It’s known as the capital of the Karoo Heartland and this historical town on the banks of the Great Fish River was a key starting point during the migration in the Great Trek. Nowadays, it’s a mecca for top-notch mohair and some of the best lamb in the country is produced here.
There are various other interesting draw cards to this town, such as the Fish River Canoe Marathon (more than 1 500 paddlers from all over the globe meet in Cradock once a year to take part in this momentous event). Then there’s also the annual Schreiner Karoo Writers Festival, the ever-popular Karoo Food Festival and the Cradock Show – complete with saddle horses!
Nature-lovers simply adore the sheer magnificence of the nearby Mountain Zebra National, while history buffs love visiting the Cradock Four Monument and Garden of Remembrance – as well as the various historical buildings, including the Dutch Reformed Mother Church (which was designed to look like London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields church) and the Olive Schreiner House Museum. The Old Water Mill and the Great Fish River Museum are well worth a visit too, while the lovingly restored Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor offers sublime and very unique accommodation options.
Resident’s view:
“I love the fresh air, beautiful mountain scenery, nature, big backyards, fruit trees, architecture and farm-style feel. I love that we know everyone, but the day-to-day kindness is most important to me and I don’t want, or need, to live anywhere else in the world. This is home!” – Lisa Ker, resident
Don’t miss this!
Mountain Zebra National Park
Schreiner House Museum
Fish River Museum
Dutch Reformed Mother Church
Cat Conservation Trust
Orange Grove Karoo
Cradock Four monument and Garden of Remembrance
Foodie feasts
True Living: excellent South African-style meals
Daggaboer Farm Stall: tempting baked treats
Buffalo Dan’s: perfectly done steaks
Albert Restaurant at Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor: unforgettable dinners
The Olde Maple Shed: for breakfast options galore
Mila’s: yummy pizzas
Where to stay
Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor
White Rose Guest House
Annie’s Guest House
Fish River Cottages
Heritage House Bed and Breakfast
Words: Riekie Human | Images: Abrie Liebenberg, Cat Conservation Trust & Lisa Ker
