{"id":98725,"date":"2016-04-11T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/karoo-festivals-winter\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:53:22","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:53:22","slug":"karoo-festivals-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/karoo-festivals-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Karoo Festivals To Enjoy This Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"williston
\nOne of the many qualities I love about the Karoo is that it is loosely-defined. No one is quite sure how far it extends, all one can say is that it’s home to the best hospitality you’ll encounter anywhere. This unique semi-desert landscape with its small towns packed with life and character is only a few hour’s drive from most major cities. When colonisers first ventured into the interior it was with fear of the harsh Karoo conditions; these days you’ll encounter every comfort, charming towns and delicious food for a welcome respite from city-living. This winter get ready for weekends away with a difference- Travelstart brings you 10 festivals to surprise and delight. In calendar order:
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1. Calling all foodies- the Karoo Food Festival, Cradock, 29 April – 1 May<\/h2>\n

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Courtesy of The Karoo Food Festival on Facebook<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Tuck in to some local delicacies at this festival which is in its fourth year and going strong. Learn how to make your very own “karoo sushi” at the Orange Grove Food Stall on the Friday night only! R50 bookings essential. Email karoofoodfestival@gmail.com for more info. Other specialities to look forward to include karoo lamb bunny chows!
\nWhere:<\/strong> Cradock
\nWhen:<\/strong> 29 April – 1 May 2016
\nTop tip:<\/strong> Be sure to stop in at the Dagga Boer Padstal on the way there for local delights such as\u00a0slap hakskeentjies (onions in a mild mustard sauce), boeremeisies (apricots in an almond-infused witblits), and turksvystroop (thick prickly pear syrup) as well as dried fruit and Dutch cheeses.
\nN10 |\u00a035km after Cookhouse if you\u2019re driving from PE.<\/p>\n

2. Afrika Burn, Tankwa Karoo, 25 April – 1 May 2016<\/h2>\n

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Courtesy of Michael Groenewald via Instagram<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

This version of Burning man retains the start-up, artistic spirit of the original. Set in the dusty, beautiful Tankwa desert in the Karoo this festival of art and music is a smaller version of the Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert. Go for the astounding stars in the clear sky and incredible artwork.<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong>\u00a0the Tankwa Karoo<\/p>\n

When:<\/strong> 25 April \u2013 1 May 2016<\/p>\n

3. Castle Lager Eastern Cape Biltong Festival, Somerset East,\u00a0June 17 – 18<\/h2>\n

\"Screen<\/p>\n

Courtesy of karoobokkie via Instagram<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

This annual celebration of one of the best things in life – biltong – is a quarter of a century old this year! The brainchild of Bedford farmer Willem de Klerk, the festival draws a fun, food-loving crowd from far and wide. The activities centre around the Somerset East showgrounds where there are over 300 art and food stalls and a busy program of events. You can look forward to a friendly, fun weekend and lots of delicious kudu wors, burgers and biltong!
\nWhere:<\/strong> Somerset East
\nWhen:<\/strong> June 17- June 18 2016<\/p>\n

4. Klein Karoo Klassique, Oudtshoorn, 11 – 14 August 2016<\/h2>\n

\"kleinkarooklassique\"<\/p>\n

Courtesy of Hans Van der Veen via the\u00a0 Klein Karoo Classique Facebook Page<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Fine music, fine food and fine wine make this late winter festival a must-visit. Just a 2 hour flight from Johannesburg to Goeorge and a quick 50 minute drive from George to Oudtshoorn, a 5 hour drive from Cape Town, and 4 hours from P.E. this is a surprisingly accessible weekend trip. This ostrich capital of the world is home to much more than elegantly-feathered bipeds.
\nWhere:<\/strong> Oudtshoorn
\nWhen:<\/strong> 11 – 14 August 2016<\/p>\n

Find cheap flights to George here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Also read:<\/strong><\/p>\n