Our People - Klein Karoo

Tell us about the region/s you work in.

The Little Karoo is separated from the Great Karoo by the Swartberg Mountain range. Geographically, it is a 290-km-long valley, only 40–60 km wide, formed by two parallel Cape Fold Mountain ranges, the Swartberg to the north, and the continuous Langeberg–Outeniqua range to the south. The northern strip of the valley, within 10–20 km from the foot of the Swartberg mountains is least karoo-like, in that it is a well-watered area both from the rain and the many streams that cascade down the mountain, or through narrow defiles in the Swartberg from the Great Karoo. The main towns of the region are situated along this northern strip of the Little Karoo: Montagu, Barrydale, Ladismith, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, and De Rust, as well as such well-known mission stations such as Zoar, Amalienstein, and Dysselsdorp.

Activities:  Ziplining, shark cage diving, whale watching, Deepsea fishing, game lodges, ostrich farm, cango caves, skydive

Tell us something not many people know about you.

We love to travel and the outdoors. Hunting, braai and wine is also high on the list. In my next life I will be a game ranger

Tell us about your business, and about the people who work for you (if applicable).

Always trying to meet business owners, due to the fact that we are only a week per month in the Klein Karoo, not everybody is available. – ongoing effort. Staff is positive and knows the tourism industry – love it.

When you think of your business, what is something that makes you PROUD?

The effort we made to meet and  build relations with the advertisers , source new advertisers and exploring the area in such a short time.

Talk us through a normal day (pre-Covid-19) for you.

One week per month in Klein Karoo, meet and greet existing clients, meet new clients, meet hosts of boards, explore new towns and on-route places. Promote clients on facebook/Instagram

How badly has Covid-19 affected you? Have you managed to access any relief funds? 

It has a devastating effect on the business. Being part of a “Activity Chain” you are a link between your hosts and your advertisers/ customers. The hosts are inaccessible and most of them still in lockdown and the customers are also not operational with the result that NO income can be generated. Applied for the following funding: SEFA/ SEDA Small Business Loan – no feedback as yet, Tourism Relief fund – no feedback as yet, UIF Ters fund – did receive payment

What’s the first place you’d like to visit when #coronalockdown is over?

Oudtshoorn

What measures have you put in place to protect your staff and clients once lockdown has eased?

Do not overdo it. Keep to basics and Protocols:

• for staff: Wash hands, sanitise workplace, wear mask, check temperature
• for clients: Be presentable: Wear mask, sanitise hands before entering, keep distance and service boards as per protocol

Any recommendations for activities/companies in your area that are now operating?

None of our customers are currently operational. Think the first ones who will be up and running will be horse riding and hiking.

Where can potential clients get hold of you?

On Facebook and Instagram. Hester does a lot of marketing to potential customers. Also supporting them.