De Aar – Wool Commercial Centre
The small town of De Aar is situated in the heart of the Groot Karoo, strategically placed on the railway line between Cape Town and Kimberley, dating back to the late 1800s. Known as a commercial hub for wool production and livestock farming, De Aar plays a vital role in the economy of this semi-arid region. Interestingly, the town is sustained by a generous underground water source, often referred to as “the artery” — from which De Aar gets its name, meaning “the artery” in Dutch.
Visitors to De Aar will uncover a number of historical and cultural treasures. The house once occupied by renowned feminist Olive Schreiner is now a charming restaurant that serves traditional South African cuisine in a heritage setting. History enthusiasts can stroll through the Garden of Remembrance, a tribute to British soldiers who perished during the Anglo-Boer War.
Not far from town, the Brandfontein and Nooitgedacht farms feature ancient Khoisan rock engravings, showcasing early human creativity and culture.
De Aar has also earned international acclaim in the world of paragliding. Its dry, clear weather and open landscapes provide ideal conditions for long-distance flights — in fact, more than half of the world’s long-distance paragliding records have been set here. Paragliding events draw pilots from around the globe, and visitors can arrange a thrilling tandem flight to witness the beauty of the Karoo from above.
