Cradock, Karoo Heartland, Eastern Cape
Cradock is a pretty and historic little town situated in the fertile upper Fish River valley, in a Karoo farming area about an hour’s drive from the Free State and Northern Cape borders.
Irrigated by the 85km Orange Fish River irrigation tunnel and by the Fish River that flows through the valley, the Cradock district is fertile enough to support a thriving and diverse agricultural industry. Though it is primarily a stock farming area, Cradock also produces fruit and dairy, and is also known for mohair and wool production.
The district’s success in diverse forms of agriculture and stock farming make it a real ‘farmers dorp’ area where you will experience true Boer (farmer) hospitality, friendly people, great home-grown produce, and of course, great beef steak and lamb.
Other than great food, wool and mohair products, Cradock‘s appeal as a tourist destination comes thanks to its scenic uplands location in the mountainous part of the Karoo, pretty valley farmland, old world rural Karoo charm and some delightful architecture that ranges from Grecian columned stone churches to typical ‘dorp’ buildings ‘stoep’ (verandah). Market Street is famous for its candy-stripe awnings on 1820 Settler-type buildings.
In addition there are historical attractions that date back to the 1800’s and museums – namely the Great Fish River Museum and Schreiner House, the natural sulphur springs at the Cradock Spa just outside the town, adventure activities, fly-fishing, and game viewing at the Mountain Zebra National Park just north of the town in the mountains.
The Annual Fish River Canoe Marathon which starts from Cradock is one of South Africa’s best known sporting events.
Getting there: Cradock is situated on the N10 approx. 280km inland of Port Elizabeth.
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