Jansenville is a small town situated in the Noorsveld (a cactus-like succulent that abounds in the district) region of the Karoo, just to the North of the Klein Winterhoek Mountains. The town is well known for its Angora goat stud farms and has long been at the heart of the mohair industry of South Africa. The town is located on the banks of the Sundays River and is about 90 kms to the south of Graaff-Reinet on the R75 road to Port Elizabeth. While in this region a "must" is the Addo Elephant National Park, just a few kms to the southeast of Jansenville.

Jansenville was founded in 1854 and is named after Jan Willem Janssens, governor of the Cape Colony in 1803. The area has some excellent hiking trails through the Noorsveld, and local amenities include micro-lite flights, game hunting safaris, nocturnal night drives and, horse riding. The Karoo is famous for its hospitality, and you can find some excellent accommodation in the area. Take a look at Sid Fourie House for a fine collection of writings, books and pictures, and don't leave Jansenville without tasting its renowned koeksusters, known as the best in the Karoo.