Blog

On 20th January, Ben Rawdon celebrated a milestone birthday of 90 years
choosing Matjiesfontein for the celebrations. Attended by family and
friends, this special occasion ensured many glasses were raised in
Ben’s honour.It was also a time to acknowledge and celebrate Annette
and Ben’s 60th wedding anniversary – an amazing milestone achieved!
The hotel has been throwing legendary celebrations for over 125 years
now, and this was no exception with staff joining in to ensure much
singing, dancing and toasting to the retired Professor.

Nestled in the heart of the Karoo, Matjiesfontein has always been a place where history and heritage meet the endless beauty of the South African landscape. Now, this beloved village is adding a new chapter to its story — one that looks firmly toward the future.

At The Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein, our team recently embarked on a 125 km transhumance trek with a local Karoo sheep farming family, gaining deep insight into the heritage behind our beloved Karoo lamb. This time-honoured journey through the rugged landscape, marked by resilience, tradition, and connection to the land, revealed the true soul of the Karoo and the people who sustain it. Now, every dish of Karoo lamb we serve is not just a meal—it’s a tribute to generations of dedication, the rhythm of nature, and the enduring spirit of this extraordinary region.

Olive Schreiner (1855–1920) is remembered as one of South Africa’s most influential literary figures and a pioneering feminist. Her works and activism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries left a lasting impact on literature, politics, and social reform in her home country and beyond.

Look at the stars, look how they shine for you!