Bethelsdorp, Port Elizabeth
Just outside Port Elizabeth lies the little historical village of Bethelsdorp. Bethelsdorp is one of the first mission stations in the Eastern Cape and founded by the London missionaries Van der Kemp and Read in 1802. They built the original almshouses that still stand today, behind the Van Der Kemp Memorial Church, after convincing the the colonial government to establish a setllement for indigenous people here to educate and provide religious and social instruction.
There are quite a few buildings in the village that are protected by the National Monuments Act, including the Van Der Kemp memorial church, thought to be the first congregational church in southern Africa. Infront of the church is the market square, where the original mission bell still rests. Whilst just behind the church is Livingstone Cottage - legend has it that David Livingstone (of 'Dr Livingstone, I presume' fame) stayed here himself.
Despite this part of Port Elizabeth being regarded as a high crime area, there are reasons to visit the village, not least of which are the photo moments the almshouses provide. Bethelsdorp Common lies between the town and the suburb of Bridgemeade, a grassy area of fynbos and steep rocky gorges that provide a wealth of bird life, and where those interested in birding come to walk along a trail from the town through the common.
There is also the Van der Kemp's Kloof hiking trail that starts at the village, a circular trail that follows the Little Zwartkops River. Van der Kemp's Kloof has a picnic site and the walk is well worth doing.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
Bethelsdorp was quite historical, with cute houses. There wasn't much to do there, but we enjoyed taking a slow drive through the neighbourhood.
Simone (Indiana)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Newtondale Self Catering
Newtondale offers relaxed and friendly accommodation in Port Elizabeth. Room Facilities include a kitchenette with fridge, microwave, kettle, cut...
Seven Gables
Seven Gables accommodation is situated in the garden suburb of Walmer in Port Elizabeth. The property is just three minutes drive from the Walmer...
Newington Place
Newington Place offers comfortable accommodation in central Port Elizabeth. Choose from a self catering cottage or double en-suite rooms offered ...
Ahoy Boutique Guest House
Ahoy Boutique Guest House offers hotel accommodation in a selection of comfortable rooms in Humewood, Port Elizabeth. Each suite sleeps two adult...
La Mer Guesthouse
La Mer Guesthouse offers comfortable accommodation in a selection of rooms just five minutes away from Port Elizabeth Airport. All rooms have a T...
5 Third Avenue Guesthouse
5 Third Avenue offers self-catering in the garden suburb of Walmer. It has eight private, pool-facing rooms. Each unit has an en-suite bathroom, ...
Bizwani Beach Cottage
Bizwani Beach Cottage is situated just outside of Port Elizabeth in the quiet and charming village of Schoenmakerskop. It is perched on the south...
Noteworthy attractions
Donkin Heritage Trail
The Donkin Heritage Trail is named after the Acting Governor of the Cape Colony at the time, Sir Rufane Donkin. South Africans are well acquainte...
Fort Frederick
Like many national monuments, Fort Frederick first appears as little more than a few brick walls, albeit old walls that seem to hold little signi...
St Georges Park Cricket Ground
The oldest park in Port Elizabeth and the site of the second oldest cricket club in the country, St George’s Park lies in the heart of Port Eliza...
Humewood Golf Club
One of South Africa’s top-rated golf clubs, Humewood is a true Links course which has hosted numerous PGA events, including the South African Ope...
Bayworld Museum Complex
The Main Museum of Bayworld blends cultural and natural history. Embark on an exciting journey through time and through the fascinating world aro...
Eastern Cape Beaches
The Eastern Cape in South Africa boasts some of the world’s best beaches and 800 km of unspoilt picturesque coastlines where blue oceans tumble o...
Port Elizabeth Golf Club
Port Elizabeth Golf Club, which is commonly known as "The Hill", was founded in 1890 and is one of South Africa's oldest golf clubs. Today the pl...
Walmer Country Club - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Walmer Country Club with its warm and friendly atmosphere, is 54 years old. It has grown from strength to strength and has over 550 members. Walm...
Cape Recife Nature Reserve
Cape Recife Nature Reserve is one of the best bird-watching locations in Port Elizabeth. The Cape Recife Nature Reserve offers beautiful beach, n...
Find accommodation in Bethelsdorp
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Eastern Cape Accommodation / Sunshine Coast Accommodation / Port Elizabeth Accommodation / Bethelsdorp Accommodation