Sutherland is a small town based in the Karoo, a semi desert, arid area, but has beauty that can be appreciated by those who take the time to understand it. It was established around a community church that served the many farmers of the area. The town gets its name from the pastor that was responsible for building the first church.

Today Sutherland hosts the SALT, or Southern African Large Telescope, which is situated at the SAAO site, about 11kMs out of town. SALT is the one of the large telescope operated in the Southern Hemisphere, and is a joint venture between six countries. These are the United States, Germany, Poland, United Kingdom, New Zealand and of course South Africa. There are also smaller telescopes based on the SAAO site, which have been relocated here from other areas of South Africa, or are owned by international communities.

Sutherland is also known as one of the coldest places in South Africa. A contentious issue, but many claim that it is the coldest town in SA, while others claim that an Eastern Cape town is the coldest, but due to the fact that only Sutherland has a certified weather station, it is widely accepted as the coldest.

Don't just come to Sutherland for these two attractions, but also come experience the friendliness of the town folks as well as the great tasting mutton, that many claim to be the best tasting in South Africa too. The area also boasts a tulip farm, a sheep cheese farm and a few 4x4 routes. The Ouberg Pass offers a great view to all who visit there. The town of Sutherland is also home to a NG Church that is marvelled by the visitors, and "Louw Huis", which is the birth place of NP Van Wyk Louw and WEG Louw.  There is enough here to keep you occupied for many days. Whatever reason you find to visit this quaint town be assured that you have experienced the best town in South Africa, Sutherland.

Sutherland has at least two shops to purchase necessary items, and currently three restaurants that serve very good food. There is also a petrol station, but you should find out the operating hours before relying on petrol. All shops in town still close for lunch and if you do not know the hours, it could become frustrating, but this only lends to the quant feeling of a true Karoo town.

What we recommend:

Although Sutherland is considered small, we would strongly recommend that you plan to stay at least two nights, especially if you are travelling far. There are at least two activities that you should do while you are in Sutherland, and they are a day trip to the observatory and a night time "star-gazing" event. We can assist you in booking these tours or an evening meal at one of the restaurants.

By spending two days, you need not rush through the observatory and you can leave feeling well rested, if you do find that you have spare time, there are ample attractions that you can find to fill up a few minutes to a few extra days.