Karoo now a hot destination for tourists and investors

FORGET Cape Town‚ the Karoo is now becoming a popular holiday spot for tourists – and those with a bit of cash to splash are investing in property as the demand for accommodation grows.

Operators have seen a growing interest in tourism in the area.

Pam Golding Properties and tour operators Karoo Connections said they had seen a growing interest in tourism and accommodation establishments in the Karoo.

“The Karoo has so many different options to offer, not only to tourists but also those wanting to find a relaxing getaway property which can also provide them with a regular income stream‚” Pam Golding area principal in the Karoo, Wayne Rubidge‚ said.

“In light of the economic constraints, domestic tourism has flourished‚ with costconscious South Africans eager to visit easily accessible destinations without having to cross the borders or travel overseas,” he said.

“This has made the acquisition of a tourism or accommodation establishment very attractive for those wanting to relocate permanently to country locations.”

Rubidge said many visitors “either come to the Karoo having done their property searches via the internet or go to a specific town with the intention of buying a property as an investment or holiday house”.

The Bergkant Lodge in Prince Albert‚ with its luxurious rooms and lavish gardens‚ recently fetched R11.5-million.

Rubidge said other guest establishments on the market ranged from R6.87-million to R9.3-million. Karoo Connections owner David McNaughton said Graaff-Reinet and Prince Albert were popular with visitors.

“We are finding that the Karoo has become attractive for the open spaces‚ especially family-oriented holidays‚ whether it’s mountain biking or camping,” he said.

Tourists, both domestic and foreign, appreciated the Karoo as a destination because it was off the beaten track.

“It’s not the busy Garden Route. They want to break away and the Karoo offers them this,” McNaughton said.