The little town of Touws River is part of the Great Karoo Valley so you would be somewhat forgiven for thinking there’s a lack of things to do and places to see in Touws River given this arid part of the Western Cape. However, who says you always have to be doing something whilst on a breakaway? The Karoo region is well known for its cloudless, clear skies which makes stargazing absolutely magical and that’s just one of the many Touws River activities you can look forward to when visiting this Karoo town.
Check into Your Touws River Accommodation
First things first, you need somewhere to rest your head even though the travel time from Cape Town to Touws River is only 2 hours. And there’s quite a few Touws River accommodations to choose from!
Loganda Karoo Lodge
Loganda Karoo Lodge is the perfect stopover for long distance travellers or if you’re opting for a fuss free accommodation option. All the African décor inspired rooms have en-suite bathrooms, smart TV’s and uncapped WiFi in case you need to get some work done. The lodge also has a communal lounge, self-catering bar and swimming pool with an outdoor boma to make your stay even more relaxing.
Kudukloof Mountain Lodge
Quite possibly the most secluded accommodation in Touws River is Kudukloof Mountain Lodge. This luxury off-the-beaten path homestead is only accessible with a 4×4 vehicle and is entirely off the grid! The homestead sits on 550 hectares of untouched Western Cape bushland, so you can look forward to incomparable views of the Great Karoo Valley while unwinding in the wood-fired hot tub or splash pool. Kudukloof comfortably sleeps 16 persons (12 adults and 4 children) in six bedrooms.
Kamagu Safari Lodge
If you’re looking for Touws River accommodation that caters for large groups then look no further than Kamagu Safari Lodge. This farm-style lodge accommodates up to 21 people on a 5000-hectare farmstead. Kamagu is equipped with several amenities to ensure that guests stay both entertained and relaxed during their stay. Take your pick from the large swimming pool with a sauna, Jacuzzi, indoor built-in braai, outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven and fire-pit boma, kids jungle-gym, library, and billiards room (with a bar and television for sports)! The property also has a seasonal garden which guests are free to make use of during their stay.
Komkyk Accommodation
Located just off the N1 highway, Komkyk is the perfect stopover Karoo accommodation for the long distance traveller. Komkyk offers fuss free self-catering chalets in Touws River. In addition to this, the property also has backpacker’s accommodation and campsites equipped with electrical power points and portable braai’s with a grid. There’s also a lovely swimming pool to cool off in on the hot Karoo days!
www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/komkyk-touwsrivier
Things to Do and Places to See in Touws River
Aquila Game Reserve
One of the biggest Touws River attractions is undoubtedly Aquila Private Game Reserve. Aquila offers half day, full day or overnight safari packages including discounted children’s rates, which makes them the ideal family-friendly game reserve to visit in the Western Cape. Day trips include a welcome drink, light meal and of course, the Big 5 game drive. The overnight safari package comprises of accommodation, two Big 5 game drives, all meals and a Karoo stargazing experience by the fire with toasted marshmallows. Aquila has loads of activities for the kids including a junior ranger’s programme, indoor and outdoor children’s activity areas with a mini-golf course as well as a child-minding service available by pre-arrangement.
Gideon Joubert Monument Park
If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Touws River while passing the time then you should visit the Gideon Joubert Park. The park is home to a full sized and miniature steam locomotive that has been lovingly restored. Take a stroll in the park or pack a picnic, round up the family and stay for a few hours. The park also houses the Madiba Thembekile Mandela Memorial Stone, unveiled on 13 July 2019, is situated in the Gideon Joubert Park in Touws River. The monument commemorates the 50th anniversary of the death of Madiba Thembekile Mandela (former President Nelson Mandela’s eldest son), Christina Klaassen, Irene Simelane, and Angelo Egidio, who tragically lost their lives in a motor vehicle accident in Touws River, on 13 July 1969.
Kroonplaas Restaurant
A true country-style Touws River restaurant is Kroonplaas, conveniently situated right next to the Engen garage off the N1 highway. They serve good ol’ South African food like roosterkoek, filled pancakes, Boerie rolls and moerkoffie. The in-house farmstall sells a selection of wines, jams, quirky gifts and of course biltong.
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun from 7:00 am – 20:30
