Nieu-Bethesda, Eastern Cape | Nieu-Bethesda, New Bethesda or ‘Betesda’ to the locals has been set very firmly on the map ....

Nieu-Bethesda, Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape, South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA SEARCH BY MAP REGIONS HOTELS ACCOMMODATION TOURS TRANSPORT WEDDINGS CONFERENCES INFO

western cape  garden route  eastern cape  kwazulu natal  mpumalanga  gauteng  limpopo  north west  free state  northern cape  |  namibia  |  botswana

Eastern Cape

NIEU-BETHESDA - KAROO HEARTLAND

The Owl House in Nieu Bethesdaspacer.gif (43 bytes)Nieu-Bethesda, Eastern Cape: Nieu- Bethesda, New Bethesda or ‘Betesda’ to the locals in the Eastern Cape, has been set very firmly on the map in recent years, largely due to the Owl House and Helen Martin’s very special and unique art work. Her intriguing sculpture in concrete and glass - assisted by Koos Malgas who became her hands in later years - the mythical and fantastic figurines and use of bright paint and multi-coloured panes of glass, fascinate visitors from all over the world and have been responsible for converting the sleepy hollow of Nieu-Bethesda into a tourist attraction. It was only after her death that the full implication of what ‘Miss Helen’ had been doing in her childhood home during the 1940s was discovered. Largely a recluse, she was regarded as an eccentric by the village and the true value of her contribution was misunderstood.

Some 60 km from Graaff-Reinet, Nieu-Bethesda is in essence completely isolated, with only two roads in and out of the village. Established in 1875 and named by the preacher Andrew Murray, Nieu-Bethesda was eclipsed by larger towns during the 1930s and ‘40s and became quite impoverished. It lies in a narrow valley, has no street lights and is only about one mile wide and two miles long - home to less than a thousand people.

Today Nieu Bethesda is a retreat for artists, crafters and other creative spirits who have been attracted by its slow, offbeat character. Its rustic charm is also what attracts tourists to the town and because of its isolation it has retained a lot of its original historical integrity.  Nieu Bethesda has only a couple of main streets, a few guest houses, restaurants, a pub and a couple of art galleries. Locals still watch the world go by in much the same way as they did before, from their front porches over a cup of coffee.

CAMDEBOO NATIONAL PARK

Camdeboo National Park: Formed hundreds of millions of years ago, the Karoo of South Africa is one of the great natural wonders of the world. Camdeboo National Park provides the visitor with insights into the unique landscape and ecosystem of the Karoo as well as splendid scenic beauty. An .... more » Camdeboo National Park
New Years Festival of Lights: The New Year’s Eve Lantern parade is a truly inspiring community event run every year by the Centre. A powerful symbol of hope and beauty, the parade crosses cultural and religious barriers in a joyous celebration. Come and make your own lantern at one of our .... more » New Years Festival of Lights
Graaff-Reinet: The oldest town in the Eastern Cape and the fourth oldest in South Africa and certainly one of the most atmospheric, Graaff Reinet lies enclosed by a bend in the Sundays River, overshadowed by the Sneeuberg Mountain within the Camdeboo Park. With 200 buildings .... more » about Graaff-Reinet

« Eastern Cape Game Reserves | South Africa Game Reserves »

General Information / The Eastern Cape
Information for Tourists and Visitors
» Attractions and Destinations
Eastern Cape Hotels
Port Elizabeth Hotels
Eastern Cape Search by Map
Port Elizabeth Search by Map
Eastern Cape Accommodation
Eastern Cape Guest Houses
Eastern Cape Self Catering
Eastern Cape Bed and Breakfast
Eastern Cape Game Reserves and Lodges
Accommodation by Special Category
Eastern Cape Health Resorts and Spas
Search by TGCSA Star Grading
Special Accommodation Offers
Conference Venues and Services
Wedding Venues and Services
Honeymoon Venues and Destinations
Package Tours, Day Trips and Guides
Transport and Travel Arrangements
Golf Courses, Tours and Lodges
Backpackers Tours and Lodges
Eastern Cape Maps
Venues by Alphabetised List
Annual Events in the Eastern Cape
Urlaub im Östlichen Kap

Click to view Special Rates & Discounted Accommodation Offers >
Car Hire South Africa Hire from international or local rental companies, which offer budget to luxury cars. For the best deals we recommend you book your car before travelling.
Go to » Car Rental Port Elizabeth

South Africa Accommodation & Travel Network of Web Sites brought to you by and © SA-Venues.com and Suedafrika-Reise.net

Nieu-Bethesda, Eastern Cape | Nieu-Bethesda, New Bethesda or ‘Betesda’ to the locals has been set very firmly on the map ....

South Africa AccommodationSouth Africa TravelSouth Africa HotelsSüdafrika ReiseSüdafrikaTravel Resources
Site by DTP OrbitAdvertiseContactSitemapCreditsPort Elizabeth AccommodationDisclaimer