Touwsrivier

Touws River, 185 km from Cape Town, was once a busy railway yard in the Karoo. Now the town relies on   its merino sheep farming community as its mainstay. To support the sheep in this semi-arid area, farmers need to allocate 20 000 ha per sheep.

But, this scenic area used to support vast herds of game, and there are a number of game reserves re-stocking with the big five and the other animals that once lived here. Aquila Private Game Reserve is just 12 km from town and is a popular tourist attraction for visitors to Cape Town, wanting to see the big five. Another reserve, Inverdoon is just over 60km away, en-route to Ceres.

Besides sheep farming, the town offers other interesting outings, like the steam engine graveyard.  The area is also excellent for birding, with Karoo endemics in the mix. You could spot up to 80 birds in a day. From Touws River, a birder could continue to Karoopoort, 40 km to the north, to an even better known spot. There are a number of birding routes in this area.

There is also a 4×4 route for off roaders at Gecko Rock Eco Adventures, 25km from the town.

The town is also on the national flower route, which, between July and September, bursts into life with the vivid shades of Karoo flowers. Touws River is also home to the Cape’s famous fynbos, succulent Karoo and rare renosterveld vegetation and its wide spaces and beautiful views make it a wonderful space in which to unwind.

For information on this area, visit ShowMe Central Karoo