Latest Stories...
A Matter of Time
Tony Mauer was one of the last of those classic old-style watchmakers, plying his trade in the Eastern Cape village of Bedford. By Chris Marais
Fracking, Shell and Bob's Swimming Pool
In the Karoo, whether you’re the Dwarsvlei knitting circle, a church group or a book club, you may have the privilege of meeting high-up corporates who want to frack the shale gas out from under your feet. You may also learn more than you expected about a certain swimming pool.
By Julienne du Toit
Photographs by Chris Marais
Karoo Quilting Central
The historic Northern Cape settlement of Philipstown is a faded version of its former self. It’s also the home of the most exciting quilting project in South Africa.
By Julienne du ToitPictures: Chris Marais
Keepsake: Boy from Bethulie
One of South Africa’s most beloved actors and storytellers, the late Patrick Mynhardt, was a true son of the open plains. He grew up in the southern Free State town of Bethulie, deep in the Grassy Karoo.
Keepsake: The Outpost
Daily life at a remote stockpost in the deep Richtersveld. It’s all about tea, chickens and goats…
Words and photographs by Chris Marais
Northern Cape Escape Routes
It’s summer in the Northern Cape. Soon there will not be a spring daisy in sight. But there’s another kind of magic in this great province. Maybe a dozen different kinds of enchantments...
Text and Photographs by CHRIS MARAIS
Confessions of a Fracking Defector
A groundwater expert changes his stance on the fracking issue - with great consequences. By Julienne du Toit. Photographs by Chris Marais
HELP SAVE THE KAROO!
Click here to buy your copy of Karoo Keepsakes – a Traveller’s Companion for the retail price of R250 (postage and VAT included) and R50 will go towards the Treasure the Karoo Action Group’s legal fund for the fight against shale gas fracking in the Karoo.
Order Now
Karoo fracking threat unites communities
A Keepsake: Old School Karoo
If ever you need help climbing the family tree, then Cradock-based genealogist Duncan Ferguson is your man.
Karoo Camino - A Walk of Love
In support of a frack-free Karoo, 9 walkers took to the backroads and hill paths between Graaff-Reinet and Nieu Bethesda in mid-winter – and were touched by their experience in the Heartland.
Story by Julienne du Toit Photographs by Chris Marais
Fracking: A Letter to the Minister
A letter to Energy Minister Dipuo Peters (via her private secretary):
Trading Post
The Book Everyone's Talking About
One of South Africa’s most successful independent publishing ventures, Karoo Keepsakes is more than a book. It’s a gift, it’s a traveller’s companion, it’s a dedication to the people and the places that make up the dry Heartland of South Africa.
Steel Flowers - Windmills of the Karoo
Welcome to Steel Flowers, the largest collection of windmill photographs in the world.
Here in the South African Heartland – the Karoo – the windmill (windpump) is the premier icon.
The Classic Karoo Map
Look closely at the detail on this map of the Karoo.
The little emblems and symbols speak of the distinct features of every region, every town.
Icons of the Karoo - Special Postcard Edition
What comes to mind when you think about the Great Karoo?
