Location: Nieu-Bethesda
Top Things to do in Nieu-Bethesda
What to do and see in Nieu-Bethesda, Eastern Cape: The Best Things to do
Nieu-Bethesda (Dutch and Afrikaans for New Bethesda) is a village in the Eastern Cape at the foot of the Sneeuberge, approximately 50 kilometres (31 mi) from Graaff Reinet. It was founded in 1875 as a church town, like many other Karoo villages, and attained municipal status in 1886. The name is of biblical origin (John 5:2-4) and means "place of flowing water".
Restaurants in Nieu-Bethesda
1. The Owl House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By jblommie
I have always wanted to go to The Owl House and it was such an amazing experience. It was nothing what I expected and the way the community preserves this piece of history is amazing. Take cash to buy a beautiful owl made by the locals.
2. Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By Trip37208618471 - Greater Johannesburg, South Africa
We arrived during the week, having made a special trip to Nieu Bethesda to visit this Centre. It was closed-- but a call to the listed number and a staff member soon arrived to assist us. This is a great experience for all ages, especially for those children who are of an age to experience the excitement of scientific exploration. The guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. You watch videos, tour the exhibit, learn how fossils are prepared, and go out to the ancient fossil beds to see them in situ. A visit will open your eyes to the wonders of South African heritage.
3. Dustcovers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Kardoesie - Johannesburg, South Africa
This bookstore is the perfect place to make a detour to in a small Karoo village – paging and browsing through books. Expect shelves filled with treasures and pleasures. Rare finds, fiction, Karoo subjects, Afrikaans, Africana, children books, arts, philosophy, religion, economy, business, travel, cook books, wine, current affairs, great writers of SA, etc. Name it, you will find it here! Ideal for book lovers.
4. First People Centre at The Bethesda Art Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Contemporary art created by indigenous artists at the Bethesda Arts Centre, in the remote Karoo village of Nieu Bethesda is attracting international attention. For the last twenty years Bushman descendants have been making giant tapestries and lino-prints exploring the creation mythology of the |Xam – stories recorded in the 19th Century. Now the Bethesda Arts Centre is to become the Bushman Heritage Museum, to make better known this ancient wisdom. These myths are profoundly relevant to contemporary humanity because they address, through the universal language of archetypal images, the creation of the universe. The quirky Centre, with its medieval tower, gothic doors, round river-stone courtyard, and large modern galleries full of stunning artwork is an astonishing find in the dusty off-beat dorp in the depths of the Karoo. But the quality of the work attracted the curator of the British Museum to visit from London to see and purchase a tapestry.
Reviewed By Trip37208618471 - Greater Johannesburg, South Africa
Note: This is combined with the Bushman Museum. Very worthwhile visit, and helpful staff who are involved in the art.
5. The Honesty Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Kardoesie - Johannesburg, South Africa
This shop offers soaps, salves, honey and other lovely products. Located on the “stoep” (porch) of Reinet-huis, it is a self help shop based on honesty. The body products all 100% natural, and are hand-made in Nieu Bethesda with local beeswax and honey. The range includes: soap, shampoo, toner, shower gel, shaving bars, bee bars, natural eczema treatments, lip balm as well as beeswax furniture polish and candles. Other local Karoo products are also for sale: olive oil, tapenade, jams, pickles, etc. Ideal to support local business for gifts and souvenirs.
6. Nieu Bethesda Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By johanwNB
Make sure you take the time to visit the church on your visit to Bethesda. A photographers dream! Breathtaking inside and beautiful old organ. Original gas chandeliers.
7. Bushman Heritage Musuem
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By 103christls
12 years ago we slept in the tower and revised it. What a nice surprise to be welcomed by a young man (forgot name) who showed us around the place and beautifully explained the history of the tapestries. We booked into their Restaurant for the evening and again got excellent service and enjoyed the Lamb Shanks.:-)
8. Die Ramstal
9. Infinity Gallery
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 4 reviews
