Beaufort West

Beaufort West is situated within South Africa's Western Cape province and stands as the largest suburb in the arid expanse of the Great Karoo region. The town is known as the 'Capital of the Karoo'. Beaufort West serves as the focal point of an agricultural region primarily dedicated to sheep farming and plays a vital role as a prominent town and logistical support centre along the N1 national highway. Beaufort West is also known for its beauty and charm, a welcoming atmosphere and thriving community, making it a wonderful place to call home.

A brief history of the area

Beaufort West holds the distinction of being the first settlement in the heart of the central Karoo. Its inception dates back to 1818 when it was originally named Beaufort in honour of Henry Somerset, the 5th Duke of Beaufort. He was the father of Lord Charles Henry Somerset, who was serving as the governor of the Cape Colony at the time. The town underwent a name change in 1869 to become Beaufort West, a decision made to prevent any potential confusion with both Port Beaufort in the Western Cape and Fort Beaufort in the Eastern Cape.

Distance from key points

Beaufort West residents looking to reach George Airport can do so in two hours and 46 minutes (237 km) via the N12 and George is a two-hour and 53-minute drive (238,9 km) via the N12 as well. Oudtshoorn is one hour and 59 minutes away (178,2 km) via the N12.

Climate

The average temperature in Beaufort West is 17.9 °C with the annual precipitation here being approximately 392 mm. The warmest month of the year is January with an average temperature of 24 °C while the average temperature in July, the coldest month, is around 11.1 °C.

Schools in the area

Beaufort West has some excellent schools in and near the area for you to choose from for your children. The top schools worth looking into include Beaufort West Preparatory School, A.H. Barnard Primary School, Niko Brummer Primêre Skool, Bastiaanse Sekondêre Skool, Beaufort West Secondary School, Hoërskool Sentraal and South Cape College.

Healthcare in the area

When it comes to healthcare, you can have peace of mind knowing that Beaufort West Hospital and Beaufort West Hillside Clinic are within the area and provide great service and care.

If it is a veterinarian you are looking for, look no further than Beaufort Dierekliniek and Jaco Pienaar in Beaufort West.

Shopping centres

When you're in the mood for some retail therapy, or just have a couple of items you need to get, you could visit Beaufort Mall, Karoo Junction Mall or Beaufort Square.

Restaurants

Everyone likes to dine out every now and again and Beaufort West has some lovely restaurants to choose from. The best eateries in the area worth checking out include Joe's Easy Diner, Ye Olde Thatch Restaurant, Red Canyon Spur Steak Ranch, Karushi, Oppi Dek Pub & Grill and Kokkedoor Tessie Se Nessie.

Special attractions

Beaufort West has some wonderful attractions for you to explore. Here are the top three places you'll want to visit.

Brush up on your history and discover interesting facts when visiting the Beaufort West Museum. 

Experience the serene wildlife and plantlife only Africa can provide and be engulfed by natural beauty at the Karoo National Park.

The whole family will enjoy camping and spending quality time together in beautiful surroundings at the Steenbokkie Private Nature Reserve.

Make Beaufort West your home. Let it be your story.

Beaufort West is a beautiful, family-friendly location with a laid-back lifestyle that would have anyone happy to call home. Seeff has a wide range of properties within Beaufort West for you to choose from whether you're looking to purchase a property or rent a home, so contact one of our property practitioners today.