9 Wonderful Things to do in Steytlerville
For a town that gains little to no publicity, Steytlerville has a lot to offer for the perceptive traveller, and we at VVP Travel know you are one. It was a crucial battleground during the Anglo-Boer War and is home to one of South Africa’s oldest and largest dams. The town also features various historical monuments that mark significant, though often overlooked, moments in South Africa’s history. Steytlerville is definitely a place to see and explore.
1. The Valley Of The Flags
Image courtesy www.karooheartland.com
The Valley of the Flags, located along the R329 outside Steytlerville, is a site of deep cultural and historical significance. The rocks adjacent to the road are adorned with various flags that once served as national symbols of South Africa. The first flag, representing the old South Africa from 1928 to 1994, was painted in 1982 by farmer George Craven. Overlapping the old flag, South Africa's current flag is painted above, giving a sense of overcoming the old with the new, recognising how far South Africa has progressed.
2. The War Monument
Image courtesy www.baviaans.co.za
The Steytlerville War Memorial, erected in 1925, is a solemn tribute to South Africans who sacrificed their lives during the First World War (1914-1918). Located at the intersection of Middelton and Piet Retief, this historic monument lists the names of Steytlerville natives who perished during both World Wars, with inscriptions written in English and Afrikaans. Eleven brave souls, including CR Buckley, J Erasmus, and N Gaisford, are honoured on this memorial, forever remembered for their supreme sacrifice in service to their country.
3. The Old Jail
Image courtesy explorersgardenroute.co.za
The Old Jail in Steytlerville, constructed in 1880 from locally sourced stone, is a stark reminder of the town’s penal history. With walls 0.5 metres thick, it once housed a hospital cell, hard labour cells, awaiting trial cells, a female cell, and a kitchen cell. Decommissioned in 1950, the building was abandoned for over a decade before being meticulously restored and transformed into a luxury guesthouse. Its thick stone walls and historical architecture continue to capture the tails of the past.
4. The Steel Lady De Waal Bridge
Image courtesy karooheartland.com
The Steel Lady De Waal Bridge, a historic single-lane steel-girder bridge, was constructed between 1911 and 1912 to span the Groot River near Steytlerville. Named in honour of Lady De Waal, wife of the first Union administrator Sir Frederick de Waal, the bridge was inaugurated in 1913. After being washed away twice during floods in 1916 and 1921, it was rebuilt nine feet higher. Although a new robust double carriage concrete bridge was constructed in 1974, the Steel Lady remains an important part of the town's history.
5. Pegasus Early Motoring Museum
Source: Facebook / @ Karoo Heartland
Nestled behind the Verandah Coffee Shop in Steytlerville, the Pegasus Early Motoring Museum offers a fascinating glimpse of automotive history. This
meticulously curated collection features restored vintage cars, including a 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 and a rare 1930s Ford Model C, one of only two in South Africa. The museum, owned by Michele and Jurie Prinsloo, also houses an array of interesting motoring memorabilia, making it a must-visit destination for enthusiasts of early motoring history. Talk about finding diamonds in the rough.
6. Lizzy's Khaya (Restaurant)
Source: Facebook / @ Steytlerville Tourism
Lizzy's Khaya, a culinary gem in Steytlerville, is the creation of Lizzy Snoek, one of the town’s most successful entrepreneurs. From humble beginnings as a spaza shop, Lizzy’s establishment has grown into a beloved restaurant and catering business, known for its authentic Karoo cuisine. Specialities include South African classics like roosterkoek, vetkoek and curry, lamb stews, and delightful sweets such as koeksusters and malva pudding. Lizzy’s Khaya offers both tourists and locals an authentic taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
7. Karroo Theatrical Hotel
Source: Facebook / @ Karroo Theatrical Hotel
The Karroo Theatrical Hotel, located in Steytlerville, is a unique blend of luxury and entertainment set amidst the unmistakable Karoo landscape. Guests are invited to explore a world where reality and fantasy merge, with personal attention, timeless Karoo hospitality, and superb cuisine. The hotel’s crown jewel is its Saturday night cabaret show, a glamorous performance where hosts Mark Hinds and Jacques Rabie transform into world-class artists, delivering a theatrical experience that rivals Europe’s finest revues.
8. Kouga Dam
Source: Facebook / @ Kouga Tourism
The Kouga Dam, a remarkable feat of engineering, stands at an impressive 82 metres high with a storage capacity of 128.7 million cubic metres. Built as a double-curvature arch dam, it marked the beginning of a new era in dam construction in South Africa. The dam features advanced flood-control systems and a network of tunnels and drainage systems to safeguard its structure. Serving both irrigation and urban water needs, the Kouga Dam remains a vital resource for the surrounding region and an impressive example of early 20th-century engineering.
9. SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide (1 hour 47 minutes from Steytlerville)
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Situated within the Addo Elephant National Park just under 2 hours away from Steytlerville, the SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide offers birdwatchers an excellent vantage point to observe a diverse array of flying feathered species, including red bishops, weavers, herons, and coots. Located opposite a waterhole in the main rest camp, the hide is a prime spot for enthusiasts. The park itself boasts a rich birdlife, with over 450 species recorded across its varied habitats, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.