SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL
LOCATION
On the main drag into Sutherland, SA’s astronomy capital, high on a plain in the Roggeveld Mountains. It is routinely described as the coldest town in SA and that may be true. But the upside is stars that, on those bitter Karoo winter nights, seem so close that you could reach up and grab one.
STYLE
Kambro Kind is a classic Karoo-style house, with a short garden path leading up to a wide stoep. Inside are gleaming Oregon pine floors, panels of coloured, frosted glass in the doors, and Cape Country furniture to complete the scene.
SERVICE
This is a well-run guesthouse. Adding the small-town hospitality and friendliness means service that makes you feel much more important than perhaps you really are.
HOW'S THE GRUB?
No food at the inn but no matter — the town has plenty of places to eat. We ate at
The Whitehouse Inn
(sutherlandwhitehouse.co.za), which serves chilled beer and excellent pub food.
ACTIVITIES
Chances are you’ve made the trek up from the plains at Matjiesfontein to see the stars. First stop is a tour of the SALT — the South African Large Telescope (salt.ac.za), which is the star (sorry) attraction of the observatory that has put Sutherland on the map for science and tourism.
With any luck, one of the resident astronomers will be on hand to guide you into the far reaches of space.
For a slightly different take, head out of town to Jurg and Rita Wagenaar’s place, Sterland (sutherlandinfo.co.za), to look through their telescopes at such wonders as Sirius and Alpha Centuri and feel the hair prickle on the back of your neck as you see — really see — a star so very close ...
BEST TIME TO GO
Winter. Yes it’s freezing but the clear, unblemished night sky is the reward.
FACILITIES
There are just six en suite rooms, including a self-catering unit at the back of the house, along with a sheltered braai area. If you can’t switch off, there’s limited DStv.
RATES
From R470 per person sharing per night — pretty good going for a town that is well established on the tourist trail.
CONTACT
Visit sutherlandaccommodation.com