Posted on August 23rd, 2010 by Ruth
The Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre tells the story of life in South Africa 253 million years ago during the Permian Period. With all of these wonderful fossils it is not surprising that many palaeontologists were born and bred in the area.
This centre is named after the internationally renowned palaeontologist, James Kitching who grew up in Nieu-Bethesda. He became internationally renowned for his ability to discover fossils and he later became professor in palaeontology at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Visitors to the Fossil Exploration Centre go on a short guided tour to nearby fossil-bearing rocks. The Centre has life-sized models of prehistoric animals which once lived in the Karoo as well as paintings by the artist Gerhard Marx depicting a time of no grasses or animal life. A laboratoy demonstates how fossils are prepared.
Contact Details:
Tel: +27 11 717 6682
Mobile: +27 84 500 3902
Email: witsgeoutreach@gmail.com
Websie: www.openafrica.org
This posting about The Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre was sponsored by i Lead Online South Africa. Should you wish to advertise on this website contact i Lead Online: info@etraffic.co.za. Visit www.ileadwebsites.co.za for more online directories such as this one.
Filed under: Eastern Cape, Graaff Reinet, Graaff Reinet Attractions, museums | No Comments »
Posted on August 23rd, 2010 by Ruth
Nieu-Bethesda is set in a fertile valley of the Sneeuberg Mountains, and the Owl House has contributed to it being a tourist attraction that offers guest-houses, restaurants, coffee shops, a pub, and art galleries.
As Helen Martins lay ill in bed one night considering her dull life, she resolved to bring some light and colour into it, and what began as a quest for light and colour soon developed into a fascination and obsession with the interplay of reflection, space, light and dark and different hues.
Over a period of about twelve years, she and Koos Malgas created from her imaginings the hundreds of sculptures that are found in ‘Camel Yard’. Her favourite animals – owls and camels – predominate the fantastical figures, and even the arched entranceway from the street is watched over by a double-faced owl.
Helen Martin’s wish was that her creations would be preserved as a museum. Today her artwork, once ridiculed by the villagers, has become one of the most importants drawcards to the village of Nieu-Bethesda.
Contact Details:
The Owl House
Telefax: (049) 8411733
Email: theowlhouse@mweb.co.za
Wesite: www.owlhouse.co.za
Owl House Foundation
P.O.Box 7
Nieu-Bethesda
6286
This posting about The Owl House was sponsored by i Lead Online South Africa. Should you wish to advertise on this website contact i Lead Online: info@etraffic.co.za. Visit www.ileadwebsites.co.za for more online directories such as this one.
Filed under: Eastern Cape, Graaff Reinet, Graaff Reinet Attractions, museums | No Comments »
Posted on August 23rd, 2010 by Ruth
Reinette Te Water Naudé bought the old stable-like building in 1997, added more buildings on and restored it to its present form.
Somerset Stables isn’t conducted like a business, it’s a beautiful B+B and guest house sanctuary where guests can enjoy true Karoo hospitality. It’ situated away from the hustle and bustle, yet within walking distance to the shops.
Somerset Stables is all about beauty and comfort – their large comfortable bedrooms are en-suite and decorated with style. Private entrances to the rooms ensure your privacy where you can enjoy peace and tranquility in the beautiful gardens and take in stunning views of the mountains.
In the main house you can enjoy a hearty breakfast from the farm-like kitchen.
With plenty of other facilities available, a stay at Somerset Stables will keep you busy and relaxed all at the same time.
Contact Details:
Somerset Stables
Corner Somerset & Donkin Street
Graaf-Reinet
6280
Cell: 083 668 6210
Fax: 049 892 3949
Website: www.wheretostay.co.za
This posting about Somerset Stables was sponsored by i Lead Online South Africa. Should you wish to advertise on this website contact i Lead Online: info@etraffic.co.za. Visit www.ileadwebsites.co.za for more online directories such as this one.
Filed under: B+B's in Graaff Reinet, Eastern Cape, Graaff Reinet, Graaff Reinet accommodation, guest houses | No Comments »
Posted on August 23rd, 2010 by Ruth
The museum was officially opened in 1966 by old state president C.R Swart and has an impressive collection of over a hundred various art works by prominent South African artists like Maggie Laubser, Johannes Meintjies and Ernst de Jong.
The art museum was originally a Dutch Reformed missionary church which was built in 1821. As time went by it was used for various other activities, and disued and dilapidated, Dr AntonRupert of the Rembrandt foundation arranged for the Historical Homes of South Africa to buy it in this state and restore it.
Upon completion the building was handed over to the Graaff-Reinet Town Council, and it’s now used as an Art Museum and named in honour of Dr Rupert’s mother.
If you are one of the many people who cherish the memories of yesteryear, then a trip to this Art Museum is a must.
Contact Details
Church Street
Graaff-Reinet
Tel+27 (0)49 586 1030
Websitewww.graaffreinet.co.za
This posting about The Hester Rupert Art Museum was sponsored by i Lead Online South Africa. Should you wish to advertise on this website contact i Lead Online: info@etraffic.co.za. Visit www.ileadwebsites.co.za for more online directories such as this one.
Filed under: Eastern Cape, Graaff Reinet, Graaff Reinet Attractions, museums | No Comments »
Posted on August 23rd, 2010 by Ruth
The construction of this dam was completed in 1925. Once known as Van Ryneveld’s Dam, the Nqweba Dam is to be found in the Camdeboo National Park, just a short distance from Graaff Reinet.
Coveirng a a total surface area of about 1,000 hectares when at its full capacity, bird lovers will love to spend time picking out the large variety of water bird species.
They also have a game viewing area and wonderful species like the Cape Mountain Zebra, Cape Buffalo, Eland, Kudu, Springbok and Black Wildebeest will provide visitors with excellent photographic opportunities.
For sport lovers, the dam offers a variety of recreational water activities including boating, canoeing, windsurfing and fishing.
They also host a number of fun events at the dam where music, good food and home-made crafts draw delighted crowds.
Contact Details:
P.O. Box 737
Graaff-Reinet
6280
Tel: +27 49 89 23180
Fax: +27 49 89 10919
E-mail: info@camdeboocottages.co.za
This posting about Nqweba Dam was sponsored by i Lead Online South Africa. Should you wish to advertise on this website contact i Lead Online: info@etraffic.co.za. Visit www.ileadwebsites.co.za for more online directories such as this one.
Filed under: Eastern Cape, Graaff Reinet, Graaff Reinet Attractions | No Comments »
