Laingsburg

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Geography and History

Laingsburg is situated in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. This friendly modern Karoo town is situated at the gateway to the Great Karoo with its proud tradition of old-fashioned hospitality. Known to many as a geologist's wonderland, Laingsburg has much to offer tourists to see and do.

Laingsburg, established in 1881, by Stephanus Greef and his wife Martha who named it after John Laing the commissioner of Crown Properties at the time, was almost entirely destroyed by the flood of 1981. As it was in the past, live stock farming is the main source of income and with that, agri- tourism is also becoming a growing trend.

Activities

San art and ancient man-made rock formations in the area shed some light on the first inhabitants.

An Anglo-Boer War blockhouse, the Wolfaardt collection and historical buildings dating back to the 1800's and early 1900`s give a fascinating account of Laingsburg’s more recent history.

Summers are extremely hot and dry, with temperatures usually exceeding 30°C. Winters are crisp to sometimes very cold, with snow occasionally occurring in the surrounding region.

Nature enthusiasts will love Laingsburg!.Many activities include hiking, mountain biking, bird watching 4 x 4ing will keep you busy for days!

One of the biggest events held in Laingsburg yearly is the Karoo Ultra Marathon, which consist on a 10, 21 and 80 km run. One of its greatest assets being Seweweekspoort, could best be described as a living portrait.

In October Laingsburg invites visitors to come and enjoy all the fun of the fair at the Karoofeeswhich includes a veld restaurant and beer tent, boeremusiek and langarmdans, a half marathon, pigeon races, veteran tractors, competitions for the youngsters, performances by musicians, a karate demonstration and lots of stalls selling crafts, produce and wonderful Karoo food.