This tiny town nestled in the foothills of the Sneeuberge is a popular stop for visitors to the Eastern Cape. Here’s why.
The small town of Nieu Bethesda lies at the foot of the Sneeuberge in the Eastern Cape. With a population of just over 1,000 residents, the town attracts many visitors every year.
Originally established as a congregation of the Dutch Reformed Church on the Uitkyk farm in 1875, the area became a municipality about 1886. It now falls within the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality. The town’s name has biblical origins and means "place of flowing water".
It’s not only the great food, the old-time feel, dirt roads and lack of street lights that attracts visitors to the area, but also The Owl House: a museum dedicated to the eccentric artist, Helen Martins. The Owl House is situated in the heart of Nieu-Bethesda, a mere 50km from Graaff-Reinet, off the N9 in the Eastern Cape.
At first glance, The Owl House looks like any other Karoo house. When you look deeper, you see that the stoep of the house contains a huge aviary with a parliament of owls.
The beautiful house entices visitors with the words “This is my world,” written on the high fence.
Visitors step into the world of the artist and get glimpses of her creativity. For close to 40 years, the former teacher worked to bring light and life into her home and garden. She created cement statues of owls, camels, churches, sphinxes, people and a wide range of religious artefacts. Helen received worldwide recognition for her art which is inside the house as well as the almost 500 statues that make up the Camel Yard.
Nieu-Bethesda is also known for the nearby Kompassberg, the highest point in the Eastern Cape. The town is also the focal point in Athol Fugard's play, Road to Mecca.
A sun depicted on the window shimmers in the afternoon sun as another reminder of the secrets that the house holds.
– Elbe van Heerden.
Places to visit in Nieu Bethesda
- The Owl House
- Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre
- First People Centre at The Bethesda Art Centre
- Nieu Bethesda Water Furrows
Things to do
- Explore nature on the Compassberg Hiking trail.
- Take part in Ganora day excursions.
Visit the Ware on Earth Ceramic Gallery
Best in food
The Karoo Lamb
- Ibis Lounge
- The Brewery and Two Goats Deli
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
