Cape Karoo Guesthouse caters for families, business travellers as well as honeymooners searching for accommodation in the heart of the Central-Karoo: Beaufort West. This elegant oasis has five en-suite rooms, each with its own entrance. Rooms lead to a refreshing country atmosphere in the enchanted garden. Our guesthouse is pet and child friendly.
The main house is an original Sir Herbert Baker, built in 1902, and each garden room has a rich history. We are a small guesthouse which is owner-operated; therefore we offer individual attention to all of our guests.
Traditionally Cape Karoo Guesthouse offers bed and breakfast accommodation, but self-catering units are also available. We serve a full English breakfast and dinner (on request) in the communal dining area during winter or in the garden during summer. We also have braai facilities and braai-packs are available for those who want to enjoy the famous organic A-grade Karoo lamb chops.
Property Facilities:
Breakfasts are optional and cover everything from continental to full English. Dinners or “braai’s” can be served in the evenings by prior arrangement. Guests can also do their own “braai” with “braai” packs being arranged.
Laundry Facilities,
Fireplace,
Satellite TV,
Braai/Barbecue Facilities,
Credit Card Facilities,
Pets Permitted,
On-site Parking.
Area Information:
Beaufort West lies between the Gamka and Kuils Rivers, just south of a ridge of hills and north of the Nuweveld Mountains in the Central Karoo, where rocks date back some 230 million years.
This quirky town - the oldest in the Central Karoo - is rich in history that holds intrigue for the scientist, the historian and the eco-tourist. Not only was the first reptile fossil discovered near here, in what has subsequently been described as the world's richest collecting ground for these fossils, but the town's historic centre displays an eclectic mix of historical architecture that makes a stop-over here essential.
Beaufort West lies in an area that might be semi-desert today, but was initially a swamp. Some of the world's most interesting Stone Age sites have been discovered near here and a legacy of rock engravings have been left by Bushmen on farms in the area and at Nelspoort. Collections of ancient reptile fossils now grace exhibitions in museums all over the world and they form the basis of work set to uncover the truth about life when the earth was young.
Beaufort West displays flamboyant Victorian, elegant Georgian, Edwardian, Romanesque, Cape Dutch, Neo-Gothic, Neo-Classic and Contemporary styles of architecture in an easy walk through the centre of town. Some of these are national monuments today, such as the old town hall, mission church and the Barnard House (heart-transplant pioneer Professor Chris Barnard, considered the town's famous son, is honoured here as part of the museum).
Included here is the Anglican Church, built in 1850 in a Romanesque style and designed by Sophie Gray, the wife of Robert Gray, first Bishop of Cape Town. The north end of the street houses a local jail, built in 1873 but obviously not very functional as its first jailer, also jailed for negligence on duty, managed to escape never to be seen again.
Restaurants in Beaufort West:
Dine at Suretta's Eatery:
Suretta's menu is exotic and very different ranging from Arabian chicken with couscous, Moroccan lamb and dates to tender, tasty German beef olives.
Karushi Sushi Bar:
If you love sushi, then Karushi is a place you need to visit, when making your way through Route 62. A bar, lounge and deli, Karushi also offers Tramezzini, Ciabatta, Pasta and Pizza in the evenings.
In Room Facilities:
Luxury units equipped with:
Air-con,
Heater,
TV with DSTV,
Microwave,
Electric blankets,
Wi-fi,
Heater,
Bar fridge,
Coffee and tea facilities,
Hairdryer.
Attractions:
Nearby attractions include the Chris Barnard Museum, Spin-wiel antiques & Village Museum and Ye Old Thatch Restaurant & Shop.
Local farms provide a popular eco-tourism stop offering walks, hikes and challenging 4x4 routes, whilst the Karoo National Park, just outside of town, is home to a huge variety of indigenous buck and birds. It is also a sanctuary for the endangered black rhino and riverine rabbit.
Things To Do In Beaufort West:
1. Adventure:
Sports X-ventures for Paintballing, Aqua Zorbing, Teambuilding, etc.
2. Association for People with Disabilities (APD):
Handcraft made by persons with disabilities, for sale.
3. Beaufort West Walk:
Explore the historical buildings of Beaufort West on this self guided walk. Maps and info available at the Tourism Office.
4. Beaufort West Museum Complex:
Weekdays 07h30 till 16:45 (during season until 18:00).
5. Birding:
Spot unique birds with Karoo Birding Safaris or get a birding list at the Karoo National Park and go see what you can spot for yourself.
6. Bow Hunting:
Discover a different style of hunting at Leeuwkloof Safaris.
7. Donkey Cart Trips:
The traditional mode of transportation in the Karoo: Enjoy it on the Karoo Sundowner Tour, the Beaufort West Historical Tour or the Kwa Mandlenkosi Township Tour by African Kombi Tours. Tailor made charter tours on request.
8. Fossil Exploring:
Karoo National Park, Leeuwkloof Safaris.
9. 4x4-Trails:
Several places offer a unique experience for the 4x4 enthusiast:
Karoo National Park, Bergplaats, The Vale Karoo Farm, KoKa Tsara Bush Camp.
10. Game drives:
Karoo National Park, Bergplaats, Teri Moya Game Lodge, Koka Tsara Bush Camp, Steenbokkie Private Nature Reserve.
11. Golf:
Enjoy a round of golf under the blue Karoo skies, on one of the Karoo's few green golf courses.
12. Helicopter flights:
Charter, scenic flights, short flips with Cillair.
13. Horseback riding: The Vale Karoo Farm, Bergplaats.
14. Hunting:
Various farms in the area offer hunt. Contact the tourism office for a list.
15. Karoo Culture:
Monthly events at the Arts & Craft Village.
16. Karoo Highlands Route:
An Open Africa Initiative: self drive route.
17. Mountain biking:
The remoteness of the Karoo and its dirt roads are favoured by many mountain bikers! The following farms have mountain bike trails:
Bergplaats, Rooiheuwel, The Vale Karoo Farm.
18. Olive Farms & Products:
Take a tour or buy products at Olive Grove Guest Farm.
19. Quad biking:
Various guest farms provide quad bike riding:
Bergplaats, The Vale Karoo Farm.
20. Rock Art:
Visit the rock engraving complex at Nelspoort.
21. Scenic Drives:
Molteno Pass, De Jager's Pass, Teekloof Pass, Oukloof Pass and others!
22. Stargazing:
Find a comfortable place to lie under the stars and marvel at our amazing night skies, often so clear that it feels like you can reach out and pick a star.
