Off beat New Year ‘arty farty party’
Join the folk of Nieu Bethesda for a New Year party that is a beautiful and inspiring way to welcome the New Year. Home to the famous Owl House and written about in Athol Fugard’s play, Road to Mecca, the village of Nieu Bethesda is something special. It’s as though the stark beauty of the Karoo has imbued everything with a distinct charm. Here the villagers celebrate New Year with an inspiring community event, their own Festival of Lights procession lit up by beautiful handmade paper lanterns.
Walk under a canopy of jostling stars
Ignite your creative fire and make your own lantern at a Bethesda Arts Centre workshop, and then join the merry throng for a magical night walk under a canopy of jostling stars.
Jaunting with donkeys
Once you have made your pilgrimage to the Owl House you could go on one of Jakob’s donkey tours. Donkey carts have long been part of the culture of the dusty Karoo as a means of transport to and from the small towns and farms and Jakob is keeping the tradition alive. This local entrepreneur borrowed R150 eight years ago to buy two donkeys and an old cart. Demand for his tours grew and today he owns six donkeys, two horses and three carts. You can do this all year round. Call Jakob after 7pm to book a tour: 049 8411759.
