Things to do in Cradock
Restaurants, coffee shops
River rafting, canoeing
Abseiling,
Paintball,
Mountain biking, quad biking,
Fishing,
Bird watching,
Horse and Pony rides,
Hiking trails,
Game drives,
Town tours, township tours, farm tours,
Spar wellness and beauty treatments
Star gazing under clear Karoo skies.
Team building and conference facilities

Cradock
It was in 1814 that Sir John Cradock decided to build a series of forts along the lower Fish River and all the way up to the Cradock to try to contain the Xhosa people to the East of the Fish River which had been proclaimed the boundary by the Government of the Cape.
Cradock, although intended as a fort, never saw conflict. The Xhosas in their Western migration, were nearer the lower part of the Great Fish River rather than its upper reaches.
Lord Charles Somerset succeeded Sir John Cradock and decided to invite the 1820 settlers to South Africa to act as a buffer between the Xhosa and the rest of the Cape Colony.
In 1848 Thomas Baines, the explorer and painter passed through Cradock and said that it had a population of about 9000 persons (4300 whites and 4490 coloureds). He was impressed with the great buildings, of both English and Dutch architecture.
Die Tuishuise capture the period of Thomas Baines's visit as they were built circa 1840 - 1870 in both English and Dutch style, and housed the artisans, namely harness makers and wainwrights who made a living from the wagons and oxen and horses that passed through to the Great Northern line.
As civilization caught up with Cradock, first the Railway line in 1881 and then the motor car in 1908 - 1920 the skill of the blacksmiths, the farriers and the harness makers became less and less in demand. Poverty began to descend on the inhabitants of Market Street. This poverty resulted in that less and less money became available to modernise homes, therefore there are few streets in South Africa that can boast about houses that have stood unaltered for a hundred years.

Today Cradock is the capital of the Cape Midlands and is one of the thriving rural towns. Prosperity has come with the ability of the farmer to utilize the indigenous flora such as Karoo Bushes to produce of the best wool and mohair and to impart that typical Karoo flavour to the mutton.

The permanent water from the Orange River has given continuity that the other rural areas lack, in that the devastating drought in made less severe by the lucerne and maize that is grown and that the farmers are able to produce winter grazing for their animals. The water has also enabled them to branch out to other farming enterprises such as ostrich and vegetable farming. It was the ostrich boom of 1900 - 1914 which saw ostrich feathers sold for 50 pounds for primes and male birds sold for 1 000 pounds that saw the start of irrigation weirs and furrows in order to grow lucerne for the ostrich. The outbreak of the first world war and the prohibition of luxury articles on ships saw the collapse of the ostrich feather industry. We are enjoying a revival today due to the demand for leather and low cholesterol meat.

Cradock hosts the Hansa Powerade Fish River Canoe Marathon. From its position as in one of the biggest and most popular river marathons worldwide, the Fish has grown phenomenally from its humble beginnings in 1982. The race has now become a permanent fixture on the Hansa Grand Prix, entrenching it as the premier river marathon of its kind in the country. Our prosperity is also due to the far sightedness of the Cradock council and the various sporting Councils to promote other sport on a major scale. We host prestige athletics events on a tartan track and there are excellent cricket, rugby, golf and bowls facilities, as well as major tennis tournaments for young and old.
We have a healthy climate, with hot summers, bracing cold winters and a low rainfall. It is the lack of rain that provides the magnificent view of the stars at night and the glorious sun rises and sunsets one associates with semi desert. Tourism prospers in Cradock because of its abundance of unspoiled natural heritage, historical past (the Great Trek started in Cradock and its surrounding districts), and the geographical position makes Cradock an ideal stop - over for the traveller en-route to the major centres.

Attractions

The Cradock Agricultural Show
The Cradock Agricultural Show has grown into the foremost 'platteland' shows. It boasts a proud heritage in that it is one of the oldest show societies in South Africa having been established in 1864. Except for a period of five years after a flood in 1974, the show has been held annually, even during world wars 1 & 2, as well as during the depression years of the 1930s. The National Championships are frequently held for saddle horse, boerperd and Welsh ponies. The annual Monty Gadd Trophy, one of the most coveted equestrian trophies gets contested during this show. In addition, excellent facilities are available for exhibiting of small stock, i.e. wool, mohair, dual purpose and mutton breeds. A remarkable display of the Vintage Tractor and Engine Club of South Africa attracts many enthusiasts to the show.

Historic Cradock

The Olive Schreiner Museum (Cross Street No. 9)
The famous South African authoress, who amongst many other literary works, wrote "Story of an African Farm", lived in this house in Cross Street in her youth, between 1867 - 1870. A pictorial display of her life can be seen in the house. Schreiner house was bought by A.A. Mutual life and subsequently restored as a joint project with the Town Council of Cradock. It has since been donated to the National English Literary Museum (NELM), and was declared a National Monument in 1986. The local library has a special corner with her literary works and manuscripts preserved for posterity.

Guy Butler (1918 - 2001). A pictorial history of this famous South African poet and author, is on display in the museum. The museum was donated to the National English Literary Museum (NELM), and houses a satellite of the Nelm book shop.

The Great Fish River Museum (Behind Town Hall)
The building was the second Dutch Reformed Church Parsonage in Cradock. It was built in 1849, and declared a National Monument in 1971. The Museum depicts the earlier history of the Eastern Province pioneers from 1840 to 1900. The coach house, houses an Ox wagon, a four-horse cart, a Cape cart and a hearse from the early settlers period. The garden is a typical example of a parsonage garden of 100 years ago. Displays in the main building show the history of Cradock, the 1820 Settlers, and Voortrekkers. A new addition to the main building is a photographic display of Nelson Mandela, his life in the struggle. Also on the premises, The Cradock Four Gallery comprises of a text and photo display on the history of these well known activists.

The Early 20th Century Horse Drinking Trough (Frere Street)
A typical example of a stopping place, where farmers watered their horses after a long journey, can be found in Frere Street. Building of the trough was commissioned by the Cradock Town Council in commemoration of King Edward VIII in 1902.

Dutch Reformed "Moeder" Kerk (Upper end Church Street)
The church was completed in 1868 on the same site as the first Dutch Reformed church. This church community were also the first in Cradock and established in 1824, 10 years after the town received it's name. The design of the church was based on the "St. Martins-in-the-Field" church in London. The Great South African statesman and first President, Paul Kruger was christened in the church in 1826 and his name appears in the register. During the Anglo-Boer War, the church roof was used as a look out post by the British soldiers who occupied the town. At the opening ceremony, attended by thousands of people, the builder refused to hand over the door keys until certain contract monies had been paid. This dilemma was solved by hurriedly appealing to the masses for assistance, by donations. Only part of the outstanding monies were collected, but the builder was satisfied, and the ceremony continued. Apparently the church had cost £24 500.

The Cradock Club (Dundas Street)
Said to have been built in ± 1850, by Charles Scanlen, father of Sir Thomas Scanlen, the Prime Minister of the Cape Colony (1881 - 1884), as his private residence.
The Cradock Club was formed in 1881, (the same year the railway line reached Cradock from Port Elizabeth) and the club acquired the premises in 1955.
During the Anglo-Boer War, the Club was used as a mess by the officers of the Sherwood Foresters regiment.
At the end of the war, and out of gratitude, they donated their Burmese Teak dining room table, 12 chairs and writing table to the Club. This acquisition is today still in mint condition and priceless, and stands in the Clubs reading room. In the from garden of the Club as well as the parking area of the adjoining OK Bazaars, stand Quercus Ilex Oak trees reputed to be of the oldest in the world. These were planted when the initial building was erected, and are declared national monuments.

The Jurie Lombard Watermill (Town Park)
A yellowwood watermill made from timber purchased from the first Dutch Reformed Church in Cradock, which was demolished in 1862. It was then used on the farm Lombardsrus in the Cradock district until 1928. In the 1970's it was donated to the Cradock Foundation and with the assistance of the engineering department of the Municipality was housed in a building in the Town Park, for posterity.

Dr. Reginald Koettlittz's Grave (Cemetery)
The famous geologist Dr. Reginald Koettlitz, was the senior medical officer with Captain R.F. Scott's first expedition to the Antarctic, on the "Discovery", in 1905. Shortly thereafter, he settled in S.A. and started a practice in the Somerset East District. On the 10th of January 1916, both he and his wife died in Cradock, she of a heart disease, and he a few hours later of dysentery. They are both buried near the southern entrance to the cemetery. The inscription on his gravestone reads "Here lies Reginald Koettlitz, Explorer and traveller, surgeon and geologist of Expeditions North Polar and Abyssinia and with Scott to the Antarctic". Open to the public during the day.

Harry Potter's Grave (Cemetery) Cradock cemetery is home to the grave of a legendary Harry Potter.
Maybe not? The Harry Potter buried at the Cradock Cemetery in the Karoo town, died 98 years ago, aged 47 years.
His resting place, according to locals, was apparently discovered by a German who goes around the world in search of graves of famous personalities. Inscribed on the tombstone which is situated in a densely filled graveyard reads:
"In Sacred Memory of Harry Potter - died July 27 1910. Aged 47 years.
I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee."
But this Potter, unlike the one in Rowling's magical tales, has found true love and buried with him is his wife Elizabeth Potter (born Bruce). She passed away on 29 December 1942 in her 82nd year. According to our local self-proclaimed genealogist, Oom Duncan Ferguson, this Potter descends from the 1820 Settlers and has another relative buried in Alicedale.

Olive Schreiner Grave (Buffelskop)
Olive, her husband, Samuel Cron Cronwright, their baby and dog, were buried in a sarcophagus on top of Buffelskop on the farm Buffelshoek, 24km south of Cradock, on the Mortimer Road. From the top of Buffelskop one gets a beautiful view across the Great Fish River Valley, the sight which so impressed Olive Schreiner herself, and the reason for her decision to be buried there. The walk up the mountain and visit to the grave site is only recommended for those that are reasonably fit. A half day is needed to complete the trip. Co-ordinates of tomb: 32°16'40"; 25°37'25"

Die Tuishuise: (Market Street)
Fifteen beautifully restored mid-19th century houses with different styles of period furniture in each. Originally these houses were occupied by craftsmen who worked on wagons and with horses before the advent of the motor car. The intention is to convert the whole of Market Street into a tourist attraction, and to restore it and all the houses to their former glory, so that one maintains the historical heritage of this town. The restored houses serve as overnight tourist accommodation and is a tourist attraction in own right.

Vusubuntu Cultural Village Located just off the N10 towards Port Elizabeth, where self catering chalets, a curio shop, an African restaurant, and a gigantic monument, also commemorating the Cradock four, is envisaged. Also visit the Masizame community centre where you can find arts and crafts, with beadworks, and also a library with a history of apartheid.

Wild About Nature

"Oukop" Hill (2,5 km from Cradock on Middelburg Road)
If you'd like to have a panoramic view of the whole of Cradock take a drive up "Oukop". A little piece of the Karoo, just above town, awaits you. Go for a walk around it's slopes, and witness the Anglo-Boer war soldiers etchings, on a rock. This hill was used as a lookout post. You could even rest awhile after a long journey, by having a picnic up there, and better still, sundowners. Take your camera with.
Coordinates of Soldiers Etchings: 32°09'39"; 25°37'00"

Egg Rock (8 km from Cradock on Queenstown Road)
A 10m high egg shaped dolerite rock, weighing approx, 488 tons, precariously balanced on edge, on seemingly unstable material, with a piece missing on the southern side reputedly cleaved by lightning - circa 1937. Although the rock is near Cradock, a visit, seems to place you thousands of kilometre from civilisation in the most restful part of the Karoo. The road is poor, on Municipal property, and a typical Karoo farm atmosphere prevails. A visit to the rock and spending time climbing and admiring the scenery takes about an hour and a half.

The Mountain Zebra National Park (20km from Cradock - Graaff Reinet Road)
This scenic park of more than 28000 ha where the scenery varies from grass-covered plateaus to wooded ravines, provides a sanctuary for the rare Cape Mountain Zebra, as well as herds of eland, springbok, kudu, black wildebeest, blesbok, cape buffalo and red hartebeest, to name but a few, and smaller predators such as the cheetah, caracal, brown hyena, African wild cat, bat-eared fox and aardwolf. Over 250 bird species have been recorded here. In the park one really feels close to nature. There are opportunities for game viewing from your own vehicle, riding in the bracing mountain air, walking along several nature trails, or undertaking the 3 day hiking trail. (With overnight huts). Visitors to the Park can overnight in the rest camp's caravan park or self-contained chalets. The park also offers a licensed restaurant, conference facilities, swimming pools, fuel pumps and a shop for provisions and souvenirs. An unforgettable experience is a stay in the Doornhoek farmstead, which houses 6 persons, dates from 1836, and lies hidden in a secluded valley. It is a national monument, furnished with beautiful antiques. If you've travelled far to get away from the city, a visit to the Park is a must.

Karoo Pred - A - Tours Essentially a wild cat conservation, breeding and research facility, Karoo Pred - a - Tours is on a holiday farm near Cradock. The owners have now established a non profit trust to run the affairs of the cats and to facilitate fund raising efforts. The trust is called the Cat Conservation Trust. Their love of working with these animals has led them to expand their interest in the field of smaller African wild cat species.
The farm is popular for guided game drives with sundowners.
DAMS There are 3 irrigation dams in the area: Grassridge, Lake Arthur, and Kommandodrift. Lake Arthur is situated on the Tarka River, south east of Cradock. The dam was completed in 1924 and named after Prince Arthur of Connaught. Since the farm at Lake Arthur is rented out by the Great Fish River Irrigation Board, the dam is not open to the general public. Lake Arthur used to be popular for boating and fishing. Kommandodrift nature reserve is a popular getaway, managed by Eastern Cape Parks. The reserve may be reached on the Cradock - Tarkastad road (the R61). The Reserve is ideal for water sport enthusiasts, nature lovers and bird lovers. Picnic sites have been erected and visitors can enjoy boating and fishing. Hiking trials include a self guided two hour walk, as well as a day hike with overnight facilities. Kommandodrift comprises grassy plains, densely wooded water - courses and dolerite koppies, as well as herds of animal species, smaller predators and bird species. Grassridge is located north of Cradock, and is the starting point of the renowned Fish River Canoe Marathon, which is held annually, since 1982. The start of this marathon is at Grassridge Dam. As with the two dams previously mentioned, Grassridge is a popular retreat for birdlife, fishing water sports, boating, skiing.

Karoo Kraal
Karoo Kraal, a traditional open-air restaurant, with hearty Karoo meals and warm hospitality. It is an ideal venue for the hosting of events, functions, singers and bands. The tranquil Karoo night sky is the ideal setting for any star gazing enthusiast. A professional guide is available by arrangement. Also pony rides, wagon trips and informal settlement trips are available.

The Cradock Spa: (4 km from Cradock on the Marlow road)
Just outside Cradock and next to the Great Fish River, a surprise discovery awaits the visitor. The Karoo Sulphur Springs, now known as Cradock Spa, has an outdoor swimming pool, a heated indoor pool, caravanning, picnic facilities and a restaurant. This facility is currently undergoing a major revamp.