Richmond Upper Karoo

Richmond, Karoo, is a real example of the resurrection of a Karoo town, which has become a sought after venue, for those who want to escape from the city, but still have the ambiance of culture. Richmond is about halfway between Cape Town and Johannesburg, just off the N1, and has a scenic setting, built on the Ongers River, with the market square as the focal point.

Adding to the atmosphere is a combination of well-preserved Edwardian and Victorian Karoo style houses with romantic verandas, an imposing church which is said to be home to the highest pulpit in South Africa, guesthouses and restaurants, shops to browse for bygone treasures and the donkey carts of the karretjie mense. There is also an active farming community in the area, contributing to the economy and providing accommodation.

Now Richmond holds the status of being South Africa’s first and only ‘book town’. There are a number of second book stores to be scoured for just about every genre. If you are in Richmond in October, you can attend the exciting and increasingly popular annual book festival that includes a film section called Richmond Films – produced by the same couple responsible for reviving the Apollo Theatre in nearby Victoria West.

The town also has a history, from its inception in 1843, to seeing some action during the Anglo-Boer War, including two Boer attacks on the town. The Anglo-Boer graves at Deelfontein are the final resting place of 134 British soldiers who died of typhoid fever. A white cross commemorates the members of the hospital staff who also succumbed to the fever while treating the soldiers. The Yeomanry Hotel was built to accommodate the grieving relatives of those who died at this once huge military hospital. In its time it was the largest surgical and convalescent hospital in the Colony. It also had an X-ray installation, probably among the first to be used in a military hospital.

There’s a circular 1-hour hiking trail starting just outside town that takes one past several forts where the British were garrisoned. On top of Vegkop stands the remains of a redoubt identified by the British and Vierkleur flags (this is private property so the tourism information office will help to arrange access).

Richmond is the birthplace of medical pioneer Dr Emil Hoffa, once a pupil of Helena Gilstain. Hoffa is hailed as the founder of modern orthopaedics. He was born in Richmond on March 31, 1859, son of a local doctor. Dr Hoffa died in December, 1907. Many of his textbooks and techniques are still in use.

Some of the attractions to see:

On the outskirts of Richmond, Danielskuil brick makers, led by Daniel Kiewiedo, who manufactures bricks with clay and a blindfolded donkey that walks in circles all day. It’s biblical-times technology but quite common in the Karoo.

Fossil Footprints and Bat Cave found on Klipplaat Farm: The 60 claw-like fossilised footprints are presumed to be those of Aulecephalodon, that lived some 250 million years ago.

De Oude Dak (The old roof): Built in 1846, it is the oldest house in town.

Saddle Horse Museum: Known for its horse-breeding farms, Richmond is the natural home for this type of museum, one of only two saddle horse museums in the world.

Victorian Mail Box: The mail box was used during the time of Queen Victoria and is one of only three similar mailboxes in the country.

Richmond Gallery – sells great bric-à-brac, objet d’junk, and enamelware, and is a venue for local artists and crafters to display their work.

Blue Crane congregations – during winter South Africa’s national bird, the blue crane, gather in great numbers in the vicinity. Contact the Nama Karoo Foundation for details. Tel. +27 72 280 7792.

For more information on the Northern Cape, see ShowMe Northern Cape.