The Karoo town of Oudtshoorn is a paradise for tourists looking for the seductive charm of an old town

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE ARTS Editor

When public relations practitioner Zylvah Makola suggested that we pull off to see the bewitching scenery of a range of circular mountains and the eye caching valleys, the two of us in this three person travelling party, visual artist and writer Lianca Heebro and I did not disapprove. This is even though time was fast running short for especially Lianca to catch her flight in time to Cape Town.

We were driving back to George Airport coming back from attending the KKNK Festival in the Karoo that came to an end that Sunday, April 3, 2022. It started on March 28, 2022. The drive to and from the Airport to the Karoo that takes an hour was an eye opener with regards to the beautiful view that captures one’s attention as soon as you drive for about 15 minutes from the airport towards the Karoo.

The mountain range is beautiful and so is the scenery that has the appearance of a large carpet of a green carpet blanketing the several circular mountains that we encountered on the way.

The fact that the roads meander at several points on the way, meant that the slow drive also gave us an amble opportunity to steal a view of the mountainous landscape on our way. Instead of being an inconvenience, the meandering road was a bonus for us in terms of sucking in the beautiful view from the car windows as driving slowly became necessary.

On our way back, we could not help but stop at some point to have a few minutes meditating with the mountain ranges and the beautiful valleys that seemed to be communicating a message of peace and tranquility to us. This part of the country really feels like an undisturbed wilderness of circular flat toped mountains and valley that seem to be breathing a life of their own. The Karoo town of Oudtshoorn, itself is a dream for tourists, a paradise of sorts for people longing for tranquility, an escape from the hustle and buzzing of city life.. The town has  seductive quality. Though small in size, and seemingly in the middle of nowhere, Oudtshoorn, has the charm of an old town, complete with old type church buildings, and there are several such churches in the main part of town, suggesting that this is mainly a city built by people who practiced the Christian faith.

There is also enough accommodation for tourists to book, as some local residents seem to vacate their homes during busy occasions when this small town is swarming with tourists such as during the festival.

The main street, Church Street in town is dotted with  several eateries serving a variety of cuisines from those serving contemporary South African food dishes to those that specialize in the Karoo, dishes, for example a restaurant called Karoo Pot, is famous for its Ostrich dishes. I enjoyed an ostrich dish there on a Friday afternoon, the day that I arrived there to attend the festival..

During the night, the restaurants and other drinking halls teemed with revelers and diners. In some there were also exciting music acts that performed to the appreciation of audiences, both locals and those travelling from other parts of the country.

The main economic activity of Oudtshoorn, seems to be tourism, and a festival such as KKNK which during normal days when there is no pandemic hosted this festival every year is obviously important to the local economy.

However for the past two years the festival, which has had ABSA as sponsor for the past 17 years took place virtually and therefore depriving the town of visitors that boosts its economy. The importance of the festival where people attend in person is significant in boosting the economy of this town.

Chrispen the Chairman of the KKNK Festival Committee confirmed the importance of the festival to Oudtshoorn;s economy when during the donation of seeds for a gardening project sponsored by ABSA in association with Reel Gardening to Bongolethu School in a nearby township.

“Unfortunately for the past two years the festival could only take place virtually due to the Covid-19 situation. However we are pleased that this year people could attend in person. The festival each year brings around R90 million to Oudtshoorn,” he revealed.