What to Do in Nieu Bethesda
This off-the beaten track village has become an increasingly popular spot for visitors over the past years. Also a popular residence for many artists who has settle here over the past few years. Nieu- Bethesda- is a perfect starting point for pleasant strolls or longer walks in the surrounding, just 2 minutes walk to the Owl House, with its hundreds of cement and glass camels, owls, lambs, sphinxes – all work of “Miss Helen”Martins.
The Owl House was the setting of playwright Athol Fugard’s “The Road to Mecca”. Visitors from all over the world are attracted to Helen Martin’s work.
In the village you can find a variety of Restaurants, coffee shops, a Pub and Art Galleries. You can visit the Kitching Fossil Centre and may take a guided tour in the river bed to find the fossils. Activities such as horse riding, mountain biking, birding, hiking and walking and excursions to Bushman paintings at Ganora farm. You can have a donkey cart rite around the village.
The Owl House
The strange and wonderful Owl House created by Helen Martins in the 50's and made famous by Athol Fugard in "The Road to Mecca". Open from 09.00 – 17.00 during Christmas holiday open from 08.00 – 18.00 hour
049 8411 733 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / http://www.theowlhouse.co.za
Sneeuberg Microbrewery, Cheese Farm & Coffee Roastery (page )
André will take you on a tour of the brewery and you can taste his homemade cheese platters under the trees or in the cozy brewery.
049 8411 602 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Cemetery
With graves dating back hundreds of years, many of them unmarked save for their beautiful local stone, this is a peaceful and pretty place to spend a quiet time. See more on the home page.
The Dutch Reformed Church
Still lit by gas chandeliers that pre-date the arrival of electricity in the town, the imposing white church asserts its presence over the entire valley. For a tour of the Church, please phone 049 8411 775.
The James Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre
The Centre is situated next to the owl House and tells the story of life in South Africa 253 million years ago during the Permian Period. Discover why the Karoo is an important place for fossil finds and about the extinction event which destroyed most of the earth's life 251 years ago. Take a half-hour stroll with a guide to the nearby Gats River bed to find real fossils.
The Marianne McDonald Theatre
The theatre was established to provide a place for the local community to share their creative work. The first performance was in fall, 2003 of Fugard's "Valley Song" in an Afrikaans translation by Idil Sheard. The official opening was in March 2004 by its founders: Marianne McDonald, a Professor of Theatre and Classics at the University of California, San Diego, and Athol Fugard. McDonald has now donated the theatre to the Owl House and it is available for rental.
049 8411 733 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / http://www.owlhouse.co.za
The Old Mill
A quaint stone building houses this ancient water mill with a great view. Explore the small water mill that used to grind wheat and might again some day soon.
Dust Covers Bookshop
This welcome addition to the village offers a large variety of books in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Pop in for a cup of coffee and a chat, and if there is any book that you have been searching for, Victoria will find it for you!
Victoria Nance ~ 082 517 0045 ~ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Jakob's Donkey Cart Tours
You can't miss Jakob van Staden as he rides the most distinctive transport in the village. Leaving from the Owl House, Jacob's guided tour includes Pienaarsig and is a highlight of any visit to Nieu Bethesda. Seven years ago Jakob had a dream: a donkeycart that helped him share his love for his hometown. The first small cart has grown to a sturdy three-bench model he now drives. You'll find him under the pepper tree in front of the Owlhouse. Jakob van Staden ~ 072 987 9831. Phone him and he will collect you from the cottage if you prefer this.
Frans Boekkooi's Sculpture Studio and Gallery
Meet this acclaimed sculptor and see work by top Eastern Cape artists in the adjoining gallery.
082 865 2699 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / http://www.fransboekkooi.co.za
Nieu Ceramics
Acclaimed SA artist Charmaine Haines works within the realm of figurative clay, using abstract and stylised symbols and motives to embellish her sculptural and utility forms. Martin Haines produces plates and platters in a rich peasant pottery style.
049 8411 767 / 078 777 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bethesda Arts Centre
A hub of creativity with art gallery, working studios, open air theatre, restaurant & quirky accommodation. www.bethesdafoundation.org / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 073 028 8887
Where to Eat in Nieu Bethesda
Antie Evelin se Plek
Traditional food served with township style. Antie Evelin lives in Pienaarsig (the township area) where she operates her restaurant from home. In summer meals are served on her stoep overlooking the community sports field; in winter you sit in a gaily painted tin shack, warmed by a heater and the adjacent oudoor stove. The menu varies and could include traditional bredies, samp-and-beans, roosterkoek and lekker poeding.
049 8411 774 / 0838 735 526
Two Goats Deli @ the Brewery
No visit to Nieu Bethesda is complete without Andre's sublime faire ~ can enjoy a cheese, salad and kudu salami platter under the trees while enjoying André's Karoo Ale. And while you're there André will gladly give you a tour of the brewery while the kids explore the animal farm across the road.
049 8411 602 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Tower Restaurant at the Art Centre
Situated in a quant tower in the Bethesda Arts centre, you can enjoy our spectacular curries, Karoo lamb and vegetarian meals.
0730 288 887 0730 288 887 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. /
The Melting Pot
This friendly restaurant offers breakfast, lunches & teas and is especially known for its divine pancakes. The walls are adorned with artworks and locally made knickknacks are for sale.
Bellinda ~ 084 827 8672
Village Inn.
Coffee, breakfast, lunches and dinner.
Situated at Riverstreet
The Karoo Lamb
Situated opposite the Owlhouse, Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Katrin ~ 049 8411 642
La Contessa
Muller Street, opposite the Art Centre Open during the holidays.
Raymond Westraadt ~ 082 307 9332
Bruno's Pizzeria
At Bruno's pizzeria you can enjoy one of the best pizza's you ever have eaten in a very attractive restaurant with nice music and candle light. It is worth a visit.
At New Riverstreet.
Post office
At the post office you can have coffee and light lunches.
It is advisable to book for dinner beforehand.