1. Step back in time at Olive Schreiner House

The Olive Schreiner House museum presents a rewarding walking tour of Cradock. One of the most interesting old buildings within the town, it is famous for being the home of world-renowned writer, anti-war campaigner, and human rights activist, Olive Schreiner’s home, where she lived with her three siblings.

It now boasts exhibitions that illustrate her life and work. You can even purchase Schreiner’s most celebrated novel, The Story of an African Farm, from its bookshop as you go on a 1-km (0.6-mi) tour of the property. With that, you can have your trouble-free stroll within its premises in good, old-fashioned quietude.

Olive Schreiner House Museum

Address: 9 Cross St, Cradock, 5880, South Africa

Website: Olive Schreiner House Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: 3 USD onwards

2. Get inspired by Egg Rock

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you’re looking for another way to spark your creativity as you unwind in Cradock, then visit Egg Rock on Queenstown Road. In 1937, this egg-shaped dolerite rock lost a part of its back due to lightning. With its height of 10 m (32.8 ft) and weight of 488 t (442,706 kg), and being perched on another rock formation, it appears as though it’s ready to fall but just doesn’t.

Getting to this magnificent area doesn’t pose any problem since the road is fairly accessible. Keep in mind that to make this stop worthwhile, allot one hour and a half to explore the scenery surrounding it.

Egg Rock

Address: Queenstown Road, Cradock, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 12:30pm, 2pm - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

3. Discover the gem that is Great Fish River Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Located just behind Cradock’s town hall, Great Fish River Museum is your atypical national monument. Well-kept inside an old parsonage, the museum lets visitors journey into the past.

Constructed in the year 1849, it has remained a beauty ever since. In addition to the photo display of Nelson Mandela’s life, the old photographs and furniture that reveal raw moments of simplicity and hardship lived by the Eastern Cape’s pioneering forefathers were also honestly preserved. There is a parsonage garden and a four-horse cart that dates back to the 1800s. You don’t come upon such jewels every day, so don’t skip this one on your list and let yourself be inspired.

The Great Fish River Museum

Address: 87 High Street, Cradock, 5880, South Africa

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm; Sat: 8am - 12pm (closed on Sun)

4. Camp out at Sanctuary Guest & Adventure Farm

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

While you’re stuck on the idea that camping is all about mountains and grubby trails, Sanctuary Guest & Adventure Farm lets you in on a tasteful secret. It is located on the banks of Great Fish River, providing comfortable and elegant camping sites for you and your loved ones.

While it is a place where you can vacation in tranquility, you can still enliven your stay with the activities that it has to offer. If you’re on a company outing, strengthen your team with the farm’s enjoyable and challenging obstacle course. You can go mountain biking, fly-fishing, and lamb feeding while the sun is still up. At night, you can stargaze as you drink your tea and savor a locally made evening snack.

Sanctuary Guest & Adventure Farm

Address: Sanctuary Farm, Cradock, 5880, South Africa

Website: Sanctuary Guest & Adventure Farm

Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)

5. Spend quality time at Bergplaas Nature Reserve

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you want an encounter with wildlife, look no further than Karoo’s 5,000-ha (12,355-ac) Bergplaas Nature Reserve. Declared a protected area, it is a place where animals can wander free. You can certainly spend some quality time here while also reconnecting with nature; take a walk along the streams or in the mountain and allow yourself to experience wholeness in your soul.

The reserve also boasts promising programs for leadership grounding and purpose. Most importantly, excellent lodgings, designed mainly for your comfort, will guarantee to make you want to prolong your stay here.

Bergplaas Nature Reserve

Website: Bergplaas Nature Reserve

6. Tee off at Cradock Golf Club

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Cradock Golf Club is one of the top-notch golf courses within Karoo. It’s a must if you’re up for some golfing while also enjoying a beautiful view and some great post-game food.

Founded originally for traveling farmers because of how ruggedly attractive the area was, this landscape that features a nine-hole course has stayed elegant and abundant with trees. A healthy climate also raises your chances of scoring well. Their friendly staff is always ready to assist you anytime.

Cradock Golf Club

Address: 26 Hofmeyer Rd, Cradock, 5880, South Africa

Website: Cradock Golf Club

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm

7. Visit Cradock 4 Garden of Remembrance

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Remarkably constructed on a hill to honor four men who died fighting for freedom, Cradock 4 Garden of Remembrance is one proof of this picturesque town’s ties to a historical struggle for liberation. This is a significant attraction that one should not forego.

The monument is a celebration of the lives of those who fought for democracy. It is an excellent venue for cultural events and educational tours, with improved facilities like the research and exhibition area, the amphitheatre, and a visitor center to boot. To call Cradock a thriving town, agriculturally speaking, is incomplete. Let yourself be enthralled as you stand before a legacy that reminds the country of unfailing hope.

Cradock 4 Garden of Remembrance

Address: Cradock Four Memorial, Vusubuntu cultural village, Lingelihle, Cradock, Eastern Cape, South Africa

8. Satisfy your coffee cravings at Karoo Brew

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Now, this place serves the best vibes. For adventure-seekers who also consider themselves foodies, you should never omit Karoo Brew from your itinerary. Alongside their freshly roasted coffee beans and the impressive ambiance, they serve creatively crafted drinks and milkshake selections.

As for the menu, among their list of delectable meals are their yummy pub-style snacks like their juicy chicken shawarma and pizzas garnished with carefully chosen toppings. But many say it’s not just the exceptional coffee that makes it worth a stopover. The staff is also warm and kind. When your vacation gets too tiresome, head to this spot for some unwinding over great food and coffee.

Karoo Brew (restaurant)

Address: 20 Durban St, Cradock, 5880, South Africa

Website: Karoo Brew

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 8pm; Sat: 2pm - 8pm (closed on Sun)

9. Have a calm evening at Kommietjies

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Aside from Cradock’s cultural sites and wildlife-related activities, there is also place like Kommietjies. A top-rated bar that offers an enjoyable yet laidback setting, Kommietjies is a great place to wind down with good music is playing in the background.

Opening their doors at 4pm, the place features a great range of affordable drinks. Whether you soon find yourself on their dancefloor or just playing pool with some newfound friends, you can expect a good time at Kommietjies.

Kommietjies

Address: 2247 Gazania St, Cradock, 5880, South Africa

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 4pm - 2am (closed on Sun)

Nearby attractions

10. Catch impressive wildlife sights at Mountain Zebra National Park

Mountain Zebra National Park has established itself as a superb nature reserve for the endangered Cape mountain zebras. For a stay, you can choose from their 19 family cottages or book yourself a site from their camping terrain. They also have two huts designed for overnight hikes.

However, the part that will make your stay unforgettable is the fact that it’s not just about the zebras. Catch sight of some buffalos and caracal, too. Make this one trip exemplary with their other activities such as game drives and cheetah tracking. Just don’t forget to put on some sunblock and to bring your hat.

Mountain Zebra National Park

Address: Eastern Cape province, South Africa

Website: Mountain Zebra National Park

Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)

Create meaningful memories in Cradock

Awaiting in Cradock are lots of meaningful memories to make. There are attractions that bring you closer to the natural world or to its rich history that profoundly influenced the present. Finally, you can end your day with great food, peace, and a feel-good atmosphere. Head to Cradock and experience this destination with a little bit of everything.