The small town of Richmond in the Northern Cape Province is situated roughly halfway between Johannesburg and the Cape coast between Hanover and Beaufort West. The town makes a wonderful stepping off point for all parts of the Great Karoo, its location being right at the centre of the Karoo desert. The town was founded in 1843 and is named after the Earl of Richmond, father-in-law of the then Cape Governor.

Richmond is in the heart of miles and miles of beautiful mountains and vast plains, once teeming with herds of springbok, the grazing has now been taken over by large flocks of sheep, which give rise to the world famous Karoo Lamb. Visitors to Richmond can be sure to get a warm Karoo welcome from the very hospitable locals. Summers here are warm and dry, but visitors should be sure to take something warm to wear in wintertime, when it can become very cold at night.