ACTIVITIES

We would love our guests to enjoy the charm of the village and explore the dust roads with its furrows at one’s leisure.  The ideal minimum stay to explore the village is at least two nights to allow time to:

- Enjoy a ride on Jakob’s donkey cart and enjoy his orientation and stories on the village The best starting point to discover the village

- Stroll the streets at night with the stars as one’s compass – and no street lights in sight

- Walk with one’s feet in the ‘leiwater’ (furrows)

- Cross over the ‘hangbrug’ (suspension bridge) to the part of the village across the river

- Stroll in a western direction, following  the furrow, towards the fountain where the furrows are fed from

- Toast to the spectacular Karoo sunsets with drinks at Marette’s bench with its view over the village

- Walk or and hike to savour the Karoo landscape

- Cycle the desolate farm roads, providing plenty array of gradients and spectacular scenery

- Watch birds with a profusion of bird sightings

- Drive the circular scenic drive around Compassberg with an abundance of game to view

ATTRACTIONS

The Karoo Heartland in the Eastern Cape offers ample adventures for outdoor lovers ranging from heritage tours, 4x4 driving journeys, hiking the Karoo Camino, to Mountain Zebra National Park and Camdeboo National Park.

The village of Nieu-Bethesda offers several attractions:

- The Owl House with the creations of Helen Martins, including a museum &  visitor centre

- The Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre

- The Bushmen Heritage Museum & Arts Centre

- Ganora Excursions Khoi Rock Art and Fossil tours

- Dustcovers Bookshop

- The Blue Cupboard honesty shop with locally made body products, soap and honey

- The Brewery, Two Goats Deli & Roastery with its artisanal beer, cheese and coffee

- Ware on Earth and Martin Haines Gallery

- Infinity Gallery

- Gregg Price Gallery - Labyrinth

- Stuff to Buy handmade clothing & crafts

- Tot Hier Toe Padstal with biltong, jams, rusks and farm fare

- Local Crafters  selling cement owls and figurines in support of the local community

- Boetie’s Pub

- Several restaurants, ranging from authentic Karoo cuisine to informal tea and scones

- The NG Church

- The Cemetery with graves dating back centuries

- The annual “Festival of Lights”

Graaff Reinet is a comfortable 45 minute drive from the village and offers:

- Historical buildings & Architecture

- The NG Church

- Museums & Memorials

- Several galleries

- Restaurants, including Our Yard, Muller House, Coldstream and restaurants at The Drostdy Hotel

- Obesa Cacti nursery

- Die Smous for great finds

- Camdeboo National Park, featuring The Valley of Desolation

- Several gift and speciality shops, biltong, lifestyle and interior shops

The Mountain Zebra National Park is located near Cradock, about an hour’s drive from the village.