Somerset East KwaNojoli

A biodiverse oasis in the Karoo
History of Somerset East

This lovely little town lying under the Boschberg Mountain is steeped in history; and has something for everybody – from gentle strolls along Paulet Street with gracious old buildings, heritage roses, and the Walter Battiss Art Museum and Old Parsonage Museum, to hunting, fishing, hiking and mountain bike routes and Wild Fly Fishing in the Karoo.

The mountain holds many treasures for birding, plant, and tree enthusiasts, with over 325 different bird species recorded. The beautiful nine-hole golf course hosts events throughout the year, and the Bowling Club’s greens are utilised by locals and visitors.

What to do in Somerset East

and surrounds

Whether you wish to hunt, mountain bike, or fly fish; visit the museums, or stroll and admire the gracious buildings and lovely gardens, Somerset East will deliver what you need to relax and enjoy yourself.

The village of Pearston is situated in the shadow of the Coetzeesberge ...

The Great Fish River that runs past Cookhouse formed the eastern boundary ...

Somerset East lies below the Boschberg mountain which is anything but typical ...

The St Andrews Anglican Church in Pearston was built in 1907 and ...

The Somerset East War Memorial (also called the Delville Wood Memorial) is ...

The history of Glen Avon is that of Robert Hart who was ...

Dr William Gill was appointed District Surgeon of the newly founded town ...

The Somerset East Museum is nestled at the foot of the Boschberg ...

The Bruintjieshoogte Pass lies on the R63 road about halfway between Pearston ...

Somerset East has a number of historic buildings, churches and monuments in ...

The Pearston Dutch Reformed Church in the village of Pearston near Somerset ...

Africa, conjuring up thoughts of incredible experiences of wildlife, history and culture. ...

Located 15km North-East of Pearston, the Buffelshoek pass is 3.9km long, and ...

Somerset East parkrun takes place every Saturday at 8:00am. Follow them on ...

Wild Fly Fishing in the Karoo has secured exclusive access to several ...

The Dassiedeur Tunnel, built in 1879, is an old disused 271-meter railway ...

The whole saga around Slagtersnek started with a man named Freek Bezuidenhout, ...

The Wild Fly Fishing in the Karoo Fly Tackle Shop in Somerset ...

The Roodewal historic site next to the N10 near Cookhouse doesn’t just ...

The Somerset East Dutch Reformed Church is the fourth oldest congregation of ...

The following hikes are available to guests staying at Glen Avon Farm ...

The Somerset East parkrun has become a popular outdoor activity for both ...

Walter Battiss was a master of oil painting and is still considered ...

Middleton is located near Cookhouse and was first established in 1879 as ...

Where to Stay

Somerest East offers a wide range of accommodation options, from camping to up- market guesthouses, something to suit everybody.

There is something very special about staying at Glen Avon. It’s a ...

Tucked beneath the foothills of Avon Head near Somerset East, Valley View ...

The Angler & Antelope is nestled in the heart of Somerset East ...

Where to Eat

Whether it’s a whisky tasting in a historic church, steak by a fireplace or a home cooked style meal, you’ll find it in Somerset East

Have you done the Whisky Scoffle? Well, if you haven’t, it’s time ...

Explore the town

The slopes of the Boschberg, long considered to be the most beautiful mountain in Southern Africa, with sparkling waterfalls in rainy seasons, deep kloofs covered with indigenous forest, giant trees and magnificent flora.

mountain biking
lamb
Somerset East
Birding
Karoo Accommodation
Karoo landscape
mountain biking
Somerset East cattle