Britstown Accommodation

Set against the wide, sun-baked plains of the Northern Cape, Britstown is a quintessential Karoo settlement where long horizons, dry landscapes and a rich pioneering history create an appealing stopover for travellers exploring the interior. The town lies on the N12, roughly midway between Kimberley and Beaufort West, and also sits near the junction with the N10, making it a natural pause on a journey through the Hantam Karoo & Upper Karoo Region.

Britstown was established in the 1870s during the excitement of the diamond rush. Its origins are closely linked to Hans Brits, a local farmer who settled on the farm Gemsbokfontein after accompanying the celebrated explorer David Livingstone on a journey into the interior. When diamonds were discovered at Kimberley and Hopetown, Brits recognised the opportunity presented by the growing stream of prospectors and travellers. A settlement was laid out on part of his farm in 1877 and named Britstown in his honour.

The town's past can be explored at the Brickstown Museum, housed in the former Holy Trinity Church, while the historic Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk - Britstown provides another glimpse into the community's early years. The surrounding farms are also home to important Khoisan rock engravings, offering a fascinating window into the area's much older human history.

For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking trails across nearby farms provide an opportunity to experience the stark beauty of the Karoo at walking pace. Come evening, the sparse settlement and exceptionally open skies make Britstown an appealing destination for stargazing, when the vastness of the landscape seems to extend well beyond the horizon.