Discover Unlimited mystique

The remote village of Nieu-Bethesda was established in 1878. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Compassberg she enchants visitors with her historic charm, dusty streets, velvet starry nights, delectable karoo food, inspirational art and the mysterious Owl House.

Nieu-Bethesda is the perfect place to relax and to enjoy the slow pace of a picturesque Karoo landscape as a natural spring babbles through an ancient water furrow system – transforming the village into a tranquil destination.

History, world-famous geology, wildlife, art and remarkable people draw the likes of creatives, mystics, spiritualists and adventurers to explore the solitude and reverence of a place stuck in time.

The village drew international attention in the 1980’s thanks to the acclaimed playwright Athol Fugard‘s play ‘Road to Mecca‘, based on the creative life of the late local resident and artist Helen Martins.

The creator of the mystical Owl House and Camel Yard, Helen Martins, transformed her home and garden with cement and glass sculptures. At the age of 75 she tragically committed suicide by drinking caustic soda, leaving her legacy of outsider art.