CITIES, TOWNS AND NEIGHBOURHOODS

Communities of Xhosa moved up to the Orange River as early as 1795. One group subsequently settled at Schietfontein, which was served by a Rhenish mission, and a village named Harmsfontein was established in 1860.

In 1874, it changed its name to honour the British Colonial Secretary, Lord Carnarvon. The district is well-known for its corbelled houses, built between 1811 and 1815. Carnarvon is set among flat-topped hills and is one of the region’s busiest farming centres.

Activities

Blikkiesbar

A large collection of beer cans and whiskies can be seen at the Carnarvon Hotel.

Brick Yard

A donkey and man combine forces to produce bricks.

Corbelled Houses

Small domed roofed houses built of flat stones for lack of wood for roof trusses by the Trekboers. The cement was a mixture of chaff and soil mixed with water and kneaded to the correct texture. Floors were of smeared earth coloured a rich red by a mixture of fat and oxblood polished with a smooth stone.

Fort

On top of Carnarvon Koppie and used between 1899-1902, the only one in the region.

Museum & Corbelled House

Old Church Hall.

Nature Reserve

A wide variety of wildlife can be seen. Tel 053 382 3012.

Tortoise Reserve

60 Mountain tortoises can be found here. Some respond to their name and will come for a titbit when called. Tel 0533822 ask for 3002.

Tours and Crafts at Oukraal

Unique handmade local Karoo crafts. Tours: Anglo-Boer War tours, 4×4 and 4×2 self-drive tours and marked farm trails. Tel 053 382 3029.

Town information

 

Ou Kraal Travel Centre
Tel +27 (0)53 382 3029 / +27 (0)83 230 8412

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