Travel Adviser : Nieu Bethesda: A meeting place of strange forces

HOW TO GET THERE
From the N9 between Graaff Reinet and Middelburg there are two turn-offs to Nieu Bethesda. Driving north from Graaff Reinet both are on the left, the first is just before Naudesberg Pass about 30km out of town, and the second is 20km further, marked Bethesda Road and just past the turn-off to the right to Cradock (R61). The first turn-off takes you ‘straight’ there while the second comes to a T-junction after about 20km, where you turn and bear left again after about 5km.

WHERE TO STAY AND WHAT TO DO
There are several B&Bs and guesthouses in town, ranging from the unpretentious Stokkiesdraai cottage or Murrayfield guesthouse (at around R100 a person a night for self-catering) to the Tuscan-Karoo Albergo Alfresco guesthouse at R250 to R300 B&B a person a night sharing.

There is also the Stokkiesdraai Restaurant, Egbert’s Place coffee shop and the Ibis Art Centre. The art centre acts as a sort of local information centre and has produced its own information brochure on the village which you can get by fax or e-mail. All enquiries can be directed to them at tel 049-841-1623, e-mail aba@intekom.co.za.

There is plenty of farm accommodation in the area.

And of course a visit to Nieu Bethesda would be unthinkable without a visit to the Owl House. It’s now run as a museum and not quite the decrepit, chaotic place it was 20 years ago, but without sponsorship and proper control it would not be there at all.

Just try to be quiet and imagine what it must have been like, at night with hundreds of burning candles reflected in dozens of mirrors and all the coloured glass, and little Miss Helen scurrying around in wonder at her own conjurings with light. There is an entrance fee of R10 (R6 for children).