Ganora Farm was registered in 1838, just after the Great Trek, by the Davels who came to live there. They had a son who became a great leader in the community at the time, and where seen as a threat by the British, as he was Dutch speaking. Due to this he and his family, except for one son, were captured and sent to a concentration camp for allegedly assisting Cape rebels in escaping British pursuit. The son hid in a old Bushman rock shelter for three moths, where he left some engravings that can still be seen today.
When JP and Hester bought the farm in 1996, they did not know any of the hidden treasures Ganora harboured, only to discover a fossil on their first picnic. The first Bushman paintings and etchings were discovered six moths later. Now many discoveries have been made and artefacts are showcased in thier private museum.
Ganora Guest Farm offers visitors a unique Karoo farm experience, including a range of attractions like the above mentioned Anglo-Boer War engravings, Bushman rock shelters with paintings and etchings, private museum with fossils and other artefacts, woolshed visits, a fossil walk, 4×4 trails, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, horse-riding, climbing Compassberg, swimming in Karoo river pools and bird-watching.
To experience the real feel of Ganora, the accommodation on offer is in the form of self contained rustic cottages filled with charm. It is ideal for those seeking an active, hospitable stay or those wishing to relax and unwind in the peace and tranquillity of Karoo simplicity. Full, short or brief excursions are available to all guests if booked in advance, where guests will come to understand their slogan of “Give us one day and we will give you 240 million years”.
