If you take the N1 from Cape Town, and travel straight for 235km, you’ll eventually swing a sharp-right and find yourself in an eloquent Victorian streetscape at the fringe of the Central Karoo. This short 2.5 hours drive transports you a 150 years into the past, plonking you in the time-capsule of Matjiesfontein.
As you drive in, you’ll see the Scottish Saltire and British Union Jack flags paying tribute to the heritage of the town’s founder, James Logan. This railway man built the town as a retreat due to his respiratory disease, providing him a space to breath and relax. And as it had once provided an oasis for Logan, Matjiesfontein continues to provide the same escape for all its inhabitants and visitors to date.
![Karoo 04922 Karoo 04922](https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04922.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=2000&s=8d0bae39c142eca91b1f2b510667c6d2 2000w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04922.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1800&s=1bf2f21d1523b21fe594f7f3852a4d3f 1800w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04922.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1600&s=3e9466ae85962b3a018f41a2cf04ebf7 1600w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04922.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1400&s=ad3032f4f82efd713e6e441e7b716950 1400w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04922.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1200&s=975ec714b742237ec78722f265e56a92 1200w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04922.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1000&s=570f1cb71aa6795741b65c9e34e56069 1000w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04922.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=800&s=eaf90a00f0852eba8c66110f6bf5a4ee 800w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04922.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=600&s=38bec55255f6b9eac2e3f23394dc99a2 600w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04922.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=400&s=3c33c3ba3eae33b8accf0bcc978947a2 400w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04922.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=300&s=74619b7954af404e4857bf5f2f62a9b8 300w)
📸: SoComunity
Despite the ripples of hills that surround the town, there is no wasted space. Matjiesfontein is centered on a single-sided street. Opposite the old railway, you’ll see all the necessary stops: the bank, post office, old gas station, hotel, bar and restaurant, with the church, old car museum and cricket pitch just around the corner.
To get a true essence, the Double-Decker Red Bus Ride is an ideal way to see the town. Notoriously known as the shortest guided tour, your 10 minutes will be well-spent looking, learning, and laughing. “We turn to the left, because we can’t go right” is an emblematic quote that sums up the whole route. Along the way, you’ll pass some small landmarks: like the old-gas station with one petrol pump and a price meter measuring in cents, and some bigger points of interest, like the cricket pitch to host the first match between SA and England.
![Karoo 04971 Karoo 04971](https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04971.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=2000&s=c418335b317e5fb3568c00c42a23a7ff 2000w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04971.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1800&s=d0d0064320fa51ece28df68408d26a02 1800w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04971.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1600&s=d6e8f8a5cef1ac6224e8069762b7586c 1600w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04971.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1400&s=772631fb04bb5967b59c219d28d61859 1400w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04971.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1200&s=e7775b1bec652c5a67ee4ca1bf2c4be7 1200w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04971.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1000&s=5292d1a7eb87337c6342878a1c5c018d 1000w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04971.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=800&s=f5e863d52effa3a3f2a530bce865d4da 800w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04971.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=600&s=89ce09badf967988499384556e84b2eb 600w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04971.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=400&s=2d6a297378d8e0f4488d90e955fc0de1 400w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04971.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=300&s=d99504b8bf6181b0f99bdc05cf1df318 300w)
📸: SoComunity
Although the word “antiques” evokes the idea of old paintings, vases, that aunt with a hearing aid, watches, etc. the town homes other interesting relics: like David Rawdon’s vintage vehicles. What initially started as a storage facility for his cars, evolved into a Transport Museum; another contributor to the town’s classic collections.
Towards the end of your route, you’ll pass the pink church — advertised to be a great place to get married, with the bar being a wonderful spot to divorce right after. All jokes aside, the Lairds Arms is a great place to enjoy a pint and pub lunch. Although, for a fully authentic afternoon, we recommend trying the infamous gin cocktails while listening to Johnny clank away at the piano keys, bellowing his best vocals. For something sweeter, The Coffee House is fit enough for the Queen’s blessing; butter up some baked scones and pastries while sipping on tea by the courtyard fountain.
![Karoo 04855 Karoo 04855](https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04855.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=2000&s=c84b4b532cef61b14784917bb90a94fe 2000w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04855.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1800&s=d7596accadcd47e076d294b9c11ecec5 1800w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04855.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1600&s=bc30226487c6f95b7a32f1b4edc0b0c2 1600w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04855.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1400&s=19ed68e424633fc73ba5c300fecd6383 1400w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04855.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1200&s=af8e60222bd8d48d9be34fd920ad9d13 1200w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04855.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1000&s=e940ed0e6e3889b207c00cb859fb40b6 1000w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04855.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=800&s=37644cf38c0c3c5b24b00bde58c6d0cd 800w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04855.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=600&s=0fba4d642b038d4b3cdacebb28bc5139 600w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04855.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=400&s=7cd0847c74fc23eaf1f50a34c4af79b2 400w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04855.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=300&s=d6c0cfd99254f3b5f1808b06f4f4f7b7 300w)
📸: SoComunity
While this is the extent of the culinary choices, the Lord Milner homes the Hotel Dining Room; a kitchen worthy of regular visits due to its incredible fine-dining experience. This would be the ideal spot to tuck into some fresh soup on a cold night, try karoo lamb over candle light, or order anything, every answer would be right. (Clearly this area brings out the poetic side, because did you notice that rhyme). The red-jacketed porters provide warmth beyond your wine, and the friendly staff are always a treat too.
While there are plenty of guest farms and nature reserves close-by, The Lord Milner is sole accommodation in Matjiesfontein. Originally constructed in 1899, the hotel was converted into a hospital during the Anglo-Boer war, with the turret even functioning as a look-out post. After this, however, it returned to its initial inception as a place of relaxation and luxury. Since its renovation and transformation, it boasts an even more prestigious air.
![Karoo 04913 Karoo 04913](https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04913.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=2000&s=c6a255d5e19fc24d17df26884ac8007e 2000w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04913.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1800&s=6970dd0add82a28c7493c959c75d9290 1800w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04913.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1600&s=b65a0ecc1352fe549ed44d5750c19d3c 1600w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04913.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1400&s=b4f422eca1da8ce8695877a83a3a52d6 1400w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04913.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1200&s=1b62b5d9a1f4481fe18a18ac96a04ce6 1200w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04913.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=1000&s=69b31d457277529e9a343de48201717e 1000w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04913.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=800&s=0d41af85e9d43fb26100afed9def654a 800w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04913.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=600&s=6c05b12f8114588f2412fd5b6a0daa49 600w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04913.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=400&s=e8326aed81624f9326d93abe6683efee 400w, https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04913.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=clip&q=90&ratio=&w=300&s=e43c8f7347df2b00dd8f9fef16a5cfc5 300w)
📸: SoComunity
If the pool, sprawls of green lawns, and warm Karoo sun don’t meet your idea of comfort, there is always the indoor escape of the Yellow Room. Here you can kick back, read a book, and enjoy the cool company of Kate, Lucy and the lady in white — the infamous ghosts of the hotel. Despite their cool presence, they’re known to be quite warm and playful, awarding Matjiesfontein the unique title of the most welcoming haunted town in the country.
From embracing all its visitors, to transporting you to a time and place beyond your imagination, Matjiesfontein is truly a bucket-list destination and spot to revisit on any roadtrip.
🎙: For an audio tour, listen to the Matjiesfontein voice map.
🎥: For a visual taste, keep your eyes on our TikTok page.
![Karoo 04782 Karoo 04782](https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04782.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&fp-z=1&h=1000&q=90&w=2000&s=264bda305673979e2e811ef08dc4049d)
![Lord milner 8145 Lord milner 8145](https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/lord-milner-8145.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&fp-z=1&h=1980&q=90&w=2000&s=f2dfc0ce24e02021a5cbb6869c8f7611)
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![Karoo 04771 Karoo 04771](https://wesgro.imgix.net/uploads/files/Karoo-04771_2021-10-06-100106.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&fp-z=1&h=970&q=90&w=2000&s=0ec3ef1897d1e7f3fd2ae430eb1f91cc)