Victoria West

Victoria West, Upper Karoo

Victoria West is a typical and flourishing Karoo town on the N12 between Cape Town and Johannesburg via Kimberley, a minor detour off the N1 of some 60 kilometres or so.

You can also reach the village via the R63. It is well worth a visit for its historical buildings and homes, and its association with the legendary rugby player, Mannetjies Roux.

Victoria West, as you enter from the Loxton side (R63), is filled with a row of neat little houses, most of which are either Cape Cottage or Victorian-house style, and locals sweep their stoeps or gaze from the windows as you pass. This part of town that lies nestled in amongst the Victoria West Mountain and Moonlight Hill (on which there is a walking trail) is part of the original village of the town. You can see the difference further across town where, closer to the Victoria Trading Post, town becomes more modern.

Make sure you take in De Oude Pastorie, the oldest building in town. This dinky Anglican Church was built in 1869, restored in 2009, and boasts lovely stained glass windows. Also visit the Mannetjies Roux museum at the Victoria Trading Post.

Views from the edge of town include windpumps, artistically restored homes and breathtaking vistas, particularly after a storm.