Nieuwoudtville, often called the ‘Boland of the Karoo’, lies on the Bokkeveld Escarpment, an area famous for it’s unique vegetation. The village is full of character, with distinctive sandstone buildings. Besides sheep and wheat, Rooibos tea is a significant product of the area. Within a radius of 25 km, four different habitants and consequently notable varieties of flora and fauna are found.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Calvinia 69 km

Banks: Absa, Standard

Rivers: Doring, Oorlogskloof

HISTORICAL VIEW

De Hoop

This charming cottages dates back to the 19^th century, and formed part of the De Hoop homestead complex. The thatched sandstone cottage, was restored in 1987, is tastefully furnished and provide fully equipped accommodation for six.

Dutch Reformed Church

A National Monument built 100 years ago of local Table Mountain sandstone.

San Rock

Can be seen on private farms and the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve. About 190 million years ago, volcanic action near Papkuilsfontein led to the formation of a variety of ochres, later used by bushmen for their paintings

NATURE

Glacier Rock Striations and Tracks

Ten kilometers south of the town, glacier tracks of the Dwyka Ice Age can be viewed. From the Permian era some 280 million years ago.

Kokerboom Forest

About 20 km from town on the road to Loeriesfontein, the forest is a unique sight in an awe inspiring landscape.

Nieuwoudtville Waterfall

12 km north of town. The spectacular Nieuwoudtville Waterfall marks the sight of an interesting example of river capture. Since the breakup of Gondwanaland, 195 million years ago, the escarpment in some areas has cut back from the original edge and, where this happened, rivers that previously flowed to the interior were ‘captured’. The Doring River did just that. The main fall is 90 m high and the gorge supports an interesting array of plant and bird species. Nesting Booted and Black Eagles, Gymnogene, Lanner Falcons and Black Stork have all been observed.

Vanrhyns Pass - Offers spectacular scenery

Vanrhyns Pass Fynbos Reserve

Mesembryanthemums, perennial herbs, Bulbinella, the sterboom, elephant’s foot, aloes, lilies, etc.

Wild Flower Reserve

Founded in 1974 for the express purpose of preserving the unique flora of the district. The area encompasses 115 ha and consists of renosterveld and dolerite dyke. The flora is particularly rich with 306 species and 198 genera identified. Of the species 5,3% are endemic while the undoubted district feature is the unusually high proportion of geophites (39,8 %) unparalleled anywhere in the world

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Bulb Plant Species Show – September

Easy Day Trips

1. To Calvinia via the Rondekop and Matjiesfontein flower route. Visit Hantam Huis and the Museum

2. To Clanwilliam, Biedouw Valley and Wupperthal through Cederberg Mountains. This is one of the routes to reach Papkuils from Cape Town.

3. Down Vanrhyn’s Pass to the widely known succulent nursery at Vanrhynsdorp. On the Vredendal and numerous wine cellars and from there to Lambert’s Bay with Bird Island.

Gert Boom

This cottage, built in 1994, utilizing sandstone, timber and thatch from Papkuilsfontein, nestles against a rocky ridge, adjacent to a popular grove. Two bedrooms, a spacious living room with an open hearth and fully equipped ‘getaway’ experience. The cottage was named after an early ‘bywoner’ one Gert Steenkamp, a tall man, affectionately christened Gert Boom

Rooibos Tea Plantations

ACTIVITIES

Bird Watching

Mountain Biking / Cycling

Hiking

Accommodation in and around Nieuwoudtville