Middelburg ideal base for exploring the Karoo

MIDDELBURG NEWS - In 1837 the Cape Colony government proclaimed the district of Colesberg and established the town of Middelburg in 1852, so named since it is midway between Graaff-Reinet and Colesberg.

Middelburg Karoo lies in the middle of its surrounding towns, approximately 100 km from all. It is surrounded by Graaff-Reinet, Cradock, Steynsburg, Colesberg, Richmond and Hanover, so it is no secret as to where the name "Middelburg" came from.

Roads from all these towns lead to the main street of Middelburg.

It is also halfway between Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as between Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth. Route 56 serves as the shortest link between the Western Cape and the KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

The town and surrounding areas are rich in history from the Anglo Boer War. The adjacent Grootfontein College of Agriculture was established as a military camp and training centre for British troops. About 7 000 troops from the Third Manchester Regiment were stationed at Grootfontein - some of them were married, so about 3 000 women and children also lived at Grootfontein.

In 1910 the Union of South Africa took control of the farm after which the Grootfontein School of Agriculture was established in 1911. Today the college offers a two-year Certificate in Agriculture and a three-year Diploma in Agriculture, both accredited by the Higher Education Quality Committee.

Mountain biking lovers will love the adventure.

Middelburg is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is an ideal base for exploring the Karoo.

The Sneeuberg Mountain range to the south of Middelburg was a haven for the San. Here they hunted and gathered plants, bulbs and fruit for food much as a prehistoric man did. During the winter months, snow can be seen on the mountains, and the Lootsberg Pass becomes a spectacular winter landscape.

The Middleburg district is known for its herbal plant life. Many fossils tell the story of prehistoric animals. Middleburg is said to have one of the richest fossil records in the world. San rock art can also be found in the area, and one of the best Stone Age collections in South Africa is to be found in the Middleburg Museum.

Local artists, pure-wool products, leather and mohair products, herbs and fresh produce can all be seen on display in the local shops.

Middleburg is the only town known with outdoor murals portraying the life of Middleburg's community. Young and upcoming artist, Simphiwe Thezi, is the creator of these unique artworks.

Accommodation is available in a good quality hotel, guesthouses, B & B's, guest farms, caravan and camping sites and self-catering units. Accommodation establishments have to meet certain minimum standards set by the local tourism office and the SA Grading Council.

Middleburg is an eco-adventures paradise with hiking trails, horse riding, quad-bike trails, 4x4 routes, white-water tubing and -rafting, clay-pigeon shooting, archery, abseiling and bird and game viewing.

Excellent cuisine can be enjoyed at the local restaurants and coffee shops. And the best Karoo lamb you will ever experience!