Attractions

Visit the Barrydale Labyrinth. Situated 15 k outside of Barrydale, direction Ladismith, this labyrinth is the result of the passion of Nola and the late Peter Frazer. Built on the design of classic 11 circuit Chartres Catheral labyrinth, this labyrinth retains the atmosphere of the area where it is located: the open space of the Little Karoo, blue skies, distant koppies and the indiginous veld of this area.The Manger farm is also home of the Cape Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Cape CROW) and the Joshua Baboon Rehabilitation Project.

Visit by appointment:
Tel: (028) 572-1643, Web: www.baboons.co.za, Email:  frazerp@iafrica.com

Make Lentelus your base from where to explore the scenic glories of winding paths and passes. Tradouw Pass, most spectacular of those designed and built by Thomas Baines, was opened in 1873. It is a road of winding beauty rising above the peet-stained, amber-coloured waters of the Huis River, along high stone-sustaining walls (the original walls built by prisoners can still be seen). In early summer the slopes are covered by golden Leucadendron Protea and Erica species.

The mighty Swartberg Mountains which separate the Little Karoo from the Great Karoo is connected by another of Thomas Bains's awe inspiring passes. The Swartberg Pass is a challenge for the driver: carved into the side of the mountain, the steep road twists upwards to the summit, 1615m above the sea. The whole impression of the pass is one of wild grandeur. Make a detour to the lost valley of Die Hel, a deep canyon securely held by two great enclosing barriers of rock.

The highest peak of the Swartberg mountains, 2325m high, dominates the Seweweeks Poort Kloof. This classic of all the kloofs in the Little Karoo, is also one of the most beautiful road passes. The cleft leading through the range at the foot of the mountains, is so coloured with oxidised iron and manganese, that the whole 25km length seems to glow as though afire.

Driving the old passes and winding paths, along dirt road off the beaten track, you will discover the beauty of the Little Karoo : rare flowers and fynbos; Aloes and Watsonia species; herds of baboons barking from high rocks; eagles sweeping down valleys ; small settlements of farming-communities - a land of splendour.