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10 Must-Try Activities in and near Carnarvon, South Africa
- Visit the Carnarvon Museum
- Chill out at Blikkies Bar
- Explore corbelled houses
- Enjoy the scenic view at the Carnarvon Koppie Fort
- Be one with nature at the Appie van Heerden Nature Reserve
- Get up close with animals at the Carnarvon Tortoise Reserve
- Make traditional Karoo crafts at Oukraal
- Explore the Skietfontein Hiking Trail
- Walk along the Historic Houses Trail
- Climb the Koeelkop Mountain
Carnarvon is a fascinating town in the heart of Karoo in South Africa. It offers wide-open plains and sceneries where history echoes in the sun-baked walls of ancient corbelled houses, natural reserves, and hiking trails.
Here are 10 things you can do to experience the magic of Carnarvon. Read on and take note for your next visit!
1. Visit the Carnarvon Museum

Website: https://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-do/northerncape/carnarvon-museum/
Address: Carnarvon, Near Loxton, Upper Karoo, Northern Cape
Contact: +27 83 306 9812
Operating hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Price: R20 for adults, R10 for children
The Carnarvon Museum was first built as a community centre for the Dutch-reformed church. It was later donated to the municipality, which converted it into a museum.
Today, it houses exhibits showing the history of Carnarvon, including an old hearse used by the church and a small stone house. The museum is a historic corbelled house built without mortar using stones that lean inwards to support the roof.
Pro tip: Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the museum exhibits and donate to the non-profit organisation to support their preservation of Carnarvon’s heritage and culture. |
2. Chill out at Blikkies Bar

Address: Pastorie Straat 3, 8925 Carnarvon, Northern Cape
Contact: Blikkies Bar Facebook Page
Operating hours:
- Monday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM, 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Tuesday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: Closed
Blikkies Bar is renowned for its walls covered with over 4,000 beer cans – one of the largest in the world. It’s a popular spot for locals where you can mingle as you soak in the laid-back atmosphere of Carnarvon.
The bar also hosts live bands and artists, so it’s a great way to experience South African music firsthand. The bar is located inside the historic Carnarvon Hotel, which dates back to 1883 and adds to your overall cultural experience.
Pro tip: Check the live music schedule on their Facebook page, especially if you want to see a particular South African band or artist. |
3. Explore corbelled houses

Address: Towns of Fraserburg, Carnarvon and Williston, in the Northern Cape.
Contact: +27 (0)53 382-3012
Carnarvon is known for its corbelled houses – dome-shaped stone dwellings that look like beehives or igloos. Corbelled houses are historically significant because they were built by early migrant stock farmers in the 1800s as dwellings and granaries.
These houses typically have ceilings extending six metres high and thick walls that retain the sun’s warmth during winter and remain cool in summer. Removing a roof tile can quickly build an indoor fire during winter.
Pro tip: Take guided tours to get valuable insights into the history and construction of these structures.Be adventurous and walk through the beaten path to see the beauty of the corbelled houses. |
4. Enjoy the scenic view at the Carnarvon Koppie Fort

Address: Carnarvon Koppie, Carnarvon, 8925, South Africa
Price: Free
The Carnarvon Koppie Fort was built during the Anglo-Boer War using semi-precious tiger eye stones found in the region. Today, it offers panoramic views of the Karoo landscape.
The fort’s position atop the Koppie hill offered a strategic advantage during the war and today for its scenic value. The fort symbolises Carnarvon’s history and identity, making it a must-see for anyone who wishes to understand the town’s heritage.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes with good grip and bring water because climbing the fort can be steep and rocky. |
5. Be one with nature at the Appie van Heerden Nature Reserve

Contact: +27-53-3823012
Operating hours: Open only on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Price: Entrance is free, but donations are welcome
The Appie van Heerden Nature Reserve is home to wildlife such as the ostrich, springbuck, gemsbok, black wildebeest, blesbok and zebra.
It’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 150 bird species, including the ostrich, rock kestrel, and other Karoo birds. The good news is that the reserve has several walking trails to explore at your own pace.
Pro tip: Bring binoculars to get the most out of wildlife viewing and a camera to capture the reserve’s beauty. Always wear comfortable shoes as you walk on uneven terrain and follow the designated paths for safety. |
6. Get up close with animals at the Carnarvon Tortoise Reserve

Address: Carnarvon Primary School, Van Riebeeck Street, Carnarvon, 8925, South Africa
Operating hours: During school hours and potentially on weekends
Price: Free
The Carnarvon Tortoise Reserve aims to conserve and breed the endangered Mountain tortoises. It’s home to 60 mountain tortoises, each named, and some are known to respond when called by their name.
Here, you can learn about these fascinating creatures and their importance to the ecosystem. This is a family-friendly activity; kids will enjoy seeing the Mountain tortoises up close.
Pro tip: Visit during school or daylight hours for guaranteed access and interaction with guides or teachers about their conservation efforts. |
7. Make traditional Karoo crafts at Oukraal

Address: Oukraal Farm, Northern Cape, South Africa
Contact: +27 83 306 9812
For those who want an immersive experience, visit Oukraal and experience working on the farm and making Karoo’s traditional crafts such as beadwork, weaving, or leatherwork.
You can also learn about the region’s agricultural practices and interact with farm animals. The best thing about this tour is that it’s personalised to your interests and truly authentic, as you’re guided by the people who live and work there.
Pro tip: Book earlier if you want a farm experience because the farm setting might offer less rigid schedules than commercial tourist attractions. Always bring cash for any potential fees. |
8. Explore the Skietfontein Hiking Trail

Contact: +27 83 306 9812
Operating hours: Daylight hours.
Price: Free
The Skietfontein hiking trail is an eight-kilometre walk at the antique shop on Church Street in Carnarvon and passes by a spring, a graveyard, and the U.R. Church.
You’ll also pass by remnants of the ancient stone houses used by the early settlers.
The trail will pass by the Karoo veld and the Karoo bossies, with views of the Karoo windmills, hills, and waterfowl frolicking in the river. You’ll also interact directly with locals and gain authentic insights into Carnarvon’s culture and history.
Pro tip: Be respectful of the locals, but don’t hesitate to chat with the residents of Skietfontein; their stories and perspectives can enrich your experience. |
9. Walk along the Historic Houses Trail

Address: The trail starts at the Antique Shop on Church Street in Carnarvon, 8925, South Africa
Contact: +27-53-3823685
Price: The trail is generally free, but some houses might have individual entrance fees
This trail won’t feel like hiking since you’ll be coursing through the streets of Carnarvon, displaying their architectural heritage. For instance, you’ll walk by their historic monuments, the corbelled house and the Carnarvon Museum.
Aside from traditional Karoo dwellings, you also learn about the town’s evolution to Victorian and Edwardian architecture and exhibits within the houses. You can even chat with residents to hear firsthand accounts of life in these historic Carnarvon homes.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking on cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces. Be mindful of noise as most of these are private properties, but don’t hesitate to ask residents about the history and stories behind the houses. |
10. Climb the Koeelkop Mountain

Address: South of Carnarvon, Northern Cape, South Africa
Contact: +27- 53-3823685
Operating hours: Accessible anytime during daylight hours
Price: Free
The Koeelkop Mountain was a vital lookout point during the Anglo-Boer War since it has the bird’s eye view of Carnarvon to the north-east, the abattoir in the East, the Skietfontein settlement in the west and the airfield to the south-west.
Today, it’s a fantastic place to experience the Karoo landscape and sunset in the countryside.
Pro tip: Allot enough time to go up before sunset to witness the magnificent Karoo sunset over the landscape. |