Nieu-Bethesda is a quaint village situated in the Eastern Cape. This Karoo village is the perfect spot to stop at when you make your way to the Garden Route area.
It is approximately 50 kilometres from Graaff-Reinet and is mostly famous for the Owl House. There are two roads leading to Nieu-Bethesda. The first turn-off is a gravel road, and the second one, closest to Graaff-Reinet, is the preferred choice.
There are limited card facilities so make sure you are prepared when you are there. There are also no petrol stations in this area, so keep that in mind.
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We have previously stayed in Nieu-Bethesda for one night before we ventured further. This time around, we only used it as a quick stop.
I would however recommend you stay a night or two and experience this little village that has no street lights. The best part is that you can explore Nieu-Bethesda on foot. Make sure to take a headlamp with you and explore it by night under the clear starry night sky.
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Things to do in Nieu-Bethesda
Here is a list of things to do in Nieu-Bethesda:
Visit the famous Owl House
If there is one thing you do in Nieu-Bethesda, then it is to visit the (📍) Owl House.
Here you learn about a woman called Helen Martin who was so engulfed by the darkness that she decided to transform her world by adding colour to it.
She spent a large part of her life obsessing over light and colour and she decided to turn her home and garden into a place of wonder, magic, and light.
After you’ve watched a short film that explains the life of Helen Martin, you make your way to the garden area. Here you will see the whole area covered with cement sculptures and colourful glass bottles. The cacti also add to the Karoo feel of this village.
From here, you make your way through the house that Helen transformed into a ray of colour. As you walk through her home, you’ll see that every ground and ceiling is covered with bits of glass, which was ground up with a manual coffee grinder.
Sadly, Helen took her own life at the age of 78 after she struggled with arthritis and the loss of her vision.
Operating Times
- Monday to Wednesday – 8 am to 4 pm
- Thursday to Friday – 8 am to 5 pm
- Saturday – 6 am to 12 pm & 2 pm to 7 pm
- Sunday – 8 am to 5 pm
Grab a bite to eat
Even though this is a very small village, there are a lot of unique restaurants in the area. So grab a bite to eat at one of the cosy local eateries, where you can enjoy hearty Karoo cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you are looking for Karoo lamb or freshly baked bread, the local eateries offer a variety of meals made with fresh, local ingredients.
The relaxed, rustic atmosphere makes dining here a special experience, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the town.
Some popular restaurants to check out:
Go beer tasting
For craft beer enthusiasts, a visit to the (📍) Sneeuberg Brewery is a must. Nestled in the heart of Nieu-Bethesda, this microbrewery serves a range of handcrafted beers that capture the essence of the Karoo. The brewery also has homemade cheese platters that go well with the beer tasting.
Take a donkey cart ride
With Nieu-Bethesda being so small, you will not miss the donkey cart ride. The donkey cart tour leaves from the Owl House and takes you through the streets of Nieu-Bethesda.
This is such a nice experience and also a great way to explore Nieu-Bethesda.
Enjoy the scenery
There is just something special and unique about Nieu-Bethesda and it makes you think of the olden days when there were no technology and everyone just roamed around outside.
Do yourself a favour, and just take in the beauty of this Karoo village.
Go on a hike
The start of the trail is right at the Sneeuberg brewery where you will cross a suspension bridge and walk through the poplars. This is a great way to spend time in nature.
See the village church
The village church dates back to 1905 and is now known as the Old Church Hall. On Sundays, you can see the inside of the church, which still has its original gas chandeliers.
Go stargazing
Since there are no street lights in Nieu-Bethesda, this is the perfect place for stargazing as they are extra bright. Take a stroll through the streets at night and look up at the bright Milky Way.
Just remember to take a headlight with you when you explore at night.
Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre
At the (📍) Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre, you’ll dive into the fascinating prehistoric world that once existed in the Karoo. Named after the renowned palaeontologist James Kitching, the centre showcases an impressive collection of fossils, providing insight into ancient life that roamed the region millions of years ago. Through interactive displays and guided tours, visitors of all ages can learn about the rich fossil history that makes this area one of South Africa’s most significant paleontological sites.
Stop at Tot Hier Toe Farmstall (Padstal)
A visit to the (📍) Padstal in Nieu-Bethesda is like stepping into a treasure trove of local delights. This quaint farm stall offers an array of homemade goodies, from freshly baked bread and jams to handcrafted souvenirs. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a tasty snack or unique gift to remember your trip. With its charming, rustic vibe and friendly local service, the Padstal is an essential stop for anyone exploring the Karoo, offering a slice of country life in its most authentic form
Where to stay
As I’ve mentioned earlier, the best way to explore Nieu-Bethesda is by staying a night or two. Luckily, there are more than enough unique places to stay.
Here is a list of accommodations I recommend:
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