Surrounded by mountains in the middle of the Great Karoo, Middelburg is unique however similar in two distinctive ways to the typical Karoo town. It is similar in that it was started out of the need for a new Dutch Reformed parish, and its unique in that, in spite of being in a semi-desert, no water restrictions have been able to be imposed. The town's rich supply of borehole water has produced it a green oasis of flourishing gardens.
Outdoor activities accessible in and around Middelburg are hiking, mountain biking, game and also bird watching, plains game hunting, exciting river tubing on strongly flowing waters from the Gariep Dam, abseiling, rock climbing, horse trailing, camping and many more.
Arts & crafts from local artists include water- and oil paintings, beadwork, traditional artifacts along with a diversity of wire, wood & glass ornaments. Take a tour over the industrial facilities which manufactures leather goods and shoes, and even woolen duvets and pillows, or perhaps head to the farm stall at the foot of the Lootsberg Pass for homemade goodies.
The Karoo is renowned for the various herbs that grow in the veldt. Drop by at the herbal bar and find out the healing powers of natural medicine.
Between 240 and 280 million years ago, life on earth nearly came to an end, at the end of the PERMIAN Era and the beginning of the TRIASSIC Era. The Karoo is among the few places in the world where this history is documented in the fossil life can be found in the area. Pay a visit to nearby sites where such fossils have been discovered and find out more of this interest facet in the world’s history.
An insect fundi will amaze you along with her displays and animal touch farm.
Surrounding farms, some offering accommodation, and other activities, are well worthy of a visit to view interesting architectural, and historical buildings, technically interesting enterprises, and operational sheep farms.
Middelburg’s history is very rich, with interesting information about the Anglo Boer War as well as the various cultures.
Accommodation is definitely at the top of a tourist “do list”, so pop in to our Tourism office for details of the various establishments available, select one and enjoy the hospitality and warm friendliness with a cocktail along with a Karoo sunset.
The town is the centre of a sheep farming area and has the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute on its outskirts.