The coldest place in Africa blessed with an abundance of stars

Discover the warm welcome of the Northern Cape

The village or town of Sutherland in the Northern Cape province of South Africa might not be a tourist destination with white sandy beaches or grand shopping centers, but it sure is special.

Here, almost in the middle of nowhere, this beautiful little town of Sutherland is home to SALT (Southern Africa Large Telescope) the biggest telescope in Africa.

Due to the fact that this small village is situated far from the city, it is the perfect place to do stargazing and that is exactly what it’s famous for. Being halfway between Chile and Australia, it was the perfect place to set up the telescope. But Sutherland is also famous for being the coldest place in South Africa during winter, so when you go for your visit, do take warm clothes (and maybe extra socks, and scarves, and another jacket, and….). The coldest temperature recorded here was -16.4 degrees on 12 July 2003.

This tiny Karoo town has only one tar road which is the 1km long main road. The rest are all gravel roads. You’ll find no big shopping centers, but a food stoor and ATM and fuel stations as well as a number of churches, etc.

You’ll have to travel by car:

It is an approximate 3 hr 50 min (344 km) car ride from the Cape Town International Airport.

How to get there:

From the airport, you’ll take the R300 towards the N1. Continue on the N1 for about 2 hr 39 min (233,5 km).

At the Matjiesfontein turn off you turn left. From there it is about a 1 hr 13 min (113 km) drive via the R354.

In 2019 the town was nominated as a “Town of the year finalist” by KykNET. The video is in Afrikaans (the language spoken by most of the local residents), but it will give you an idea of what to expect when you visit.

Sutherland at-a-Glance:

Location: Northern Cape, South Africa
Distance from Cape Town: ~344 km (approx. 3.5–4 hours)
Top Highlights: SALT Telescope, Sub-zero Winter Snowfall, Dark Sky Stargazing
Best Season: July–August (Snow & clear night skies) | Sept–Oct (Wildflowers & hiking)

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Sutherland is actually during winter (July to August) – this is strangely enough the best time to visit the planetarium and see the stars. Furthermore it is also freezing cold during that time of the year, but everything turns into a beautiful winter wonderland of white fluffy snow. (Something special for those of us in South Africa not used to seeing snow every winter.) From September to October you’ll find it to be the best time for hiking – during early spring time. This is also a magical time to visit this quiet little town in the Karoo. A time when nature comes to life.

12 Things to do when you visit Sutherland

About 23 Km before Sutherland, you’ll see “Hokaai Padstal / Verlatenkloof Farm stall” – this Fram stall is the perfect stop for some local produce.
You have to visit the big Telescope SALT. To arrange for visits or get more information, visit their website: https://www.saao.ac.za/
Visit the planetarium
Star gazing sessions are presented throughout the year, but you have to book in advance. Stargazing at the Sutherland Planetarium (Tel: 078 603 0058) Every evening, weather permitted from 20h00.
Visit the Louw Huis Museum (Home of writer NP van Wyk Louw)
Middelfontein offers walking trails with beautiful scenery and flowers, especially in springtime. Walking the Footpath of the passionate shepherd is a special experience.
Mountain biking and mountain climbing
The beautiful NG Kerk stands proudly in the heart of Sutherland and remains one of the town’s best-known landmarks. Attend a Sunday service if at all possible.
Experience a Karoo sunset or sunrise and take in some quiet me-time
Located 15 minutes’ drive from Sutherland is the Rogge Cloof, a biosphere reserve in the Karoo region, which also offers accommodation.
Admire the architecture: The corbelled houses are among South Africa’s most distinctive examples of early settler architecture and are a fascinating stop for history lovers.
Ouberg Pass & Gannaga Pass:
- Ouberg Pass offers one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Northern Cape, dropping steeply from the Roggeveld Escarpment into the Tankwa Karoo.
- Gannaga Pass is a spectacular gravel mountain pass linking the Roggeveld plateau with the Tankwa Karoo, popular with 4×4 drivers and adventure motorcyclists.
- Both passes reward visitors with sweeping Karoo landscapes, rugged cliffs and unforgettable photo opportunities.
- The gravel roads are generally suitable for high-clearance vehicles, but conditions can change after heavy rain.

Where to eat

In the heart of this historic town, you’ll find The Blue Moon Restaurant for traditional and delicious food.

While you’re in the area:

Matjiesfontein is approx. 1h13 min. from Sutherland.

Travel Tip –

AN IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIP for your Fuel Strategy: Distances between towns in the Karoo are long, so fill up whenever you have the opportunity, especially in Ceres, Matjiesfontein or Sutherland before continuing your journey. Even if your tank is half full, topping up is a smart habit when driving through this remote region.

Find the best places to stay

Book with someone you can trust.

Also read about a beautiful place called Jasper in America.

Rogge Cloof

“Located 15 minutes’ drive from Sutherland, Rogge Cloof is a biosphere reserve in the Karoo region that offers self-catering as well as all inclusive accommodation.

Some of the units at Rogge Cloof are equipped with a kitchenette and a spacious living area with dining table. Free WiFi is available.

Activities on site or in the surrounding area include game drives, wine tasting, star gazing, fossil hunting, hiking, cycling and volcano visits.” – Booking.com

Rogge Cloof

A 40 min drive from the South African Astronomical Observatory and SALT.

Helpful travel tips:

Check the Weather Before You Go: Sutherland’s weather can change quickly. Winter mornings often bring frost or snow, while summer days can be warm and dry. Always check the forecast before setting off, especially if you plan to drive mountain passes.
Allow Extra Driving Time: Karoo roads are made for enjoying the scenery, not rushing. Gravel roads and mountain passes take longer than GPS estimates, so leave plenty of time between destinations.
Download Offline Maps: Navigation apps work well in towns, but mobile coverage becomes patchy in remote parts of the Karoo. Download your maps before leaving home.
Pack Snacks and Water: You’ll spend a lot of time driving between attractions. Keeping drinking water and a few snacks in the car makes the journey far more comfortable.
Don’t Rush Your Visit: Many people visit only for the observatory, but Sutherland is best enjoyed at a slower pace. Spend time exploring the town, browse local shops, enjoy Karoo hospitality and take in the peaceful landscape.
Visit in Winter for the Full Experience: Winter brings crisp air, frosty mornings and some of South Africa’s clearest night skies. It’s also the season when Sutherland is most likely to experience snowfall, creating an unforgettable Karoo landscape.

Visit Matjiesfontein

One of Sutherland’s greatest strengths is its people. Karoo hospitality is genuine, unhurried and down-to-earth. Visitors are often welcomed with a friendly greeting, local recommendations and the kind of personal service that’s becoming increasingly rare.

It’s this warm, authentic welcome that makes many visitors feel at home from the moment they arrive.

Sutherland is more than South Africa’s stargazing capital. It’s a place where quiet roads, vast landscapes and crystal-clear night skies invite you to slow down and appreciate the simple beauty of the Karoo. Spend a night beneath the stars, enjoy the fresh mountain air and take your time exploring this unique little town—you’ll leave with memories that stay with you long after the journey home.