Colesberg Accommodation

Located approximately halfway between Cape Town and Johannesburg, Colesberg provides a convenient stopover for travellers between these two destinations. The town lies in typical Karoo veld and is surrounded by koppies (little hills). The most famous is Coleskop, which can be seen from a distance of over 40km. Early travellers called it "Towerberg" ("Magic Mountain"). The curious thing about this koppie is that as you travel towards it, it never seems to get nearer.

The first people to inhabit the Colesberg district were stone-age hunter-gatherers. They were followed in the early 19th century by "trekboere", migrant farmers and missionaries. By 1814, a mission station had been established in the hopes of bringing peace to what was an extremely unruly frontier area. By 1820 several huge farms had been established in the district and in 1822 the farmers petitioned for the establishment of a town. The town was eventually founded in 1830 and named after Sir Lowry Cole, the Cape Governor.

Colesberg has a rich history closely linked with to the legendary characters of South Africa's diamond industry. John O'Reiley, who purchased the first diamond found in South Africa from its owner, Schalk van Niekerk, took it to Colesberg for testing. It was used to scratch "DP", the initials of Draper and Plewman, a store which still exists, on the shop's window.

Colesberg, located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, offers several interesting things to see and do for visitors:

1. Colesberg-Kemper Museum: This museum provides insights into the history of Colesberg and the surrounding region. It houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that depict the area's cultural and historical heritage, including its role during the Anglo-Boer War.

2. Hiking and Outdoor Activities: The Colesberg area is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and nature walks. The nearby Coleskop Nature Reserve provides trails with panoramic views of the town and the surrounding Karoo landscape.

3. Gariep Dam: Approximately 50 kilometers from Colesberg lies the Gariep Dam, one of the largest dams in South Africa. The dam offers various recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and water sports. There are also scenic drives and viewpoints overlooking the dam and the vast Karoo plains.

4. Horse and Cart Museum in Norvalspont: Norvalspont, a small village near Colesberg, is home to a fascinating Horse and Cart Museum. This museum showcases a collection of horse-drawn carriages and carts, providing a glimpse into the transportation methods of the past.

5. Historical Buildings and Architecture: Colesberg itself boasts several well-preserved historical buildings and architecture dating back to the 19th century. Strolling through the town, visitors can admire Victorian and Karoo-style architecture, including churches, old houses, and monuments.

These attractions and activities make Colesberg and its surroundings a worthwhile stop for history enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone wanting to explore the unique charm of the Northern Cape region.