A taste of the grand silence and history of the Karoo
A journey back to a time when life was simpler
Travelling south to Graaff-Reinet on the N9 and just beyond the R61 turnoff to Cradock via the Wapadsberg, a gravel road leads off to the left signposted “Letskraal” and “Koloniesplaas”. At exactly 17kma locked farm gate marks the entrance to Letskraal. A gentle hoot brings Lydia to open the gate and 500mdown a dirt track, one enters an immaculately swept werf that surrounds the farmhouse along with the remains of several ox-wagons. It was built around 1800 for Andries Pretorius, after whom Pretoria was named, who lived there from 1818 until 1838 when he trekked north to support his compatriots at the Battle of Blood River. The homestead, built of mud and straw with its white walls and green shutters so reminiscent of the Cape Dutch style, has been lovingly and authentically restored by Johan and Rina Minnaar, who live 60kmaway in Graaff-Reinet — they emphasise that we are the curators of Letskraal during our stay. Although the accommodation is comfortable — there are three double b...
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