Middelburg is not so named by choice. It is in the middle of a fascinating area in the Great Karoo, the hub from which the tourist can enjoy a Karoo Experience with a difference.
Middelburg is located halfway between Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein, as well as between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Outdoor activities available in and around Middelburg are hiking, mountain biking, game and bird watching, plains game hunting, exciting river tubing on strongly flowing water from the Gariep Dam, abseiling, rock climbing, horse trailing, camping and many more.
Art & Crafts from local artists include water- and oil paintings, beadworks, traditional artefacts and a diversity of wire, wood & glass ornaments. Take a tour through the factories that manufacture leather goods and shoes, as well as woollen duvets and pillows, or visit the farm stall and graft shops for homemade goodies.
The Karoo is known for the different herbs that grow in the field. Drop by at the herbal bar and discover the healing powers of natural medicine.
The Karoo is one of the few places in the world where the historic ending of the Perman Era and the beginning of the Triassic Era is documented in the fossil life. Visit nearby sites where such fossils have been found and learn more of this interest facet in the worlds history.
Surrounding farms, some offering accommodation, and other activities, are well worth a visit to view interesting architectural and historical buildings, technically interesting enterprises, and operational sheep farms.
Historical Attractions
Middelburgs history is very rich, with interesting facts about the Anglo Boer War as well as the different cultures.
Market Square
It all started here in 1852. Encircled by Murray, Market, van Reenen & Loop Streets, here on the Outspan, originated the Dutch Reformed Church (Gereformeerde Kerk), the Methodist Church and the Town Hall.
The steamroller on Market Square next to the Town Hall, was bought in 1938 to build streets and to prepare a few streets for tarring. A skilful operator would be able to operate this roller as it is in a perfect condition.
Gereformeerde Kerk
Ds Dirk Postma founded this congregation at Grootfontein in 1860. In 1979 the building was declared a national monument and is the oldest building which houses a Reformed Church Congregation.
Mayors Garden - Meintjies Street
* Burger monument - a graceful obelisk which was erected in 1929 to honour the memory of 19 Burghers who fell during the Anglo Boer War.
* Old waterpump - Queen Victoria gave this to the town in 1887 when she had reigned for 50 years. The Victoria- & Jubilee Streets have been named then.
* Wall of Remembrance - honours the memory of all who fell during the Anglo-Boer War, the Two World Wars and the Bush War in Namibia.
Middelburg Museum
The corner of Bennie- & vd Walt Streets houses the building previously known as the Poor School and it houses a fine collection of rifles.
Warden House
Situated at the bottom of the main road, Meintjies Street, you can visit the old wardens house. Today, it houses the local tourism bureau.
Chair Monument
This monument at Ouberg Koppie, just outside Middelburg on the Richmond road, marks the spot where two commandants, Ltter & Wolfaardt were executed, during the Anglo Boer War, in 1901.
Grootfontein Agricultural Institute
After the Anglo Boer War the farm Grootfontein in Middelburg EC district was bought by the British Department of War in order to establish a peace-keeping force in the area. From 1908 the troops were disbanded. In July 1910 the Union of South Africa took control of the farm after which the Grootfontein School of Agriculture was established in 1911.
Many of the corrugated iron-and-wood structures that belonged to the British Military encampment on the farm still remain as well as the museum complex which consists of the original farmhouse.
Visits by prior arrangement.
Activities
Outdoor activities available in and around Middelburg are hiking, mountain biking, game and bird watching, plains game hunting, exciting river tubing on strongly flowing water from the Gariep Dam, abseiling, rock climbing, horse trailing, camping and many more.
Art & Crafts from local artists include water- and oil paintings, beadworks, traditional artefacts and a diversity of wire, wood & glass ornaments. Take a tour through the factories that manufacture leather goods and shoes, as well as woollen duvets and pillows, or visit the farm stall and graft shops for homemade goodies.
The town offers a wide variety of sport to the community, and quality sport grounds are available. Soccer, rugby, netball, tennis, golf, bowls are just a few, and many more can be practised.
Fast becoming a global hang gliding destination, having hosted the South African Hang Gliding Championships in 2004. The hot air thermals and unrestricted airspace is of the best in the world for hang gliding and paragliding enthusiasts.
An eco adventure mecca with hiking trails, horse riding, quad bike trails, 4x4 routes, white water tubing, clay pig
Contact & Enquiries
Middelburg Karoo Tourism Bureau
8 Meintjies Street
Middelburg
Tel / Fax: 049 84 22188
