Welcome to Bethulie
Bethulie is on the Gariep Route and located on the Free State side where the Gariep Dam, South Africa’s largest dam, starts near the confluence of the Caledon and Orange rivers.
Welcome to Bethulie
Bethulie is on the Gariep Route and located on the Free State side where the Gariep Dam, South Africa’s largest dam, starts near the confluence of the Caledon and Orange rivers.
Our History
Before the town’s founding
The San were the first inhabitants of the area and rock art can still be seen on some of the farms surrounding Bethulie. Access is currently restricted in order to preserve the rock art.
Migrant farmers have been active in the area since 1809. Among the hills south of the Bethulie dam are remnants of about 13 corrals.
The London Missionary Society with Kolbe and Clark did missionary work under the San from 1828 to 1833. Thereafter JP Pellissier from the Paris Missionary Society did missionary work under the Tlhaping, who followed him from the Zeerust area, from 1833 to 1867. Their captain was Lephoi.
The graves of Pellissier, his wife, some of his children and grandchildren as well as his father are on the premises of the Pellissier Museum. Pellissier’s first church was on the corner of Voortrekker and Beyer Street. The second church was built in 1873 to the north of the old Roman Catholic residence. Only the foundations remain today.
A monument for Captain Lephoi was erected where he had built a house for himself. A burial ground known as the Tlhaping Cemetery is located at the foothills north of the museum.
During the Great Trek in the 1830s, various trekkers crossed the Orange River in the town’s vicinity. Hendrik Andries Potgieter crossed the Orange River with 70 wagons about 600 meters from the confluence of the Orange and Caledon Rivers. Paul Kruger, who later became President of the ZAR, was 11 years old when his parents joined the Potgieter trek in 1836. At the time they lived on Klipbanksfontein, a farm south of the present Hennie Steyn bridge.
Founding of Bethulie 1863
Discord developed between Rev. Pellissier and Capt. Lephoi after the latter sold the grounds of the missionary station to migrant farmers. In 1860 a syndicate bought out 6000 morgen from the Tlhaping for the town’s layout and in 1863 the town Heidelberg, known today as Bethulie, was proclaimed. At that stage, the town consisted of 15 houses and 3 shops.
Nature Reserves Around Bethulie
Tussen Die Riviere Game Reserve
This nature reserve with luxury accommodation developed from a hunting reserve. There are exceptional rock formations and an abundance of game that can be viewed
Gariep Game Reserve
This reserve stretches from the Gariep dam wall to Bethulie. Luxury accommodation is available. It is the only place in the Free State where the Cape Mountain Zebra can be found. The reserve also hosts 242 different bird species among which the rare Martial Eagle, the Tawny Eagle and the Namaqua Sandgrouse can be seen.
Oviston Game Reserve
This reserve stretches from the Gariep dam wall to the Hennie Steyn Bridge on the southern banks of the Orange River. Here you will be able to see an abundance of Gemsbok (also known as the Cape Oryx), Hartebeest and Zebra.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Trails
Bethulie has some great hiking opportunities on the koppies or hills just outside of the town, with some paved hiking trails overlooking the Hennie Steyn Bridge.
Cycling
Bethulie is uniquely situated close to the Gariep Dam, Bethulie Dam and the Hennie Steyn Bridge with some amazing scenery as you take your morning cycle on the roads in and around Bethulie. You could also see some of the wildlife in their natural habitat as you cycle around Bethulie.
Bowls
The Bethulie Bowling Club was established in 1978 and is kept in great condition. It has a lot of active members who play regularly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You can join in on the fun on the green by contacting Gerhard (Pottie) Potgieter on 0845851173.
Golf
Bethulie has a beautiful 9-hole Golf course overlooking the inflow of the Orange River into the Gariep dam. Join the players on Wednesdays and on Saturdays for a day of golf and experience the amazing views of Bethulie, Gariep Dam and the Great Orange River. For bookings and more information, you can contact Dolf van der Walt on 082 404 1427
Tennis
Bethulie has 3 tennis courts that have been in good condition since 1988. We have quite a few avid tennis players that play on a regular basis. To book and get the keys to the tennis courts you can contact Anton Crafford at 082 533 5960
Squash
Feel like breaking a sweat on the squash court? Bethulie has 1 squash court that has been in use since 1983. The squash court can be booked by calling Ferdi Labuschagne on 078 937 2450 for the keys.
Where To Stay
Hillside Guest House
Hillside Guest House features 4 beautifully furnished rooms that can be booked individually or you can book the entire guest house for your family or group. The guest house can sleep a maximum of 11 people and is ideally suited for large families or groups. Feel at home away from home.
Old Watchmaker’s Guest House
The Old Watchmakers Guesthouse and Bistro offer lovely accommodations and delicious meals at reasonable prices in true South African hospitality. Ideal for a few days away, Watchmaker’s is a journey back in time that will leave you feeling rested and ready for the future.
The Aloe’s Guesthouse
The Aloe’s Guest House offers comfortable accommodation in a fully furnished self-catering unit. The unit comprises of 1 bedroom and can accommodate 4 guests at a time. The Aloes is set on a koppie, overlooking the historical town of Bethulie offering a beautiful view of the Hennie Steyn bridge and the Lake Gariep.
Karoo Pandok Guesthouse
Nestled in the beautiful and historic town of Bethulie. Picturesque Free State koppies surround this charming village and is the ideal setting where you can enjoy true Karoo hospitality at its fullest.
Karoo Pandok is the perfect setting to clear your mind, become still and connect with nature. A refreshing overnight stay.
Lavender Rose B&B
Lavender Rose B&B in an idyllic rural and historic town, Bethulie, offers a comfortable stayover including breakfast. The cottage offers its own private kitchen, small garden and braai area, so you can literally dust off your shoes, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet next to a lekker kuier fire. Need to stay connected? We also offer free Wi-Fi.
Rus n Bietjie Accommodation
Do you want to experience the most unique accommodation in Bethulie? Look no further than Rus n Bietjie guesthouse! Our wooden guesthouse is set amidst massive trees and can accommodate up to 3 people in 2 bedrooms with 1 bathroom. Enjoy a friendly stay with us and make your vacation even more memorable!