A Guide to Accommodation, Activities, Restaurants and Businesses in 

Carnarvon, South Africa

 

Carnarvon is an attractive and fascinating Karoo village surrounded by the hills that form part of the Karee Mountains in the Northern Cape.  Carnarvon and surrounds charm visitors with magnetic hospitality, good traditional food with an historical past.  Combined with unique architecture, hundreds of windmills and vistas of flat topped hills, which lures visitors to experience all of this in the peace and quiet of this sparsely populated land.

Carnarvon has much heritage and this can be experienced at the Carnarvon Museum. The museum built in 1907, originally served as a community hall for the Dutch Reformed Church. The corbelled house outside the museum is an excellent example of the many that can be found on farms in the district of Carnarvon.

Koeëlkop, the prominent hill that overlooks Carnarvon, got it’s name because of the many bullets that were found lying around on top of the hill, left there by the English soldiers during the Anglo-Boer war.  Today it serves as a site for the water reservoir that supplies water to the town.  

The accommodation offered in Carnarvon is that typical of the Karoo hospitality and is something visitors will always remember. There are many Guest Houses and Guest Farms in the area.

The Skietfontein hiking trail allows hikers a typical Karoo veld experience with beautiful views of the Karoo hills and windmills as well as water fowl in the pools of water in the river. At Skietfontein remnants of the ancient stone houses of early inhabitants can still be found.

Other interesting walks include the Historic Houses Trail where you can visit many of the original houses of the settlement at De Bult, as well as many of the Victorian houses and stylish mansions, that were built before and just after the 1900's. Bird watching is also a popular pastime in Carnarvon.

Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities in Carnarvon

 

• Nature Exploration: Carnarvon's trails cater to all abilities, offering scenic hikes through breathtaking landscapes, providing encounters with local flora and fauna.

 

• Picnics in Nature: Enjoy bonding time with a picnic amidst lush greenery or by babbling streams, fostering family connections in idyllic settings.

 

• Educational Museums: Visit the Carnarvon Museum to delve into the region's history and culture, offering enriching experiences for curious young minds.

 

• Botanical Gardens: Explore Carnarvon Botanical Garden for a blend of nature and education, learning about biodiversity while surrounded by indigenous flora.

 

• Affordable Adventures: Engage in low-cost activities like picnics at Bloukrans River or stargazing sessions, providing enriching experiences without straining your budget.

 

• Special Events and Festivals: Join annual events like the Carnarvon Agricultural Show and Arts Festival for family fun, celebrating the town's cultural richness.

 

• SKA Site Visit: Take a short drive to the SKA site for an educational journey into astronomy, offering insights into space exploration.

 

• Historic Ruins Exploration: Explore Kliprand Church Ruins for a historical adventure, imagining life in the region centuries ago amidst stunning natural surroundings.

 

• Tailored Adventures: Customize activities based on children's ages and interests, ensuring engaging experiences for all family members.

 

• Culinary Delights: Sample local cuisine at eateries like The Milky Way Cafe and Sunset Bistro, transforming meal times into memorable family experiences.

 

Carnarvon has a good business community and provides a range of goods and services to its residents and holiday makers.

See our business directory for a list of businesses in Carnarvon.

 

Photos and information courtesy of Carnarvon Tourism