Situated in the upper valley of the Great Fish River, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, the historical town of Cradock is a typical Karoo farming town. It is characterised by elegant buildings and grand old oak trees, and produces some of the country’s finest wool and mohair. Set on the banks of the river, Cradock witnessed the beginnings of the Great Trek, the ostrich boom of the early 1900s, and the conflict between the Boers and the local Xhosa people. Must-see attractions include the Old Water Mill; the fascinating Great Fish River Museum; and a natural-spring-turned-modern spa with outdoor and indoor heated pools.
Located in the heart of the remote and mysterious Great Karoo, Graaff-Reinet is surrounded by the rolling plains and rising mountains of Camdeboo National Park. This is a wonderful place to escape from reality and revel in the solitude, silence and clear, star-studded nights that this secluded town provides. Graaff-Reinet, as the fourth oldest town in the country, has a very rich history and features ancient fossils, wonderful examples of Cape Dutch architecture, and over 220 local heritage sites. Visitors can look forward to an array of lovely activities including: soaking up the breathtaking views of the 'Valley of Desolation' in the Camdeboo National Park, enjoying a night under the African stars at a local guest farm, and sample the area’s renowned Karoo lamb.
