The Karoo
I first visited the Karoo between destinations, having little idea at the time that it would become my favourite part of South Africa. It's an evocatively desolate landscape of golden, dusty desert and shadowy valley towns. The best way to enjoy the region is to visit some of its towns, whose sedate avenues with early 20th century homes are steeped in retro charm and soaked with Afrikaner culture. Some of the best spots to visit are Barrydale, a suprisingly artistic community with an offbeat gay vibe, Prince Albert, with it's storybook houses and untamed surrounds, and Nieu Bethesda, home to the Owl House, a surreal museum dedicated to one local woman's mania. These are all great places to try real South African cooking, as well: succulent grilled lamb, creamy milk tarts, and artisinally made cheeses, breads, and preserves. Karoo is certainly not a secret to South African travellers -- most of the region's more attractive towns are well set-up to accomodate visitors. But the region mostly remains just off the maps of most international visitors to South Africa, most of whom are more interested in visiting Cape Town and Kruger National Park. A shame, because to visit the Karoo is to visit the heart of South Africa.
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