The historic Dutch Reformed Church is probably the biggest landmark in Nieu-Bethesda. It's perhaps not as famous as the Owl House or interesting as the Kitching Fossil Centre, but if it comes to landmarks, it stands out in town. I'm always in awe of the fact that such a magnificent building was constructed in such … Continue reading Nieu-Bethesda’s historic Dutch Reformed Church
The village of Nieu-Bethesda is located about 30 minutes north of Graaff-Reinet and literally feels like another world. It is so different from most small rural towns as there is very little development around which makes the place feel sleepy and peaceful. The road to about 4km from the outskirts of the village was tarred … Continue reading The roads of Nieu-Bethesda
If you have ever been to Nieu-Bethesda in the Eastern Cape's Karoo Heartland, you would have dropped down the winding pass towards the village and noticed the typical Karoo koppie on the other side of the valley below. Did you wonder what it's called? In case you did, it's called De Toren, translated to English … Continue reading De Toren on the way to Nieu-Bethesda
The Karoo Heartland village of Nieu-Bethesda is weird and quirky, but in a nice way. It has a lot of interesting nooks and crannies which include a couple of fascinating attractions, authentic Nieu-Bethesdian accommodation and slightly off the regular type of mainstream restaurants and eateries. When you pass a little restaurant with a sign saying Bruno's Alfresco Pizzeria … Continue reading Pizza, World Famous in Nieu-Bethesda
The last time I was at the Owl House in Nieu-Bethesda I got a nice picture of a gent standing in contemplation between the cement figures. On this visit to the village I was at the Owl House with two friends and colleagues and I really thought there would be a good chance to catch one … Continue reading Going digital at the Owl House
It feels like most people I speak to about travelling in the Karoo Heartland of the Eastern Cape have been to Graaff-Reinet, yet many didn't venture much further to also visit Nieu-Bethesda. Nieu-Bethesda truly is a very special village located barely 30 minutes from Graaff-Reinet and have a truly off the beaten track feeling to … Continue reading Why have you never visited Nieu-Bethesda?
A couple of weeks ago I headed up to Nieu-Bethesda in the Karoo Heartland with a colleague for a tourism meeting. En route we encountered the Fish River in full flow at Jansenville, puddles and pools next to the road approaching Graaff-Reinet and a very wet village at our destination. The word Karoo comes from … Continue reading When it rains in Nieu-Bethesda
When I grew up I wanted to be an archaeologist. Somebody like Indiana Jones who discover lost cities and artifacts, dig up dinosaurs and made remarkable finds that would wow the world. That dream kinda shattered when I found it it wasn't all quite as adventurous and glamorous. Instead I went into tourism although the … Continue reading Ganora Fossil Museum
The Karoo Town of Nieu Bethesda is the kind of place everybody needs to try and visit at some stage in their lives. Its not a big tourist orientated city but rather a small village that embrace their visitors. The most famous attraction in Nieu Bethesda is the world renown Owl House. The late Helen Martins spent most … Continue reading Concrete, glass and colours at the Owl House
A couple of months ago I spent a night at Ganora Guest Farm outside Nieu Bethesda. What an amazing place! Although I didn't have a lot of time but did get to do a tour of JP's Fossil Museum. Unfortunately I didn't get to go and see the rock drawings on the farm. Before heading into … Continue reading Karoo Riverbed
Firefly the Travel Guy 