Petrusville is a quaint town located approximately 10km south of the Orange River. The town was established on the Rhenosterberg farm, which belonged to Petrus van der Walt, after whom the town was named.
Accommodation in Petrusville is minimal. Alternatively, accommodation can be found in the neighbouring town of Vanderkloof.
Guest Farms near Petrusville:
Jakkalskuil Wegbreek – +27 (0)83 236-681
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In and around Petrusville, you can explore the Rolfontein Nature Reserve for wildlife viewing, visit the Damhuisie Information Centre to learn about the area’s history, and enjoy watersports at the nearby Vanderkloof Dam.
Philipstown was named after Sir Philip Edmond Wodehouse. The town was established after the Doppers of the Reformed Church separated from the Reformed Church parish of Colesberg.
Rooipoort Guest Farm is an oasis with a magical ambience. The beautiful old farmstead, built in 1891, is amid a lush garden where sculptures are displayed. Hiking trails, mountain biking, ancient rock engravings, bird-viewing and nightly star gazing are to be experienced.
The Quilt Shed is undoubtedly one of the major attractions of Philipstown with one of the finest quilting facilities in South Africa. Women from all over the Upper Karoo and further afield converge on the Quilt Shed on a regular basis to practice their centuries old craft and to catch up on the local gossip.
A highlight on the local calendar is the annual “Draadkar” Grand Prix, held each November. Youngsters from Philipstown and surrounding areas showcase their creativity and skill by racing handcrafted wire cars in a thrilling contest for local fame and bragging rights. The whole community turns out to cheer them on as competitors test the speed, endurance, and ingenuity of their wire-built machines in a spirited dash to the finish.
Photo credit: Karoo Space
In the upper Karoo, beneath Trappieskop, lies the lovely town of Hanover. The town was named after Hanover in Germany. As it is almost equidistant between Cape Town and Johannesburg, Hanover is a popular overnight stop for many travellers. It is a farming town, predominantly known for farming with merino sheep.
Mieliefontein, well known for the park-like gardens and sumptuous meals, is the ideal place to rest and refresh your soul halfway between Gauteng and Cape Town.
The Boutique Guesthouse is located in Hanover, a small, yet picturesque Karoo town located on the N1. Staying true to the heart of every traveler, this experience promises to be nothing short of extraordinary taste and interior art colliding with the vastness of the Karoo landscape and sentiment. This is a home from home. The friendly, helpful staff will take great care to cater to your every need and ensure a comfortable stay.
Nestled between Hanover and Colesberg, New Holme Nature Lodge provides a serene haven strategically located midway between Cape Town and Johannesburg, 8 kilometers off the N1. Accommodation options include en-suite rooms, family units, and a self-catering Log Home at the Main Nature Lodge, featuring Stable Rooms for modern comfort.
Small family restaurant with à la carte menu, licensed bar, children’s play area inside & outside, DSTV sports and woodfired pizzas.
Guests can enjoy traditional local cuisine at the on-site restaurant, which serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, high tea, and cocktail hour.
Seekoei River Restaurant at New Holme Guest Farm offers authentic Karoo cuisine in a warm, welcoming setting. Enjoy romantic dinners for two on the “Star Deck,” traditional veld braais among the koppies, or sundowners by the hippo pool. Guests can indulge in hearty three-course dinners, light lunches, or Champagne breakfasts. The restaurant also caters for intimate functions and weddings, making every occasion memorable.
The Hanover Museum, located along Viljoen Street on an original farmstead, offers a captivating glimpse into the town’s rich past. Managed by dedicated local volunteers, the museum showcases an impressive collection of donated artifacts that bring Hanover’s history to life.
Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits, including vintage photographs, furniture, household items, and historical documents dating back to the pioneer days — along with a detailed model of the town’s church.
In 1778, the last hippos on the Seekoei River were reportedly shot by Jacob Gordon, who was said to have culled as many as 26 in a single day. In 2005, PC Ferreira reintroduced a family group, making them the only hippos in the Northern Cape today. For this conservation effort, Dr Mabunda—then CEO of SANParks—presented PC with the prestigious Kudu Award.
Join PC for a relaxed afternoon outing to the hippo pool: 17h00 in winter and 18h00 in summer. Enjoy sundowners on the hippo deck and watch the Karoo’s only hippos while PC shares their remarkable story.
Enjoy a scenic 2 km guided walk through the koppies and uncover the fascinating early history of the San people and their deep connection with nature.
Along the way, you’ll discover remarkable San rock etchings (petroglyphs) and hear stories of the conflicts that arose between the San and the region’s first stock farmers. The Karoo also bears traces of the Anglo-Boer War, and PC brings this history to life as he shares accounts of the skirmishes and battles that took place here over a century ago.