Eat, drink, make merry!
DO, WANDER, SHOP Take a walk through Sutherland’s history
Amanda du Preez’s walking tour, Sutherland on Foot, is a great way to see the town and learn more about it. She shares stories about the old buildings and days gone by while you explore the streets for about two hours. There are no set tour times but Amanda usually runs them in the morning and late afternoon at a cost of R50 per person.
Sutherland on Foot 064 657 0693
Discover stars and fossils
Jurg Wagener says that, many years later, Sterland remains the most popular Sutherland location for stargazing. He offers viewings almost every night and they last for around 1½ hours (R50 per person). Each one includes a short information session about space before you view various stars and planets through one of the eight telescopes. The room in which the information session is held is also home to part of the collection of fossils that Jaco Groenewald has excavated in the vicinity. Phone Jaco if you would like to take a walk with him in the veld and learn more (R100 per person).
sutherlandinfo.co.za 082 556 9589 (Jurg) 060 770 9567 (Jaco)
Watch movies and record the stars
If you are driving through Sutherland during the day and want to see something of the Milky Way, go to the Sutherland Planetarium and watch the films on show. The 3D movies are projected against the inside of the dome-shaped roof while you lie back comfortably in a reclining chair. They last for about 75 minutes (R100 per person; R60 for children). At night it’s possible to stargaze with two good telescopes (R160 ; R100 for children). You can even connect your mobile phone to the telescopes to photograph what you see. sutherlandplanetarium. co.za 078 603 0058
Visit the giant telescope
Guided tours of the SALT take place from Mondays to Saturdays at 10:30 and 14:30. Book online (R120 per person.; R60 for children). You won’t be able to look through the telescope or any of the research telescopes, but two smaller telescopes are available for stargazing
on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings (R120; R60 for children). saao.ac.za 023 571 2436
Explore the passes
Two of the Karoo’s most popular gravel-road passes are nearby: the slightly wild Ouberg Pass around 45 km west of the town, and the beautiful Gannaga Pass about 110 km in a northwesterly direction. It’s possible to travel a circular route and take in both passes in one day. The Verlatenkloof Pass is tarred and takes you almost a kilometre into the sky and nearly to the top of the Roggeveld mountains. Halfway up the pass you’ll find Tjol se Gat, a very interesting little bar with an equally interesting man behind the counter.
MOM, I’M HUNGRY! Ou Meule restaurant
As the name indicates, this was once the town’s mill and there is still evidence of this in the loft space. Also look out for the piece of gravestone that became incorporated into the steps leading to the front door. Apart from the history of the building, they also deserve a pat on the back for the food and ambience. The Karoo lamb dishes and pizzas are really good. Ou Meule restaurant
076 313 5803
The Blue Moon restaurant
This is the only restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast, as all the other eateries only open at midday. If you are looking for a slightly more formal atmosphere and something of a winelist, this is the place. The Blue Moon Guesthouse and Restaurant 082 804 3060
Die Boorgat restaurant
Old visitors to Sutherland will remember Jupiter. It has since become Die Boorgat and also looks quite different, but the mood is still light and the bar area is large. boorgat.com 083 357 6537
ACCOMMODATION
If you want to spend a night in a platteland hotel, Sutherland offers you the opportunity. The old hotel is comfortable and you can also dine here. Do pop in at the Rooikat Bar.
sutherlandhotel.co.za (there are a number of other options – take a look at lekkeslaap.co.za).