Beaufort West

Beaufort West is the largest town in the Great Karoo region, positioned along the N1 highway between Cape Town and Johannesburg. It offers shops, restaurants, and accommodations that serve travelers passing through this arid landscape.

Founded in 1818, it became South Africa's first municipality in 1837, marking a turning point in local governance. This early milestone made it a model for administrative development across the region.

The Christian Barnard Museum here honors a local figure whose surgical breakthrough in 1967 revolutionized medicine and brought worldwide recognition to this remote town.

The town provides various lodging options, from guesthouses to self-catering units, making it a convenient place to pause while crossing the Karoo. Check road conditions before arriving, as the area is remote and bringing water and supplies is advisable.

In 1849, vast herds of springbok migrated through the Karoo landscape in one of the largest recorded mammal movements in African history. These natural movements still inform how people understand the ecology of this semi-arid region.

Location: Beaufort West Local Municipality

Inception: 1818

Elevation above the sea: 650 m

Shares border with: Loxton

GPS coordinates: -32.35000,22.58333

Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:27