Middelburg, named for its central location, is in the heart of the Great Karoo between Johannesburg and Cape Town and Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth. Local artists make crafts out of leather, wool and mohair. Natural herbs grow in the region and are sold in shops. Local food revolves around braai, or barbecue, and includes Karoo lamb, mutton, biltong, or cured meat, and venison. There are a handful of hotels in Middelburg, and all give visitors a taste of local culture.
Rooms in this lodge are colonial-style and spacious with en-suite bathrooms. They have digital TV services and coffee and tea. Some rooms are in the main house, while others are garden suites. The facility includes a garden, swimming pool and braai, a South African-style barbecue grill. Breakfast is served in the dining room, and children under six-years-old stay and eat for free. The lodge is less than a mile from the local museum and just a short drive from a zebra park, whitewater rafting and fossil discoveries.
Karoo Ouberg Guest Lodge
85 Coetzee St.
Middelburg, Eastern Cape
South Africa
011-27-049-8421567
karoocountryinn.co.za
This three-star manor is made up of four units that sleep four to six people. They are "self-catering" units with fully equipped kitchens and en-suite showers. There is a living room in each of the units, and braai facilities are available. The manor has plenty of room for families who want private accommodations, and the rooms are also available for long-term rent. Children under six stay for free.
Middelburg Manor
25 Richmond Road
Middelburg, Eastern Cape
South Africa
011-27-049-8421126
karoocountryinn.co.za
Celtis Garden Cottage has six units that are fully equipped with a kitchen, en-suite bathroom and a TV. Additional amenities include a jungle gym, swimming pool, braai facilities and a trampoline. In addition to the cottages, the location also has a guesthouse with six rooms that sleep up to 17 people. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available by request and can be catered to suit the needs of special diets. The cottages are within walking distance of Grootfontein Agricultural Institute, several monuments, Middelburg Museum and the Umsobomvu Mohair Weavers, a local weaving group.
Celtis Cottage
21 Joubert St.
Middelbur, East Cape 5900
011-27-049-842-1051
celtiscottage.co.za
Housed in a restored Cape Victorian Hotel, the Karoo Country Inn has 23 rooms equipped with a TV, en-suite washroom, coffee- and tea-making facilities and electric blankets. An English buffet breakfast is served daily, while an on-site restaurant serves lunch and dinner. A swimming pool and Ladies' Bar are also available. Guests are within walking distance of the Mayor's Garden and local museums.
Karoo Country Inn
c/o Loop and Meintjies St.
Middelburg, Eastern Cape
South Africa
011-27-049-8421126
karoocountryinn.co.za
