Murraysburg is a quaint Karoo town that has always respected its heritage. The ambiance is a laid back lifestyle, dusty roads, historic homes, beautifully kept gardens, friendly people and surrounding farms, popular for farm stays and hunting. The odd windmill still waters veggie gardens in the village and the church organ is one of only three in the country.
The stark beauty that comes with this arid landscape, is offset in Murraysburg by the Buffels River, and is the subject of many photographs. Rock art is plentiful on the surrounding farms, adding to the cultural canvas. This treasure of the Karoo is home to so many crafters that Country Life magazine dubbed Murraysburg the “Crafters Mecca of the Karoo.” (Country Life Dec 2000).
The list of activities caters for bird watchers, hiking enthusiasts, geology inquisitors, culinary investigators, fossil hunters, stargazers, history buffs, spectacular scenery collectors, biking fanatics and rock art explorers. The hunting season is from May to the end of August every year.
The bird life in Murraysburg is plentiful, with the Verreaux or Black Eagle in abundance. A wide variety of smaller eagles and falcons like the Jackal Buzzard, Black Chested Snake Eagle, Black Shouldered Kite, Cape Eagle Owl, Barn Owl, Greater Kestrel and Nightjar reside here. Even the Martial Eagle can be seen once in a while. Along the perennial Buffalo River you may be hear Fish Eagle calling, and at Badsfontein’s dam you will find Flamingo,Pigmy Kingfisher and Giant Kingfisher as well as the rare Ground Woodpecker. The area is privileged to have our national bird the Blue Crane as a resident. Over the years there have been about 269 bird species recorded by the regular bird watchers.
Snow on the ground is not unheard of during winter, whilst the summers can get really hot and the temperature is seldom below thirty degrees. The best time to visit is March-April and September-October when days are sunny and evenings cool. Of interest is the perennial fountain on Toorfontein farm which gurgles out of the ground providing fresh water throughout the year despite soaring temperatures or droughts.
Drive along the N1 national highway from Cape Town towards Paarl and continue on to Beaufort West, turning off onto the R63 to Murraysburg. (About 620km)
For information on this area, visit ShowMe Central Karoo
