Camdeboo on the map

Along the same lines as the well known and frequently visited Midlands Meander, ‘The Plains of Camdeboo’ will put our little corner on the map.

This ‘route map’ is the first project to be embarked upon by the Camdeboo Local Tourism Organisation (CLTO), recently established under the guidance of the Cacadu District Municipality (CDM).

The CLTO, established through a process of public consultation, acts as an umbrella body for the individual tourism offices cunently operating in each town. The primary function of the CLTO is to market the Camdeboo Municipal area as a tourism destination.

The intention of this ‘Route’ is to attract more tourists and also increase their length of stay in the area by showcasing the attractions in an easily accessible form.

Ultimately, all business located within the Camdeboo will benefit from this venture.

The CLTO has secured financial assistance to the tune of R200 000 through SEDA and the CDM for the establishment of this route.

The CLTO has partnered with Boomtown Strategic Brand Agency, a professional advertising agency, in order to develop and market this route effectively. In addition, Boomtown will be producing a ‘zoom in’ street map for each town.

These route maps (printed as posters) will be framed and displayed in guest suites, restaurants, shops and the like, while a smaller version of the route map will be supplied as brochures to tourists as a guide while spending time in the Camdeboo and surrounding towns.

The route map will also be reproduced as large signboards to be potentially displayed at fuel stations throughout the Camdeboo.

Fuel station attendants, car guards and hospitality staff will be offered training free of charge in order to educate them on both the contents of this map as well as customer service skills. Finally, the route map will also appear on the respective towns’ web sites.

With the support of Boomtown, the CLTO will be launching ‘The Plains of Camdeboo’ to the media, residents and visitors during the much anticipated Karoo-lus Festival taking place from March 19 to 20.

Following the official launch, tour operators will be invited to experience firsthand what the Camdeboo has to offer.

Routes which fall within the ‘Route’ (i.e. historical walking trails, educational school outings, painting workshops and culinary experiences) as well as tour operator packages will also be developed later in the year to compliment the original route.

It is important to note that, although the primary objective of this route map is to showcase the attractions of the Camdeboo, it will also provide a platform for the development of local SMME’s that generally struggle to market themselves independently.

The public is invited to study the route map at the Graaff-Reinet Tourism Office and advise Sandy Will of any omissions, additions or corrections by Monday. March ~. at the latest.

Alternatively, visit www.travelkaroo.co.za and open the pdf document entitled ‘The Plains of Camdeboo’ or e-mail Elizabeth Upton at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information.

We would like to highlight that only establishments that are registered members of the various town Tourism Offices will be included on the printed version. Should you wish to add your establishment, it is imperative to register with the relevant tourism office by Monday, March 8.

To register contact: Graaff-Reinet: Tercia Moos (049 892 4248).

Umasizakhe: Bethwell Ndudula (078 557 9323).

Aberdeen: Jean Watermeyer (049 846 0067 or 082 571-0571).

>Nieu-Bethesda: Andre Cilliers (049 841 1602).