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    Sutherland

    South Africa

    Sutherland

    VillageCulture

    Sutherland is a small town in the Karoo, about four hours' drive northeast of Cape Town. Dry air, high altitude, and minimal light pollution make it one of the best places for stargazing worldwide.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. South Africa
    7. Karoo
    9. Sutherland
    Sutherland is a small town in the Karoo, about four hours' drive northeast of Cape Town. Dry air, high altitude, and minimal light pollution make it one of the best places for stargazing worldwide. That's why the South African Astronomical Observatory, home to the Southern African Large Telescope, is located here.

    Sehenswürdigkeiten

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Southern African Large Telescope

    The Southern African Large Telescope is the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere, with an approximately eleven-meter mirror. It stands alongside other telescopes on a plateau about 15 kilometers east of Sutherland. The visitor center offers daytime tours; confirm dates with the observatory in advance.
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    Essen & Trinken

    Ou Meule

    Restaurant in Buitekant St &.
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    The Blue Moon

    Restaurant in 17 Piet Retief St.
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    Boorgat Restaurant, Bar & Guesthouse

    Bar in 21 Jubilee St.
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    Karoo Kombuis

    Restaurant in Sutherland.
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    Accommodations in Sutherland

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    Nearby

    Cederberg

    Cederberg

    The Cederberg, about 250 kilometres north of Cape Town, is a wilderness area of reddish sandstone, bizarre rock formations, and San rock paintings. Hikes to the Wolfberg Arch and the Maltese Cross are among the best-known tours; Rooibos is grown near Clanwilliam, unique to this region.
    Prince Albert

    Prince Albert

    Prince Albert is a small town in the Great Karoo at the northern foot of the Swartberg Mountains, about five hours' drive northeast of Cape Town. Whitewashed Cape Dutch and Victorian houses, olive and fig groves, and the spectacular Swartberg Pass make it one of the most popular Karoo villages.
    Western Cape

    Western Cape

    The Western Cape is the province around Cape Town. Here lie Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula, the Winelands around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, the Whale Coast around Hermanus, and the western part of the Garden Route.
    Beaufort West

    Beaufort West

    Beaufort West is the largest town in the central Karoo and a classic stopover on the N1, roughly halfway between Cape Town and Johannesburg. Right on the outskirts lies the Karoo National Park, featuring table mountains, mountain zebras, and a fossil trail.
    Oudtshoorn

    Oudtshoorn

    Oudtshoorn is the largest town in the Little Karoo and the heart of ostrich farming. From here, you can reach the Cango Caves and the Swartberg Pass.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
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