Historical history on your way to Karreekloof

Prieska – the place of the lost she-goat

Prieska is situated on the south bank of the Orange River at the foot of the Doringberg and it was originally named Prieschap, a Khoisan word meaning “place of the lost she-goat”. It is renowned for its semi-precious stones. The Schumann Rock Collection, including semiprecious stones and Khoisan stone implements, can be viewed at the municipal offices.

The area between Prieska and Vioolsdrif is often called the “Rock Garden Route” – where the rare halfmens and succulents of the Lithops family can be found – and the Ria Huysamen Aloe Garden outside town contains a large array of succulents.

Attractions in and nearby Prieska include:

Die Bos Nature Reserve with indigenous trees, shrubs and abundant birdlife, picnic spots, angling and suspended bridges across the Prieska River.
Fort on top of Prieska Koppie, built with tiger’s eye by the British during the Anglo-Boer War
The Memorial Garden in town which contains the graves of British soldiers killed during the Anglo-Boer War.

Prieska Museum

Wonderdraai where a horseshoe-shaped island is formed by the flow of the Orange River and makes it seem as if the river turns to flow uphill.

Battle of Magersfontein

The Battle of Magersfontein, just outside Kimberley took place during the Anglo-Boer War on 11 December 1899. The Boers scored a decisive victory in what became known as Britain’s ‘Black Week’.

The Battle of Magersfontein was a triumph for the Boer forces, a disaster for the British army, and came close to wiping out Scotland’s proud Highland Brigade. During the second South African War, the Boers had besieged Kimberley and its 50 000 inhabitants since November 1899. Supplies were scarce in the diamond-mining town and relief was imperative. The British public and press were demanding action. British forces advanced north along the railway line in an attempt to relieve Kimberley, but a Boer force was in their way at Magersfontein.

https://www.places.co.za/html/prieska.html

http://www.britishbattles.com/great-boer-war/battle-of-magersfontein/

http://www.thesolomon.co.za/magersfontein-battlefield-museum.html

Karreekloof keeping traditions alive

A big part of traveling is turning your head and to smile a while.

Depending on where you are traveling to, traditions around the world may appear a little strange, but to others, they are part of their history and heritage. To observe strange customs, to admire people in traditional outfits, to gasp at breathtaking sights or to try to understand why people do what they do.

How is it that traditions were made so easy in the old days?  One specific memory when visiting people in the Karoo, they would greet you like as if they knew you your entire life and when you leave they would wave with a little handkerchief till the wheels of your motorcar touch the tar road.

As we look back today a lot of people and places still keep their traditions alive generation after generation. It’s what makes something old so unique full of character, and heartwarming. In some cultures, traditions are very important.

Here at Karreekloof, we want to keep traditions alive.

The once old rustic bell has been upgraded with a brand-new jacket. When visiting Karreekloof you will first sign in at our guestbook, after that you will ring the brand new “old” clock, pictures are most welcome.  The thundering sounds of the clock will move across the plains of the lodge sending the welcome signals to everyone.

Your first step at Karreekloof will always be part of our history and traditions. Looking forward making that first step with you!

 

Magical moments

Karreekloof offers the inner beauty of the Karoo, breathtaking scenery from sunrise to sunset.

A star night that lets you get lost in another world and forgetting about the problems of yesterday and today. Breathe with the feeling of relief and relax for a while.

For the adventure-loving people who is crazy about water, the Orange River’s kayak rides can only be worthwhile or even take a trip down memory lane with white water river rafting.

Historical history from Magersfontein to Prieska will let your whole body fill up with goosebumps. Indulge your lifestyle for a moment, understand nature, experience it and you’ll never regret it one day. For that more social kind of feeling and tranquility of spirit, a boat on the river will work wonders, good company and the simplicity of the day as the host.

Attraction to the wildlife comes from inner excitement, wanting to experience and to see more.  Come and feel the power of nature, admire the birds, smell the different flavors of plant life and let the animal kingdom entertain you.

The challenge is easy.  Grab your bag, put both feet outside your front door, get in your car and experience all these unforgettable feelings.

“If you truly love nature, you’ll find beauty everywhere” – Van Gogh –

Karreekloof

Karreekloof and the long-lost history that lies ahead.

There is not a day that goes by and yet another story is unveiled about Karreekloof. History always makes the heart grow fonder.

The beautiful words by Mr. Hewett wrote on the 10 November 1956 (an old school friend of Mr. Peter Wright former owner of Karreekloof)

Karreekloof

Twilight descends on the desert plains;

The crimson cloak of eve enfolds the hills –

Billows of gold in the dying light –

Far, far away the retiring sun

Hovers on the brim,

And beyond the plains of evening

A new day sprouts.

High in the nights sky a lone vulture wheels

And plummets to his prey;

The pining sheep stand clustered

Round a trough

Slaking the parched thirst of the desert.

Set in a modest valley like a gem

Lies an oasis silent and replete

And the voice of Nature

Enhancing the Solitudes.

Historical History on your way to Karreekloof

Prieska – place of the lost she-goat

Prieska is situated on the south bank of the Orange River at the foot of the Doringberg and it was originally named Prieschap, a Khoisan word meaning “place of the lost she-goat”.

It is renowned for its semi-precious stones. The Schumann Rock Collection, including semiprecious stones and Khoisan stone implements, can be viewed at the municipal offices.

The area between Prieska and Vioolsdrif is often called the “Rock Garden Route” – where the rare halfmens and succulents of the Lithops family can be found – and the Ria Huysamen Aloe Garden outside town contains a large array of succulents.

Battle of Magersfontein

The Battle of Magersfontein, just outside Kimberley took place during the Anglo-Boer War on 11 December 1899. The Boers scored a decisive victory in what became known as Britain’s ‘Black Week’.

The Battle of Magersfontein was a triumph for the Boer forces, a disaster for the British army, and came close to wiping out Scotland’s proud Highland Brigade.

During the second South African War, the Boers had besieged Kimberley and its 50 000 inhabitants since November 1899. Supplies were scarce in the diamond-mining town and relief was imperative.

The British public and press were demanding action. British forces advanced north along the railway line in an attempt to relieve Kimberley, but a Boer force was in their way at Magersfontein.

https://www.places.co.za/html/prieska.html

http://www.britishbattles.com/great-boer-war/battle-of-magersfontein/http://www.thesolomon.co.za/magersfontein-battlefield-museum.html

Why good accommodation is important

Accommodation is a necessary aspect for all the tourists and travelers who are traveling far away from their homes.

The accommodation provides safety for all those travelers who are unaware of the new places. It also helps the tourists to explore their desired city in a better way. It is essential to find a good place of accommodation for enjoying your vacations in an advanced manner.

The advantage that you will get while accommodating at Karreekloof is the warm hospitality and welcoming faces of the staff members. The love for the Karoo nature will make you come to Karreekloof again and again.

After settling in, our luxurious rooms will take your breath away. With each room being unique in its own way and with all the necessities you need.

We have our own little shop with some unique stuff to buy and enjoy. Sunsets sceneries that will make you come back for more. Endless night skies that will make you addicted by looking up, time and again.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the stay!

Scotty Smith is our Robin Hood of the Kalahari

The Northern Cape is known of its authentic beauty, rich culture and wide variety of wildlife. As part of this rich culture, one can find the colourful personality of Scotty Smith.

Robin Hood of the Kalahari – Scotty Smith

“WI L D E S T of all the reckless men who rode the Kalahari frontier was Scotty Smith. Every country has its Robin Hood, Dick Turpin or Captain Starlight – highwaymen of varying degrees of courtesy and crime. Scotty Smith was South Africa’s most notorious outlaw for many years, a legendary figure whose exploits live after him.” (Lawrence G. Green).

Scotty was born in 1845 as the illegitimate son of a nobleman. His real name was George St Leger Gordon Lennox, but this was however shortened to Scotty Smith. In all probability the compression of Scotty’s name happened between the taverns and gambling dens of the small towns in the Kalahari. His Scottish heritage might have had something to do with it too.

It seemed as if Scotty was a man of many talents, but not to be tamed. Educated as a veterinary surgeon, he went to Australia in search of gold, before he shipped to India to fight for the Brittish Government. He arrived in South Africa in 1877 as part of the Brittish army. He was however dismissed shortly thereafter, following a court martial.

Deciding that he needed a new personality, Scotty then took a fallen comrade’s papers to become “Smith”. It seems, as Scotty left his real name behind, he also left his will to be a lawful citizen behind. He got involved in gun-running, horse- and general theft, legal and illegal diamond buying and highway robberies. He even crossed borders and became involved in elephant hunting in the old Bechuanaland, now Botswana. What made Scotty famous was not the crimes in itself, but the fact that he was caught and sentenced several times, but always managed to escape at some point or another.

Acting also seemed to be part of his talent pool. After a particularly dodgy deal with diamonds, a search party was formed in Kimberley for his arrest. Scotty then decided to join the search party himself – effectively fooling everyone around him.

In true Robbin Hood fashion, Scotty also did some good deeds. From paying a poor farm wife an extreme amount of money for one night’s accommodation to sharing his spoils with the poor (on some occasions).

Scotty was finally captured and sentenced after a diamond theft went wrong. History has it that he was sentenced with 25 lashes and four years in prison, of which he only received one year imprisonment.

Scotty Smith spent his last years in Upington, farming on the banks of the Orange River. Whether all is rumour or truth, it contributed to the legend of Scotty Smith – the Robbin Hood of the Kalahari.

References:
https://ia902606.us.archive.org/4/items/ScottySmith/ScottySmith.pdf