Colesberg is a traveller’s oasis on the central Cape Town – Johannesburg route, the N1, offering many attractive accommodation establishments. In a sheep-farming area spread over half a million hectares, Greater Colesberg breeds many of the country’s top Merinos. It is also renowned for producing high-quality racehorses.
These picturesque cottages have been owned by the family since 1875 (an impressive six generations) and are conveniently situated with their gates right on the N1 motorway. This means that they are the ideal stopover for those travelling between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Honeylocust caters for discerning travellers, business executives or families. Each room offers the convenience of a private entrance and patio, en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, DSTV, secure parking and swimming pool. Join us along your journey. Spend the night in magnificent Colesberg.
Here at Inni Kraal we offer fresh, local food and accommodation in a serene environment in the heart of Colesberg, Northern Cape.
Colesberg’s Bordeaux restaurant welcomes you to an authentic Karoo lifestyle and gastronomic experience.
Situated in the heart of Colesberg, the Kemper Museum is a proud guardian of the town’s heritage. What began as a humble collection has grown into a fascinating archive that captures the spirit of Colesberg through the ages. Carefully curated exhibits invite visitors to step into the stories of the past — from early settlement and cultural milestones to the everyday life that shaped this Karoo town.
Colesberg’s spiritual heritage is beautifully reflected in its historic churches. The elegant Anglican Church, enduring Methodist Chapel, and striking Dutch Reformed Church each tell a story of faith, resilience, and architectural grace. These places of worship are not only spiritual landmarks but also timeless windows into the town’s cultural and colonial past.
Tucked in the mountainous upper Karoo, Doornkloof Nature Reserve offers dramatic scenery, rich birdlife, and peaceful seclusion on the shores of the Vanderkloof Dam. With diverse wildlife and scenic hiking trails, it’s a haven for nature lovers seeking quiet adventure and unspoiled Karoo landscapes.
Approximately 40 km from Colesburg, on the southern bank of the Orange River, lies Norvalspont, named after the ferry constructed there in 1848. Norvalspont has a rich history relating to the Anglo-Boer War, making it a must-visit location for those with an interest in history.
Waschbank River Lodge is the most spectacular spot on the breathtaking banks of the Orange River. One is instantly captivated by the sweet angelic melody of the ever flowing waters.
Waschbank is not only the perfect overnight spot for weary travellers, but is also ideal for a comforting holiday far away from any restless city.
Fish Eagle Lodge chose its name from the everyday presence of the Fish Eagle that has a chosen habitat in the area.
Christo Wiese, the owner of Fish Eagle Lodge, is a nature lover and always had the dream of sharing his love for nature, wildlife and people.
Freshly renovated, the Chargo Boutique Lodge provides an opportunity for guests to walk in the steps of those who have inhabited this original homestead since the 18th Century. Located on a game farm 30km from Colesberg, the lodge combines warm South African hospitality, rivalled only by the fresh Karoo air.
Waschbank’s Restaurant is renowned for its Homemade meals.
We pride ourselves on offering scrumptious, traditional and mouth-watering food without hurting one’s wallet.
Rustiq Pub & Grill is a family-owned restaurant in Gariepdam, South Africa, known for its warm hospitality and diverse menu. Signature dishes include ‘skaapstertjies’ (sheep tails), ‘skaapkop’ (sheep head), and ‘pampoenkoekies’ (pumpkin fritters). The menu also features pizzas, burgers, and lamb curry, all prepared with quality ingredients.
Here at De Stijl we are proudly Karoo. We use Karoo produce where possible – organic, fresh and local is what we believe in. This belief is what makes our food unique and as tasty and as special as it is. Our chefs are passionate about the area and are always on the look out for new ideas and ingredients, so relax, join us on a journey through the Karoo and the best it has to offer.
The Norvalspont concentration camp was established in November 1900 to relieve the Bloemfontein concentration camp after it experienced a water shortage. This Anglo-Boer War concentration camp was first headed by Lieutenant St John Cole Bowen who later held the office of Resident Magistrate in the Orange River Colony.
The Gariep Dam, at its commission in 1971, was originally named the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam after Hendrik Verwoerd, the Prime Minister before and after 31 May 1961, when the country changed from the Union of South Africa to the Republic of South Africa. However, after the end of apartheid, the Verwoerd name was considered unsuitable. The name was officially changed to Gariep Dam on 4 October 1996.
Photo by Nic Roets at wikitravel.org
The Gariep Dam mountain biking trails offer ~150km of routes through the Oviston Nature Reserve and along the dam, featuring a mix of gravel roads, jeep tracks, game paths, and some single-track.