Windpumps stand as lone sillouetted sentinels as the end of another day brings about a breathtaking explosion of orange, red and gold. This is the Bo-Karoo (Upper Karoo) where a high lying wilderness plateau covers the southern region and the mighty Orange River forms the northern boundary. The name Karoo was given to the area by the Hottentots aptly means "the place of big drought".
Small, isolated villages with fascinating, widely differing histories, a distinct Karoo architecture and imposing churches rest in valleys between desolate, flat-topped koppies. The arid landscape is covered with Karoo bush and a variety of succulents both of which support an amazing variety of wild creatures.
The Bo-Karoo stretches from Colesberg northwards through Vanderkloof and the Rolfontein Nature Reserve on the shores of the great Vanderkloof Dam, to Orania, a peculiar, anachronistic, self-proclaimed Afrikaner volkstaat, to Hopetown, the scene of South Africa's first recorded diamond find.
West of Hopetown you'll find Marydale and Groblershoop, south of the Witsand Nature Reserve.
West of Colesberg the Bo-Karoo includes the small towns of De Aar, a large railway junction, Richmond, Britstown and Victoria West.
Whether you visit the small towns with their quaint Karoo styled houses, guesthouses and hotels or take advantage of a farm holiday or hunting experience, you will always be aware of the unique friendliness and hospitality of the people.
Take time off from the rat race of the city and explore the wide open spaces of the Bo-Karoo.
