In the Southern Cape and Karoo you find vast stretches of land, mountains, valleys, lakes, a beautiful coastline and so much more.
According to the Telkom Phonebook directory the region includes the Garden Route, the Central Karoo, and the eastern part of the Overberg. A very distinct area made up by contrasting regions with each a unique character, nature, culture, and history.
This is home to the indigenous Khoi and San people; the first meeting took place in Mossel Bay circa 1488 between European and ancient man. Swellendam was founded in 1745 and George not long after that, officially anyway.
Pioneers and big game hunters started to explore areas of the Overberg, Oudtshoorn and George since the mid-17th century.
From Swellendam in the west to Beaufort West in the north and from Cape Agulhas in the south to Cape St Francis in the east, the beauty and splendor abounds. The Southern Cape and Karoo includes the southernmost point of the African continent, rain forests, mountains, sandy beaches, proteas, fynbos, semi desert, fruit trees, agricultural land, waterfalls, nature reserves, wildlife, plenty of ostriches and so much more.
Southern Cape and Karoo Provinces
The Southern Cape and Karoo is no province but part of the Western Cape province of South Africa, they occupy the south eastern part of the province. Previously the Western Cape province used to be much bigger than now, historically the Central Karoo and Southern Cape did occupy the entire southern and central geographical part of the Western Cape province, hence the name the Southern Cape.
Southern Cape and Karoo Regions
The Southern Cape and Karoo are made up by the following district municipalities, the Garden Route, the Central Karoo, and parts of the Overberg.
The Garden Route is made up by the following local municipalities, Hessequa, Kannaland, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, George, Knysna and Bitou. Due to a better climate and fertile land the majority of the population is concentrated on the coastal belt and from there the population become sparser towards the inland.
The Central Karoo is made up by the following local municipalities, Laingsburg, Prince Albert, and Beaufort West. The Overberg is made up by the following local municipalities, Cape Agulhas and Swellendam.
Southern Cape and Karoo Towns
The below tables are a list of local municipalities as made up by the towns in the Southern Cape and Karoo.
Garden Route District Municipalities: Hessequa, Kannaland, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, George, Knysna and Bitou.
Central Karoo District Municipalities: Laingsburg, Prince Albert, and Beaufort West.
| Beaufort West | Hugorus | Laingsburg | Leeu Gamka |
| Matjiesfontein | Merweville | Murraysburg | Nelspoort |
| Prince Albert | Welgemoed | Willowmore |
Overberg District Municipalities: Swellendam and Cape Agulhas.
| Agulhas | Arniston | Barrydale | Bredasdorp |
| Buffeljagsrivier | Elim | Haasvlakte | Bonnievale |
| Malgas | Napier | Napkei | Protem |
| Struis Bay | Suiderstrand | Suurbraak | Swellendam |
Southern Cape and Karoo Cities
Perhaps the biggest or really the only city, George, with more than 200 000 residents is found in the heart of the Garden Route. Other towns of significance and size in the Southern Cape and Karoo are Mossel Bay, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Swellendam and Beaufort West.
Southern Cape and Karoo Attractions & Activities
The Southern Cape and Karoo is regarded by many as the most beautiful part of South Africa and therefore a top tourist destination.
The geographical beauty and bio diversity of the region offers adrenalin pumping activities, breath taking scenery, national parks, white sandy beaches, ziplines and bungee jumps, caves and mountain peaks, golf courses, hiking and biking, so much more to explore in the Garden Route, the Central Karoo and the Overberg.
Also found in the area is the unique Cape Capensis floral kingdom, the smallest in the world made up by proteas, ericas, and reeds.
Southern Cape and Karoo Accommodation
Being a top tourist destination, the Southern Cape and Karoo offers a variety of accommodation and holiday rental. Find secluded mountain cottages, luxury glamping, elegant beach houses, the best golf estates, and hotels. A feast for the outdoor enthusiast awaits, camping sites, nature reserves and lodges in the mountains. Browse the Garden Route, the Central Karoo, and the Overberg to find your idyllic break away destination.
Southern Cape and Karoo Restaurants
Never stay hungry and thirsty, the Southern Cape and Karoo offers you a culinary experience, comfort food, traditional cuisine, seafood, venison and take away. It does not mind where you are, in the Garden Route, the Central Karoo or Overberg, find a restaurant, fast food or any place in between to eat and drink.
Southern Cape and Karoo History
It is rich in natural and cultural history; the Khoi and San occupied the Southern Cape and Karoo for thousands of years and the Europeans for hundreds of years. Historical coastal halfway stations like Mossel Bay was set up at the beginning of the southern hemisphere maritime trading era. Historical sandstone towns were erected during economical boom years like Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capitol of the world. Early farmers were followed by towns, communities, schools and churches which all influenced history.
Southern Cape and Karoo Property
Living in the Southern Cape and Karoo is the ideal for many people either to call it home or for more people who prefer the area as a second residence. If you are interested to migrate to our beautiful region to live or set up business, find property in the Garden Route, the Central Karoo and Overberg.
Southern Cape and Karoo Vehicles
It is easy and convenient to find cars, bakkies, leisure, commercial and agricultural vehicles from trusted dealers across the Southern Cape and Karoo consolidated into one showroom.
Southern Cape and Karoo Community
Geographically we are bound together as a community and therefore it is inevitable for us to interact, discuss in forums, express ourselves in blogs, join groups and organize. Create a personal profile and advertise a classified or interact with businesses and social networks from across the Garden Route, the Overberg, and Central Karoo.
Southern Cape and Karoo Products
The Garden Route, Klein Karoo and Overberg are known for their unique products like fruit, meat, furniture, leather cosmetics, gin, wine, craft and much more. Now it is easy to find Arts and Craft, Automotive Products, Baby and Toddler, Beauty and Personal Care, Electronics, Fashion and Accessories, Groceries and Gourmet Food, Health and Household, Home and Kitchen, Industrial, Luggage and Travel, Musical Instruments, Pet Supplies, Sports and Outdoor, Tools and Home Improvement, Toys and Games in the Southern Cape and Karoo.
