United Nations support elevates a local solution to a global model
The initiative could not only transform the Karoo’s environment but also offer a blueprint for how degraded lands in other arid and semi-arid regions can be brought back to life.
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The real economics of farm stalls
Successful Karoo farm stalls tend to operate as destinations rather than pit stops.
The light that unsettles the night
The moon is not a decorative element in places like the Karoo, but a participatory element.
Raising children far from cities
In accepting the trade-offs, Karoo families are creating a deliberate future carried forward by children who know where they come from.
The slow drama of a tortoise crossing the road
A tortoise in the road turns a Karoo journey into a lesson in misplaced urgency. For a few minutes, speed loses its authority and there is a small tear in space and time.
What do Karoo towns actually want from local government?
Local economies in the Karoo are fragile and deeply interconnected, and residents are wary of economic promises that ignore this reality.
What it takes to start over in a small farming district
Starting again in a small farming district takes more than enthusiasm. This Karoo Times feature explores the financial planning and community ties that help families rebuild successful rural lives.
Why painters and sculptors keep turning up in semi-desert towns
Semi-desert towns offer artists something increasingly scarce: time and room to experiment.
Five underrated 'dorps' worth the long drive
Some of the Karoo’s most memorable towns are far from the highways, rewarding travellers with history and hospitality. Bethulie, Williston, Fraserburg, Calvinia and Loeriesfontein prove that the longest drives often deliver the richest stories.
Gravel Burn set to blaze a trail through the heart of the Karoo
The event is a reminder that the Karoo’s gravel roads can also host world-class adventure sport.
Saving the small things: why insects and grasses matter more than we think
Conservation does not always start with headline grabbing species or sweeping policies. Often it begins by simply brushing aside the gravel to find the life below.
Wildlife joins wool in the Karoo’s evolving farm model
Karoo farming that embraces diversity is a pragmatic response to modern pressures.
SALT telescope sheds new light on a star’s mysterious behaviour
While the Karoo’s horizons are prized for their natural beauty, they now also host a gateway to cosmic drama.
How Karoo towns are courting tourism without losing their soul
Towns are not chasing mass appeal but are curating experiences that reward patience and respect for place.