Sutherland’s local history began on De List farm; the Middelfontein Veld Plant Route lies about two kilometres outside the town. These themes offer different elements for your trip: a look at the town’s early development and a hike with several distance options. The elevation, dated events and choice of 3, 6 or 12 km provide specific points of reference for your stay. This lets you decide whether to focus on the town’s history or set aside time for the route.
Elevation and founding of the town
At 1,450 metres above sea level, Sutherland’s elevation describes its position; the south-western slope of the interior plateau provides further geographic context. Sutherland was established on De List farm. In 1855, a decision was made to establish a church congregation there; on 8 November 1858, 30 of the 50 plots were sold. A little over three years passed between the decision and the sale. The two dates refer to different events: the 1855 decision to establish a church congregation and the 1858 sale of plots.
The person behind the name
Rev. Henry Sutherland travelled from Worcester to the Roggeveld every year to hold church services there; Sutherland was named after him. The place name thus connects a specific person with an activity that took place every year. The story behind the name includes both the clergyman and his services in the Roggeveld.
Historical events and measurements
Rev. M B Brink pioneered tulip cultivation in South Africa and arrived in Sutherland during a snowstorm in 1925. His work in tulip cultivation is noted in the context of South Africa, while his arrival is linked to Sutherland and the year 1925. Thus, an agricultural pioneering achievement and a dated event in the town are recorded side by side.
On 12 July 2003, a temperature of −16.4 °C was recorded in Sutherland. The municipality described it as the lowest temperature in the preceding 33 years. This qualification refers to the period before the measurement date: it is a historical reading, not a statement about present-day temperatures or a current record.
Choosing a route on the Middelfontein Veld Plant Route
The route is on Middelfontein farm, about two kilometres outside Sutherland, and offers distances of 3, 6 or 12 km. According to the description, even the 3-km route is suitable for two-year-olds. The distances form a clear progression: 6 km is twice as long as 3 km, and 12 km is twice as long as 6 km. The 12-km hike is more challenging and requires more time. This makes it possible to compare distance and time required, while the description gives an age recommendation for the shortest route. Contact the listed reservations contact to confirm current arrangements for the route.
Discover more destinations: Pofadder, Vioolsdrif Settlement, Melkrivier, Nieuwoudtville, Brandvlei, Port Nolloth, Hondeklip Bay, Kotzesrus
For the broader travel overview: Namakwa.
