Towns and suburbs

Klaarstroom

Klaarstroom is a small settlement at the southern entrance to the Swartberg Pass near De Rust. It is best known as a quiet stop along the scenic route between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert.

Klaarstroom

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Klaarstroom is a small settlement in the Karoo of the Western Cape, situated in a narrow valley at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains. It lies about 15 km south of De Rust, just off the R407 road leading to the Swartberg Pass and Prince Albert. The village sits along the Klaarstroom River and serves mainly as a quiet stopover for travellers moving between Oudtshoorn, the Swartberg Pass and the Great Karoo. Klaarstroom is just 500m off the N12, making it a convenient stopover en route to the Garden Route from the north of the country.

History of Klaarstroom

Klaarstroom, originally a loan farm, De Claar Stroom, was granted in 1777 and named for its abundant clear streams originating from the Swartberg Mountain. The village was surveyed in 1860 on land owned by Petrus Oosthuizen, initially called Petersburg (or Pietersburg). The current name means “Clear stream” This refers to the water that flows off the Swartburg mountains. As a result of this water, the vineyards flourish and produce wonderful grapes. This, in turn, produces the best Witblits (moonshine), which is a distilled spirit from the grapes. Some swear by its medicinal qualities, others insist it affects eyesight.

The clear water in the river presented the first opportunity to wool farmers en route to Mossel Bay to wash their wool. This led to the establishment of a wool-washing facility. However, technology, the railways and highways made this stop unnecessary, and the wool-washing facility closed down

The little village has many examples of Victorian buildings and restored Victorian homesteads. There are three churches, a Victorian-style police station built in 1897, a General Dealer, a hotel/bar/restaurant, and an authentic old-world guest house.

The otherwise sleepy town was the scene of a commotion during the Anglo-Boer War when Denys Reitz and his flying commando galloped through the British-held town.  In 1901, Boer commandos of about 300 men, under Gideon Scheepers, raided the village, destroying the telegraph office, looting stores, and briefly occupying the hotel, while British forces patrolled the area, leading to skirmishes.  This resulted in two casualties, and the graves are in the Anglican Church cemetery.

The town has kept its rural, sleepy atmosphere, but there is a dam in the area that is offered as a skinny-dipping venue.

Klaarstroom also has its own ghost story, ” The Wandering Jew of the Swartburg. An old smous (hawker) who rides with visitors and then suddenly disappears.

Transport

The nearest rail access is in Leeu-Gamka, approximately 50 km away. Intercity buses operate sporadically along the N12 corridor. Transport is otherwise by private cars and private taxis.

The postcode for Klaarstroom is 6932

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Things to see and do in Klaarstroom

  • The Aapsrivierspoort pass
  • Klaarstroom Hotel, built in 1874,
  • The village is renowned for its well-preserved Victorian architecture
  • Meiringspoort
  • Carp Derby bi-annual angling event at Stompdrift Dam 064 695 0030

Resources

Practical information for the Western Cape, Regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

local WEATHER TODAY

Browse businesses and places to visit in Klaarstroom

 

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Useful Numbers in Klaarstroom

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities in and around

  • Emergency Services

  • Police: 079 893 9995
  • Fire: Prince Albert – 0842796430 or 0822200848
  • Ambulance: 10177

  • Medical

  • Closest hospital: Prince Albert 023 541 1300/ 1301
  • Clinic; Sub-District Office – 023 5411 300

  • Municipal & Utilities

  • Water:0822200848
  • Electricity:023 5411320, after hours on tel: 0822200848

  • Transport & Roads

  • Traffic department: Prince Albert 023 541 1648 / 648 / 306

  • Community & Safety

  • SPCA: The De Rust Animal Health Trust 082 297 6977

  • Local Contacts and Community Resources 

  • Post office; Post Agency – 023 541 1667
  • Library:023 541 1193

  • Schools in Klaarstroom

  • : Primary school 023-541-1993

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