Nieu-Bethesda, Karoo Heartland
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.
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.
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.
Additional Reading
For more info about Nieu Bethesda see our articles on the SA Travel News Blog: • Nieu Bethesda - One Town You've Got to Visit • Nieu Bethesda - Why It's Worth A Visit
Travellers' Reviews
3 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
If you are a keen birder (birdwatching) do not be mislead by the name 'Owl House' or Owl Route. This has nothing to do with live owls! What a dissappointment to find the opposite! We found the turnoff on our touring holiday and being keen birders, we went to see what it is all about. If you are like us (birders) dont be mislead. Unless you like art as well! It is a beautiful Karoo drive on the gravel towards Middelburg. Again if you are looking for live owls...none to be found!
Nelia Brooks (Naboomspruit)
Verified review
Nieu-Bethesda is TINY with very little to do but relax and enjoy the peace. The Owl House was incredible. It was actually eerie and magical, and I'll never forget the hours I spent staring at that incredible art!
Jenna (Durban)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Gordonville Cottage
Gordonville Cottage offers comfortable accommodation for four guests in Nieu-Bethesda, Karoo Heartland. This is an ideal spot for a peaceful brea...
Allemann se Huisie
Allemann se Huisie is a garden cottage that accommodates two guests comfortably. The bedroom has twin beds with quality linen and mohair blankets...
Stone Haven House
Stone Haven House is a two bedroom family home offering self catering accommodation in Nieu-Bethesda. Stone Haven is located within 1 km of a few...
The Bethesda Guesthouse
The Bethesda Guesthouse is situated in the town of Nieu-Bethesda and offers bed and breakfast accommodation for a relaxing stay in a tranquil env...
Starry Nights Cottages
Starry Nights Cottages are situated at the Starry Nights Guest House in the lovely and artistic Karoo town of Nieu-Bethesda, and are perfect for ...
Elkes Guesthouse
Elke's Guesthouse offers holiday accommodation on the northern side of Nieu-Bethesda. This lovely self catering home is bright, modern and has pl...
Furrows Lodge
Furrows Lodge is situated in Nieu-Bethesda and offers quality Karoo Heartland accommodation for guests looking for a peaceful breakaway, business...
Die Kapokbosskuur
Die Kapokbosskuur is located in the quaint village of Nieu-Bethesda in the Eastern Cape. The unit is an old clay brick barn that has been convert...
Owlhouse Backpackers
Owlhouse Backpackers is a quiet and comfortable lodge in Nieu Bethesda. All rooms make use of a communal kitchen, common areas and ablution facil...
Riverdene Farm Lodge
The Riverdene Farm Lodge is a restored self-catering farm lodge set on a working farm 12km from Nieu-Bethesda. The picturesque farm appeals to th...
Living Waters
Living Waters is a lovely Karoo farmhouse in the quiet town of Nieu-Bethesda and offers guests a relaxing self-catering getaway for a group or fa...
Nieu-Bethesda Klein Geluk
Nieu Bethesda Klein Geluk offers accommodation in a private, peaceful space for the discerning traveller. This original Karoo Cottage is situated...
Zonnenstrahl Caravan and Camping
The Zonnenstrahl Caravan and Camping Ground is situated on the outskirts of Nieu-Bethesda. It is a perfect choice for affordable camping accommod...
The Poplars
The Poplars is a traditional Karoo farmhouse found in the Sneeuberg Nature Reserve. This is the ideal place for a large group or family looking f...
Outsiders B&B
In the heart of the quaint Karoo hamlet of Nieu-Bethesda, lies Outsiders Accommodation. Be as private or as sociable as you like. Either way Katr...
House No 1
House No 1 offers comfortable self catering in a renovated Karoo house. This cosy garden cottage is the perfect accommodation in Nieu-Bethesda fo...
Snug Cottage
Snug Cottage offers accommodation in Nieu-Bethesda. This comfortable open plan cottage is fully equipped for your self catering stay. The cottage...
Quince & Cottage
Quince&Cottage is a three bedroom home offering accommodation in Nieu-Bethesda. Here you can enjoy the night sky without the street lights, the a...
The Water Tower
The Water Tower is a quirky double storey home offering accommodation. This fabulous round house with its white washed walls and wooden floors sl...
Ganora Guest Farm
Ganora Guest Farm is a working sheep farm situated just outside Nieu-Bethesda in the Karoo Heartland. Accommodating up to 26 persons, Ganora Gues...
Meerkat Self-catering
Meerkat Self-catering is a beautiful and well-appointed garden studio offering self-catering accommodation in the quaint village of Nieu-Bethesda...
Compass View
Compass View is a quirky, cosy cottage offering accommodation in Nieu-Bethesda. A 100 year old wild mulberry tree and an old well guard this cent...
Stone Haven Cottage
Stone Haven is a rustic yet charming, self catering cottage situated in Nieu-Bethesda. Stone Haven is located within 1 km from a few restaurants,...
Zonnenstrahl Guesthouse
Zonnenstrahl Guesthouse is a charming house with four spacious bedrooms (furnished with either a Queen or twin beds) and two bathrooms. The house...
Koekeloer Selfcatering Cottages
Koekeloer Cottages offers farm-style self-catering accommodation with a touch of unique and stylish charm, conveniently situated in the heart of ...
Karoo Cottage Sneeuberg
Karoo Cottage in Sneeuberg Nature Reserve provides accommodation in a romantic stone cottage equipped with all you will require to enjoy your tim...
The Ibis Lounge
The Ibis Lounge is located in the Karoo town of Nieu Bethesda; a place where once can lead a simpler, less hectic life. The Ibis Lounge offers a ...
Bethesda Tower
Experience a one-of-a-kind stay in a fairy-tale tower and charming Priory, inspired by its namesake in England and adorned with stunning 1820 sta...
Things to do in the area
The Owl House
Set deep in the Sneeuberg Mountains in the small village of Nieu Bethesda, the Owl House is a Karoo cottage and yard in the Eastern Cape, transfo...
Compasberg Hiking Trail
Compassberg is a 4x4 trail and hiking route that is 2502m high, and takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the point where you can begin hiking /...
Die Ramstal Pub
Nieu Bethesda is a tiny town in the Karoo that has a kind of mystical appeal. It is scenic, with a rare beauty that comes from its sparseness and...
Sneeuberg Brewery and 2 Goats Deli
The Sneeuberg Brewery & Two Goats Deli is situated in the character-laden Eastern Cape town of Nieu Bethesda. This is home to a very small popula...
Ware on Earth Ceramic Gallery and Studio
Nestled in Nieu Bethesda is the Ware on Earth Ceramic Gallery and Studio. Ceramic art is traditionally a pottery process using clay and raw mater...
Compassberg MTB Route
You can expect a lot of highs and lows on this exquisite trail as you climb steep hills towards the farmlands and further up to Compassberg Mount...
Camdeboo Koedoeskloof 4x4 Trail
The Eastern Cape has a number of sterling attractions that certainly beg to be explored. Its landscapes are simultaneously rugged, beautiful and ...
Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre
The small town of Nieu-Bethesda is situated in the beautiful Karoo of South Arica, where the natural beauty is uniquely enthralling and the histo...
The Tower Restaurant
The South African province of the Eastern Cape is simultaneously one of the largest and the quietest areas in the country. It remains largely uns...
Noteworthy attractions
Valley Of Desolation
The Valley of Desolation is a geological phenomenon; a sheer cliff face, declared a national monument that lies within the 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 prov...
Graaff-Reinet Golf Club
This 9 hole golf course with 18 tee-boxes is situated 5 km outside of the town of Graaff-Reinet on the Aberdeen Road. Facilities at Graaff-Reinet...
Mountain Zebra National Park
The craggy heights of the Mountain Zebra National Park's Bankberg embrace rolling plains and deep valleys, and has become an entrancing preserve ...
Tsolwana Game Reserve
Nestled against the northern slopes of the Winterberg Mountain range at the edge of the Karoo, Tsolwana Game Reserve lies between Cradock and Que...
Obesa Cacti Nursery
In the heart of Graaf Reinet lies a totally unexpected surprise in the form of a nursery, which might just as well be called a garden as a wander...
Fonteinbos Nature Reserve
Deep within the Karoo Heartland, along the Kraai River banks, lies the 1 500 hectares of the Fonteinbos Nature Reserve. This reserve, just outsid...
Lawrence de Lange Nature Reserve
The Lawrence de Lange Nature Reserve is characterised by semi-arid vegetation. This is made up of scrubby bush, cycads, acacias, aloes and stretc...
Scar of Grootkloof
Mountain Zebra National Park lies in amongst the Bankberg Mountains and a series of undulating hills just outside Cradock in the Karoo. This area...
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