Sutherland Snapshot
Sutherland is a place you should visit at least once in your life. With its arid climate and remote location, it might not seem like a must-visit holiday destination, but the starry winter skies and shimmering summer mirages will definitely change your mind. Established in 1723 to serve the growing sheep-farming community, Sutherland has a rich cultural history (thanks to a number of heated encounters during the Anglo-Boer War). Due to its polution-free Karoo skies, Sutherland also plays host to the South African Astronomical Observatory, and the world-renowned SALT (Southern Africa Large Telescope) telescope. Whether it's chasing snow (the chances of a white layer are always high here in winter) or looking for some laid back Karoo solitude, Sutherland makes for a great spot to soak it all up.
Things To Do
- As stargazing is probably your primary reason for your trip, a visit to the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is a must.
- The Tanqua Karoo (the succulent Karoo biome) is known to be one of the best for bird-watching during the spring season.
- The Anglo Boer War produced a number of Forts and Blockhouses in and around the town which now have some rich history and significance.
- Take to the back roads between Sutherland and Fraserberg for an über authentic Karoo road trip.

Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Baviaanskloof • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas & Struisbaai • Cape Peninsula & Surrounds • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Elands Bay • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Hermanus • Hogsback • Knysna • Ladismith • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Plettenberg Bay • Porterville • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West & Riebeek-Kasteel • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stilbaai • Sutherland • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wellington • Wilderness • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein