9 Awesome Things to Do in Bethulie

Discover the charm of Bethulie, a hidden gem in the Free State. Nestled along the southern banks of the Gariep Dam, the nation's largest, this quaint town invites visitors to explore its rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Founded by French missionaries in 1829, Bethulie has evolved into a captivating destination with a poignant past, including its role in the Anglo-Boer War. With VVP Travel, immerse yourself in the town's heritage and more.


1. Anglo-Boer War Concentration Camp



Image courtesy trip.com


During the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), South Africa became the site of some of the world’s earliest concentration camps, where tens of thousands of Boer civilians, predominantly women and children, were forcibly interned by the British Empire as part of a scorched-earth policy. Bethulie housed one of the most notorious camps, grimly referred to as "the Murder Camp," where approximately 5,000 individuals were interned and at least 1,750 died due to hunger and disease, including 810 children. Today, visitors can reflect on this harrowing chapter of South African history at the site, where remnants of old gravestones and an unfinished monument remain, along with the nearby cemetery.


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2. Gariep Dam Wall



Image courtesy tripadvisor.com


The Gariep Dam, completed in 1972, is South Africa's largest dam, standing as a monumental piece of infrastructure on the Orange River, marking the border between the Free State and Eastern Cape provinces. The dam wall, an impressive 88m high and 914m long, holds back the vast Gariep Reservoir, which spans approximately 360km (square)  when full. Beyond storing water, the Gariep Dam is crucial for electricity generation, with four hydroelectric generators that supply power through Eskom. Additionally, it provides vital water resources for agriculture and urban centres, including the cities of Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein respectively. Originally named after Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd, the dam was later renamed to reflect its significance in the region's history.


3. Oviston Nature Reserve (39 minutes away from Bethulie)



Image courtesy visiteasterncape.co.za


Nestled on the edge of the Gariep Dam within the expansive 16,000-hectare Oviston Nature Reserve, the small town of Oviston in the Nama Karoo offers a serene escape. With its open plains, little koppies, and vast skies, Oviston is a hidden gem enchanted by stunning sunsets illuminating the semi-desert landscape. The tranquil setting provides a perfect retreat for those seeking the quiet beauty of the Karoo.


4. Hennie Steyn Bridge



Source: Facebook / @ Bridge of the Week


The D.H. Steyn Bridge, also known as the Hennie Steyn Bridge, is an engineering marvel that spans 1,152km and rises 51.5m above the river below. Reconstructed in the 1970s as part of the Orange River Development Project, the bridge serves both as a road and railway bridge, with tracks running parallel to the road. The bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Karoo landscape, was built following the construction of the Gariep Dam, which raised the water level of the Orange River, necessitating a new crossing. The original bridge, completed in 1901, was deconstructed due to the dam's impact, but remnants of the old railway route are still visible today.


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5. Free State National Botanical Gardens (2-hour drive from Bethulie)



Source: Facebook / @ Free State National Botanical Garden


The Free State National Botanical Garden is a sanctuary for over 400 plant species, primarily from the Free State, Northern Cape, and Lesotho regions. Visitors can explore the garden via a meandering paved path, suitable for elderly and physically disabled guests, or venture up the koppies for a more challenging experience. Spring is ideal for a visit, with vibrant blooms creating a stunning display. The garden also hosts a rich array of birdlife and reptiles, along with two demonstration gardens focused on medicinal plants and water-wise gardening. Educational programs, a well-stocked nursery, and events such as talks and moonlight walks further enhance the garden's educational appeal.


6. Tussen die Riviere Game Reserve



Image courtesy sa-venues.com


Situated between the Caledon and Orange Rivers, the Tussen die Riviere Game Reserve spans an impressive 22,000 hectares, supporting diverse wildlife, including springbok, blesbok, wildebeest, and even some white rhinos. During the non-hunting season, visitors can enjoy three scenic hiking trails: the 7km Middelpunt Trail, the 12km Klipstapel Trail, and the 16km Orange River Trail. These trails offer breathtaking views of the Karoo's natural beauty and geological formations. However, winter hiking is not advisable due to the reserve's hunting season, which takes place between May and August. For a more leisurely hike, the Middelpunt Trail provides a gentle route along the Caledon River, ideal for bird watching and water activities.


7. Bethulie Guest Farm



Source: Facebook / @ Bethulie Guest Farm


Bethulie Guest Farm, a historic family home designed by renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker, offers a refined retreat in the picturesque Karoo landscape, with distant mountains enhancing its charm. This meticulously restored guest house features original wooden flooring, perfect for enjoying cocktails while taking in the expansive views. Located in Bethulie, the guest farm is surrounded by hectares of pecan nut trees and a kitchen serving homegrown healthy and hearty meals. Guests can explore nearby historic sites and dine at local restaurants, making it an ideal stopover for discerning VVP travellers.


8. Louw Wepener Monument (1 hour 31 minute drive from Bethulie)



Source: Facebook / @ Simon Fortt


The Louw Wepener Monument commemorates the life of Louw Wepener, a 19th-century military commandant of the old Orange Free State who spent his final years in Bethulie. Wepener met his end in 1865 during a failed attempt to storm Thaba Bosiu, a mountaintop fortification in Lesotho, during the Free State-Basotho Wars. The monument, located a few kilometres north of Bethulie on the R715, stands as a tribute to his fierce rivalry with King Moshoeshoe I of Lesotho. Visitors can learn about Wepener's life and legacy while reflecting on this significant period in South African history.


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9. Karoo Pandok



Source: Facebook / @ Karoo Pandok


Karoo Pandok, located on a small holding in Bethulie, offers ideal overnight accommodation for both holiday and business travellers. The guesthouse features four en-suite rooms, each with a private entrance, and provides access to a swimming pool, braai area, and Lapa. Guests can enjoy a tasty breakfast at the guesthouse or dine at Die Ou Kar Restaurant and Pub, a short drive away. Conveniently accessible from major routes, Bethulie serves as a perfect stopover on journeys between Gauteng, the Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape.