Blue Crane Tourism

19/08/2026

Looking for a relaxed spot to enjoy good food, friendly Karoo hospitality and a beautiful setting? Somerset on Main in the heart of KwaNojoli Somerset East is well worth a visit!

Housed in one of the town's historic buildings, this welcoming Pub & Grill sits beneath the magnificent Boschberg Mountain. Enjoy locally sourced steaks, delicious ribs, wood-fired pizzas and other hearty favourites, with a selection of drinks to round off your meal.

Pull up a chair on the sunny deck, soak up the mountain views and, if you're lucky, enjoy one of Somerset East's spectacular sunsets. Dinner on a winter evening is enjoyed in front of a fireplace, warming up inside and out.

Whether you're stopping for lunch, meeting friends for a drink, or enjoying a relaxed evening meal, Somerset on Main is a great place to experience the flavour and hospitality of this beautiful Karoo town.

Planning a visit to the KwaNojoli (formerly Somerset East) area?
Visit the Blue Crane Tourism website at www.bluecranetourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

17/08/2026

Have you seen the great video about Somerset East KwaNojoli by Gill Klub 50 promoting the town? Feels like a production for a television magazine show like Pasella or Top Billing.

We really stay in a beautiful place.

Planning a visit to the KwaNojoli (formerly Somerset East) area?
Visit the Blue Crane Tourism website at www.bluecranetourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

14/08/2026

KwaNojoli (Somerset East) has a number of historic churches. The Congregational Church of Somerset East (Hope Church) is one of them.

Shortly after the death of Reverend John Evans of Cradock, his wife, Dorothy Evans settled in the newly established town of Somerset, which would later become Somerset East. She died in 1842 and was buried in the old graveyard behind the Somerset East Museum. In her will, her house in Paulet Street was bequeathed to the London Missionary Society.

A church for the Coloured Dutch community was erected in 1844 in Dorothy Evans’ yard by the London Missionary Society. It later became part of the Congregational Church. The building was inaugurated as the Afrikaanse Protestante Kerk in 1990.

Her home next to the church was used as a Parsonage by the Hope Church.

Planning a visit to the KwaNojoli (formerly Somerset East) area?
Visit the Blue Crane Tourism website at www.bluecranetourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

12/08/2026

Altenburgh Apartments offers a combination between peace and convenience right in the heart of Somerset East. Altenburgh's self-catering accommodation options range from cosy rooms to spacious apartments and two-bedroom cottages. They specialise in short and overnight stay for the corporate market and
travellers. and regular guests make use of the self check- in and out facility, saving time and gives them the freedom to conduct business in their own time.

Altenburgh is conveniently located and a short walk to restaurants, supermarkets, and the local museums, while the golf club and park run is only a couple of minutes' driving away.

The property's farm-like atmosphere is enhanced with visiting wildlife. They even have bunnies that have appeared in the garden and made themselves at home.

All air-conditioned units are modern with kitchenettes and separate entrances.

https://www.somerset-east.co.za/accommodation/altenburgh-accommodation

Planning a visit to the KwaNojoli (formerly Somerset East) area?
Visit the Blue Crane Tourism website at www.bluecranetourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

10/08/2026

The Blue Crane Region recently had lots to celebrate when the Somerset East KwaNojoli-born Jaco Williams made his debut for the Springboks against Wales.

Did you know that the very first captain of a Springbok team also came from the region? Not just was he the first Springbok captain, but he was the only person who captained both the South African national rugby and national cricket teams.

Herbert Hayton Castens (23 November 1864 – 18 October 1929) was born in Pearston and went to England where he was educated at Rugby and Oxford, where he studied law and received a Blue at rugby. He also played cricket for Middlesex and South of England. In 1889-90 he played for Western Province in a cricket game, scoring 165 on Christmas Day against Eastern Province.

In 1891, a British rugby side toured South Africa and Castens refereed the first tour match, which was against a combined Cape Town rugby side. On 30 July, he captained South Africa in their first rugby international, against the British Isles team, played at the Crusaders’ Ground in Port Elizabeth, which they lost.

In March 1894, the year that the South African Cricket Association was established, Castens captained Western Province to victory in the final of the Currie Cup tournament at Newlands in Cape Town, scoring 61 in an innings victory over Natal. Soon after, a South African cricket tour to England was organised, with Castens appointed as the captain. South Africa played matches against the first-class counties, but no Tests or first-class matches were played.

Castens later moved to Southern Rhodesia, where he worked as an advocate and was later elected to the National Legislature, and served as secretary to the government for several years.

He died on 18 October 1929 in Fulham, London, at the age of sixty-four.

Planning a visit to the KwaNojoli (formerly Somerset East) area?
Visit the Blue Crane Tourism website at www.bluecranetourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

07/08/2026

The two-storied house with its long shaded verandah in Paulet Street was built as an English officers’ mess in the early days of Somerset. It was acquired by the Battiss family, who ran it as the Battiss Private Hotel between 1914 and 1917, when the recession following the First World War forced them to close and move to Koffiefontein.

Walter Battiss officially opened the Walter Battiss Art Museum on 24 October 1981, donating a large collection of his works before he died in 1982. The museum houses the largest permanent collection of Battiss’ work, as well as family items, books, letters, and some of Professor Battiss’ clothing and personal items.

Planning a visit to the KwaNojoli (formerly Somerset East) area?
Visit the Blue Crane Tourism website at www.bluecranetourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

06/08/2026

We are in for a busy weekend with the Mini Districts 2026 Ladies competition taking place at the Somerset East Bowls Club here in KwaNojoli. This competition is just more proof that the town is the perfect host for this kind of event.

Planning a visit to the KwaNojoli (formerly Somerset East) area?
Visit the Blue Crane Tourism website at www.bluecranetourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

05/08/2026

Every part of the Somerset Hotel has a story to tell. From the hand-crafted woodwork in their well-known bar to the thoughtfully preserved pieces in the dining area. The true character of this 19th-century landmark is being kept alive.

Whether you’re after a comfortable en-suite room, an affordable stopover, or a relaxed backpacker stay, the Somerset Hotel offers a range of accommodation at the foot of the Boschberg Mountain. All the rooms have been thoughtfully updated to include modern comforts while retaining their original charm.

Step through the swinging doors and into living history. The distinctive U-shaped bar is well known across South Africa, with its warm wooden setting having welcomed generations of locals and travellers. More than just a place for a drink, it’s where stories are told and friendships begin. Settle in with a cold drink and enjoy genuine Somerset East hospitality in a space that has only grown better with time.

https://www.somerset-east.co.za/accommodation/somerset-hotel

Planning a visit to the KwaNojoli (formerly Somerset East) area?
Visit the Blue Crane Tourism website at www.bluecranetourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

03/08/2026

It's always exciting to see the Blue Crane Region featured on television. Last week we got to see Wild Fly Fishing in the Karoo on Kwêla, one of the programs on kykNET. So awesome to learn a little more about fly fishing in our region.

Planning a visit to the KwaNojoli (formerly Somerset East) area?
Visit the Blue Crane Tourism website at www.bluecranetourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

---Wees deel van kykNET se Youtube-kanaal vir soveel meer kykgeno...

31/07/2026

Have you ever wondered whose statue stands in front of the Somerset East Dutch Reformed Church?

The statue is that of Rev. Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr, who served as minister to the congregation in Somerset East from 1867 to 1908. Hofmeyr married a daughter of the Rev. Andrew Murray, and just like Ms Hofmeyr's parents, they had five sons who all became pastors. One of the sons, John Murray Hofmeyr, was curate from 1907 and succeeded his father as pastor from the latter's death the following year until 1940.

One of the first tasks the Rev. Hofmeyr took on was building a church. The old church had dilapidated thatch and was simply too small. In 1869, therefore, the council decided to build a much larger church on the same land on the southern end of Beaufort Street. The church was dedicated on 17 November 1871 and still stands today.

Planning a visit to the KwaNojoli (formerly Somerset East) area?
Visit the Blue Crane Tourism website at www.bluecranetourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities