Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

Voortrekker Path: This path commemorates the residents of the town who embarked on the“Great Trek” into the interior.KLAARSTROOMThis small historic village lies at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains. Its Afrikaans namemeans “Clear Stream”.LAINGSBURGThe town was laid out in 1881 and was formerly known as Buffelsrivier. Its name was laterchanged to Laingsburg after John Laing, the then Commissioner of Crown Clands of theCape Colony. The town was in the news a century later when the Buffels River came down inflood in 1981 and destroyed almost the entire town. Since then, Laingsburg has been rebuilt,but many of its residents still carry the emotional burden of the tragedy.ADVENTURE AND SPORTAnysberg: This mountain is frequented by hikers, abseilers and cavers.Hiking: Several hiking trails criss-cross the area. Hikers are treated to magnificent mountainscenery and abundant bird life.Karoo Ultra Marathon: This 80-km marathon has been held here for more than 33 years. Yearafter year, runners come back to explore the heart of the Karoo.ARCHAEOLOGY AND PALAEONTOLOGYFossils: The town of Laingsburg is considered a geological paradise. The local mudstone islayered with fossils and volcanic ash blown across from South America 250 million years agohas also been found in the district. This takes the form of a white band of quartz that runsacross the veld, evidence of continental drift, as a similar layer has been discovered in SouthAmerica.ART AND CRAFTSKaroofees: This festival attracts many visitors to the area every year. The festival normallyincludes a beer tent, veld restaurant, half marathon and musical performances.FAUNA AND FLORAScenic Drives: The Vleiland, Rouxpos, Witteberge and Rooiberg Passes offer lovely views ofthe magnificent mountain scenery.HISTORY AND ARCHITECTUREOld Blockhouse: This concrete structure is located alongside the bridge over the GeelbekRiver. The blockhouse was built by the British during the Anglo-Boer War.LEEU-GAMKAThe small town is a convenient stop-over for travellers on the N1. Enjoy a stroll around thetown and take time to appreciate the attractive architecture of some of the buildings and visitthe graves of the two British soldiers who died here during the Anglo-Boer War.101