading west out of town, we aim for the village of Loxton, an hour's drive away on the R63. The centre of Loxton is where you'll find the dressed-stone church and a cluster of eateries. After lunch, we take a long walk through Loxton's streets to see the gurgling water furrows and different Karoo-style homes that make it such a popular destination — and permanent dwelling. Writers and artists have come to Loxton and found their Muse — and the solitude needed to complete their various works. Weekenders love Loxton for its good heart, wide open spaces and sense of being a hideaway you'll travel far to find. It used to be seen as a bit of an 'old-age town' but has undergone a transformation in recent years. The value of simply sitting on your stoep and spending a long time watching a donkey clop its way down the main street has finally been recognised by the younger set. Another interesting day trip from Victoria West is a visit to Vosburg, a true Karoo oasis just more than 100km to the northwest. Here, you'll find another delightful Karoo village lost in time, with its dirt roads, shady lanes and dam, fed by a strong vein of underground water. There are two great coffee shops there that serve beverages and light lunches (and where you can buy locally produced baked goods and preserves): Die Ketel and the Hoekwinkel Karoo Plek. Take a walk through the streets. You can walk from one end of the village to the other in a fairly short time. Ask the verger at the massive church in the centre of town for a tour of the great building, if convenient. About 35km south, on the N12, is where you will find a place called Three Sisters. It is not quite a settlement or town. But because it is at the major crossroads of the N1 and N12, there are a number of fuel service stations, restaurants, shops and accommodation options. It is a beautiful drive, and the Three Sisters mountains are generally photogenic, no matter what the weather. They are reminiscent of the buttes or mesa formations in Mexico and the southern USA. The border line between the Northern Cape and Western Cape runs through one of the shops at Three Sisters. Know before you go Victoria West is at the crossroads of the R63 and the N12, and has long been an important travellers' destination. It is a town that runs on agriculture and tourism. Some of the finest Karoo lamb comes from Victoria West and the entire district you'd be traversing. One of the country's major railway lines runs close by, at a settlement called Hutchinson. If you're interested in Anglo-Boer blockhouses, there is a beautiful one not far from Victoria West. Venture into a Farmer's Agricultural Co-op. They offer interesting and tough clothing, and quite often, reasonably priced grocery items. DM
The South African
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Springboks, braais, music and laughter meet at the 5 Arts Weekend in Barrydale
The town of Barrydale is set to come alive from 18 to 20 July 2025, as the Karoo Art Hotel hosts its third annual 5 Arts Weekend – a one-of-a-kind celebration of South African culture, creativity and community. At the helm is John Dobson, head coach of the Stormers and the hotel's resident 'Creative Conductor,' who has once again assembling a dream line-up of local legends across the world's of music, comedy, sport and culinary arts. This year's 5 Arts Weekend promises a dynamic mix of entertainment and experience, with headliners including: Francois van Coke , rock icon, opening the weekend with a live show on Friday night , rock icon, opening the weekend with a live show on Friday night Springbok great Steven Kitshoff , Mark Keohane , John Maytham , and Dobson himself for 'The Art of Rugby' fireside chat and South Africa vs Georgia match screening , , , and Dobson himself for 'The Art of Rugby' fireside chat and South Africa vs Georgia match screening Pieter G , bringing the laughs in 'The Art of Comedy' , bringing the laughs in 'The Art of Comedy' DJ Jaco Messenheimer, headlining Saturday's legendary party on the Harleydale dancefloor In between the music and mayhem, guests can look forward to: A scenic Saturday cycle through the Karoo (BYOB – Bring Your Own Bike). through the Karoo (BYOB – Bring Your Own Bike). A Karoo-style braai feast , featuring local delicacies like skilpadjies , Karoo chops , and braaibroodjies , featuring local delicacies like , , and A weekend packed with food, flair, and fiery performances under the winter skies. 'Barrydale in winter is something special,' says Dobson. 'The idea behind 5 Arts is to capture that magic through shared stories, music, sport, laughter, and of course, a proper Karoo braai. It's about good people and great vibes in a place that feels like home.' Tickets are available via Quicket and are expected to sell out fast. Limited accommodation is available at the Karoo Art Hotel and surrounding guesthouses. See you in Barrydale for an unforgettable weekend! When: 18-20 July 2025 Where: Karoo Art Hotel, Barrydale Tickets: Available on Accommodation Inquiries: info@ Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
