10 minute read
Nieuwoudtville – small ‘dorp’, big ‘kuier’
Nieuwoudtville
– small ‘dorp,’ big ‘kuier’
Dorp – town l Kuier – visit/socialising l Lekker – awesome
NORTHERN CAPE P opularly known as the bulb capital of the world, Nieuwoudtville epitomises the warm hospitality for which the Northern Cape is famed.
Driving into Nieuwoudtville, in non-peak season (Spring is when the area gets a lot of visitors due to flowering bulbs), the town seems rather unassuming and almost sleepy… that perception quickly changes when encountering the friendly locals who are a veritable fountain of information and always keen for a ‘lekker kuier’. Lunching at 1897 Nedersetting Guest House & Restaurant
Just having arrived in Nieuwoudtville, this charming, unpretentious restaurant is a great start with it’s warm and chatty owner who serves up delectable dishes, craft beer and entertaining conversation. The menu itself is hearty and authentic South African cuisine – it is the Karoo so expect a variety of meaty dishes and desserts such as malva pudding.
Spilling the ‘tea’ on Bokkeveld Rooibos
Fancy experiencing something a bit different? Do a factory tour of Bokkeveld Rooibos Tea.
The Bokkeveld Rooibos Tea factory was established by the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), who realised the potential of Nieuwoudtville as a top rooibos manufacturer. One of the reasons for this is that the location and climate of the area allows for an enhanced aroma of rooibos.
The Bokkeveld Rooibos Tea factory produces flavourful rooibos tea flavours for a variety of brands, and also empowers emerging rooibos tea farmers in the area who supply the factory, thus enabling economic growth in the town.
On the factory tour, guests get to see how the raw rooibos is refined for the final product, which is distributed to local and international markets. All processes within the factory are streamlined using state-of-the-art equipment that ensure a premium end product. ABOVE Rooibos being processed at the Bokkeveld Rooibos tea factory
BOTTOM Stunning scenery at Papkuilsfontein
3 000
TONS OF ROOIBOS ARE PRODUCED BY NIEUWOUDTVILLE PER ANNUM
0
TOTAL FAT PER 200 ML ROOIBOS TEA BAG
49
COMMERCIAL ROOIBOS FARMERS IN THE NIEUWOUDTVILLE DISTRICT
Adventure and nature at Papkuilsfontein
Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm is a perfect getaway destination – remote, rugged, and stunning. As a protected environment, the owners of Papkuilsfontein describe themselves as caretakers of the land, and work diligently to help preserve its ecological value.
Guests can opt to spend a few nights at the cottages or campsite for a good ol nature breakaway. Upping the adventure factor is the 12km circular hiking trail on the property and 26km mountain biking trails set against a scenic backdrop of sandstone rock formations. Mountain bikes are available for hire on the farm.
Following a rainy season, the canyon boasts a 100m waterfall – in drier seasons
LEFT Exploring and staying at Papkuilsfontein
BELOW Fun for families, friends and locals at Die Blouhuis
the canyon remains a sight to behold even without running water in the waterfall. For those not wanting to exert themselves with a hike or bike, farm tours can be arranged that transport you to viewing spots, with the guide providing interesting titbits on the history, geology, botany, and general information about the area. San rock paintings and a rock pool can also be explored on the site.
Papkuilsfontein is rustic charm at its best and will also make a great venue for a small wedding venue – it must be highlighted that the cook makes one of the best lamb shank meals.
Lekker ‘kuier’ at Die Blouhuis
With its eclectic décor, Die Blouhuis, is a meeting point for locals and visitors alike to enjoy some great food, entertainment, and fantastic hospitality.
Accommodation facilities include self-catering in addition to camping for those seeking a more outdoorsy experience.
Owners, Johan and Liezl Kotze, have also started mini musical festivals over certain weekends that showcase local musical talent, providing a proper ‘kuier session with ‘sokkie’, chats and all-round merriment! To check out when the next music festival is, visit Die Blouhuis Facebook page @Blouhuis245.
Blooming fantastic: Hantam National Botanical Garden
Winter rains bring about a kaleidoscope of colours in the renowned bulb capital of the world, Nieuwoudtville, with more than 1 350 plant species – the gardens are a must-see during Spring time.
From a geological perspective, the Dwyka rocks were formed when a glacier covered the Karoo about 300 million years ago. There are also sights of dolerite koppies and dolerite beds which were formed during an episode in the Jurassic period (135 to 180 million years ago) when lava erupted across the southern African landscape.
Other interesting finds include seeing long-tied flies on the Babiana and Lapeirousia plants.
The gardens are not just a pretty site – they also offer a variety of walking trails, picnic sites and guided tours – an experience of colour, relaxation and being in nature. An other-worldly experience: Quiver Tree Forest
Considered the largest quiver tree forest of its kind in the world, seeing these amazing yet alienlooking trees is a sight to behold.
These foreign-looking trees, which are actually part of the aloe family, provides food and shelter for many insects, mammals and birds. Additionally, these trees are protected by law in South Africa, preventing the removing of plants from the wild without a permit.
An interesting fact is that it gets its name from the indigenous San people who used it to hollow out the tubular branches to form quivers for their arrows.
RIGHT Quiver Tree Forest
BOTTOM RIGHT Trawal Biltong, a candy shop for biltong lovers
Motorbike collection: Protea Motors Garage
Motorbike enthusiasts would love a visit to Protea Motors Garage, which boasts a huge collection of vintage motorbikes. While difficult to count, it is estimated that the owner Thinus Coetzer – who is probably one of the biggest collectors of motorbikes in SA –probably has over 150 motorbikes at the garage. In addition to motorbikes, there are a variety of other antique/vintage items to peruse. As the only petrol station in the town, while popping in to fill-up, the collection is definitely worth a visit.
A meaty affair – Trawal Biltong
En route from the Western Cape to Nieuwoudtville on the N7 near Klawer, is Trawal Biltong, which is a veritable candy shop for biltong lovers.
A family-run business, service is amazing, and the choices are impressive. It stocks pretty much any biltong mix and flavour you could think of – beef, game, chicken, etc. Quite popular is the Trawal Mix, which is a combo of various dried meats. It’s a must stop for any meat lover.
Plan your trip
Nieuwoudtville is extremely popular during the flower season (August, September and October) due to its unique placement in the Karoo plain known as the Bokkeveld. In addition to flowers, guests have a variety of alternative adventures to experience all year!
Stay Here
Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm Peace, tranquility, nature and scenic views can be experienced on this working farm. Beautifully restored stone cottages overlook fynbos and ensures privacy. Cottages from R710 pp sharing and campsites from R190 pp per night. 027 218 1246 www.papkuilsfontein.com
Die Blou Huis @245 Situated on the main road of Nieuwoudtville Die Blou Huis @245 offers self-catering accommodation, a camping site and entertainment facilities. Selfcatering from R395 pp and campsites from R250 for 2 people per night. 082 323 8832 www.blou-huis.com
Eat Here
Die Nedersetting A relaxed eatery with all your South African favourites with a twist. Accommodation options are also available here. 027 218 1897 l 082 496 7875
Matjiesfontein Farm Stall Famous for its traditional 'boerekos' like tripe and stews. Souvenirs are also sold here. 027 218 1217
Neethlingshof
– historic & authentic
Neethlingshof is an iconic landmark located just outside Stellenbosch, based in the renowned Cape Winelands – historic and authentic with roots dating back to 1692. The wines produced are terroir driven and are of superior quality developed from expertise, over time. This is a brand which has stood the test of time in one of the most recognised wine regions in South Africa.
The estate includes the charm of generations passed, respecting the history, and working with nature to produce wines that are a true expression of the unique terroir, ensuring a sustainable future for people and the environment. This approach is what led Neethlingshof to become one of the first farms to be awarded WWF Conservation Champion status.
When visiting the farm there is a true sense of enduring charm all around – from the first moments of entering the farm and driving up the iconic pine avenue, which is a symbol of endurance and renewal, to walking past the manor house which houses the restaurant, all the way to the wine tasting centre, where visitors have the chance to admire the traditional Cape Dutch buildings, deeply rooted in a narrative which is expressed through the terroir-driven wines, allowing for visitors to savour a tangible sense of history.
Wines accessible to vegans and vegetarians All Neethlingshof wines are grown, made, bottled, and matured on the estate under the craftsmanship of talented De Wet Viljoen, winemaker at Neethlingshof since 2008. During the entire farming and winemaking process no animal products are used (traditionally used in winemaking). Instead of using animal products derived from milk, eggs, and fish to fine and clarify the wine before bottling, Neethlingshof makes use of plant derived protein instead, making our wine accessible to all vegans and vegetarians.
The estate has a long and rich tradition of wine making in Stellenbosch, with many intricate stories to tell. The range of wines includes the Short Story Collection range and the recently introduced 1802 Collection, all paying tribute to the stories that have helped shape Neethlingshof and continue to do so, highlighting the estate’s respect for its past, it’s present and its future.
Accolades for Neethlingshof wines Neethlingshof is a ‘must visit’ destination for all wine lovers who appreciate the essence of origin of Stellenbosch, award-winning wines, and a delightful story. Neethlingshof wines have been awarded significant accolades – The Owl Post Pinotage 2014 was awarded the coveted Abraham Perold Trophy for Pinotage in 2016 at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), as well as Gold Outstanding, which denotes a score of 93 and is above what judges’ rate as “quality of the highest order”. These wines also tell the stories of heritage and initiatives.
Visit and learn more about the wines that tell the tale of the jackals that got mistaken for wolves, the significance of the six flowers on the gable of the manor house, and how the farms eco-sensitive approach to farming practices brought back the spotted eagle owl and the elusive caracal to Neethlingshof.
