A typical, little Karoo town, Tarkastad retains a lot of its former charm and architectural integrity, particularly the old watermills, inns and churches. Tarkastad is on the R61 between Cradock and Queenstown and only three hours from Port Elizabeth. If it's fresh air you're after, a National Geographic study in the area found the climate to be one of the healthiest in the world.

It is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Winterberg Mountains and the two flat-topped hills just outside Tarkastad have the rather curious names of Martha and Mary.

The area around Tarkastad is probably best known for its San rock paintings; most notable being the Tarkastad engravings, and the wonderful Toorberg and Great Winterberg hiking trails. Other activities include: trout fishing, Tsolwana Game Reserve about 40 minutes drive away, Mountain Zebra National Park and the Commando Drift Nature Reserve.