Beaufort West, also known as the "Oasis of the Karoo', is situated on the N1. The hospitable shade of the town's pear trees offers a cool welcome after a long, journey through the Karoo. Beaufort West is often referred to as the capital of the Karoo. It is the seat of a number of government organisations and also serves a prosperous sheep and stud horse farming community. Life in town, with its old irrigation-furrows running along the main street, is as tranquil as it was over the past century and a half. Lovely historic buildings contribute to its old world charm. The district is well known for the breathtaking beauty of its veld flowers in spring.
Museum Complex, in Donkin Street, comprises a group of historical buildings. The Stadhuis (1867) was the first city hall built in the Karoo. The town's most famous son, heart surgeon Chris Barnard is honoured with permanent exhibition in this impressive building. The Sendingkerk (1872), the second member of the complex, features the town's church history as well as fashions from yesteryear. The third member of the complex, the old Sendingpastorie, was the birthplace of the famous Barnard brothers.
