Accommodation and Activities in Cradock

CRADOCK

Land of the Great Open Sky

Cradock boasts fine architecture and a number of important monuments and museums. The area was considered strategically important by the early 19th Century Settlers and this is reflected in many of the well preserved buildings.

The mother of South African English literature, Olive Schreiner, stayed with her siblings in Cradock from 1868 - 1870 in the house (Currently a Museum) below.

Olive Schreiner, their baby and a pet dog, have all been interred in a stone sarcophagus on top of Buffelskop, one of the highest peaks just outside Cradock. Above is a photo of the three coffins seen here with her husband Samuel Cron Cronwright, who was also later interred here.

Visiting the grave makes for an exhillerating outing for hiking fans - arrangements to be made at the Shreiner House. Own transport with a 4x4 vehicle is a must. - More details below.

A more recent view is provided by the epitaphs on the tombs in the Linglihle Graveyard, final resting place of a number of people who lost their lives in the struggle against apartheid.

The wide fertile plain and mountains surrounding Cradock offer many attractions for nature lovers. Nearby Lake Arthur is a popular water sports venue, the Great Fish River is home to the country's biggest annual canoe marathon and provides exciting paddling and tubing during most of the year. The Mountain Zebra National Park is a favourite for game viewing, birding and scenic drives.

CRADOCK ACCOMMODATION & PLACES OF INTEREST

Die Tuishuise

Bed And Breakfast

Cradock

Die Tuishuise consist of 26 restored Karoo style cottages ideally located in Market Street, Cradock. Each house is decorated in its own distinctive theme of period prints and antique furniture, to reflect an atmosphere of understated elegance, reminiscent of the lifestyles of the English and Dutch Settlers at the turn of the century.

Die Tuishuise have been awarded the coveted "Simon van der Stel" Gold Medal for restoration. These unique houses have been restored to their former splendour, recreating the gracious bygone era of the 1840"s. Guests are afforded the rare opportunity to escape the present and enjoy the historically rich surrounding, as well as the personalised service and amenities required by today's discerning traveller. Each well appointed, spacious house includes a kitchen, a lounge, private gardens and off road parking.

Dinner is served in the Manor House on the corner of the street. Dining at the Victoria Manor is a country affair, an indulgence of superb traditional Karoo and South African cuisine.

Tel : 048 881 1322

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Mountain Zebra National Park

Game Reserve

Cradock

A family of Cape Mountain Zebra stands silhouetted against the craggy landscape, bathed in the golden light of the late afternoon.

Visitors can choose between the fully equipped Doornhoek Historical Homestead, which is a restored Victorian Homestead or comfortable 4 bed family cottages. Meals can be enjoyed at the Park's à la carte restaurant and basic commodities and curios can be bought at the shop. Conference facilities are available. Activities include game viewing, hiking and swimming.

Tel : 048 881 2427

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The Schreiner House Museum

Museum

Cradock

Olive Schreiner went to Cradock in 1867 when she was 12. At the age of 15 she left to become a governess with the Orpen family in Barkly East. Olive returned to the Cradock area some years later when she worked as a governess on some farms in the district, during which time she started to write "The Story of an African Farm". Her attachment to the district is evidenced by her desire to be buried on Buffelskop, south of Cradock, where in 1921 she was re-interred.

The house, at 9 Cross Street, Cradock, may be visited between 08h00 and 12h45 and 14h00 and 16h30 on weekdays only.

Tel: 048 881 5251

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