The dorp (small town of) Steytlerville owes its origin in 1876 to the determined efforts and willpower of dominee (reverend) A.I. Steytler of Uitenhage.

The town derives its attraction from its unique location and the friendliness of its inhabitants, only some 4500 in the entire district! Steytlerville is noted for being one of the most unspoiled dorps in the South African rural area.  Situated on the banks of the Groot River with the Great River Heights to the north, the Baviaanskloof Mountains to the south and the mountain climbers’ paradise, the Cocks Comb peak to the east, Steytlerville enjoys majestic views.

 

On the slopes of the Groot Winterhoek Mountain a number of game reserves and guest farms are found where game and the black eagle can be seen in protected environments.

 

The natural beauty of the district is complimentary to the neighbouring Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area lying south of the town on the far side of the Baviaanskloof Mountains, just 29 kilometres from the town as the crow flies.

 

Off the tar, Steytlerville can be reached from Patensie via the picturesque Groot River Pass, a 120 km, three and a half hour drive by 4x4.  The lovely farm, Hadley, lies along the road and has a number of hiking trails. Plans are in the pipeline for big developments. The road winds along the northern slopes of the Baviaanskloof Mountains, through the farms Rietfontein, Sapkamma to join the main Willowmore/Steytlerville road.

 

The Doornbosch and Verekraal roads also bring one back to the Willowmore/Steytlerville road. The Rietfontein road links with the Patensie/Steytlerville road.

 

To the east are various gravel roads leading from Kleinpoort which go past the impressive Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve, enabling one to further explore the district.  Kleinpoort is 90 km from Uitenhage on the R75 to Graaff-Reinet. You will find Wolwefontein 10 km from Kleinpoort on the same road where one turns off to Steytlerville. The popular Haaspoort Busch Camp is of particular note.

50 km west of Wolwefontein one approaches Steytlerville through the breath-taking rock formations of two cuttings. Three kilometres from the town the road passes through the Noorspoort Pass itself, also known as the Valley of the Flags where the history of the rulers of South Africa is depicted by flags painted on the rocks. This is something unique in South Africa.

 

Just before entering town you find a road turning off to the left which leads past the Karroo Theatrical Hotel. Liquor regulations in former days required that the hotel to be situated outside the town!

 

On entering the dorp one is greeted by a row of standards down the centre of the main street on which are displayed the coats of arms of families of different population groups in the district.  This is also unique in South Africa.

 

The neat and appealing appearance of the main street is striking. Beauty is the order of the day and the variety of businesses is steadily increasing. There are many historic buildings to be seen. The outstanding Victorian church is the showpiece of the town’s Victoriana and can be visited by arrangement.

 

This little town, halfway on the alternative route from Oudtshoorn to Addo, bids you farewell.  From here you can now drive west 85 km to Willowmore either on the main road or on one of the several gravel roads which wind through the mountains and are suitable for most motor vehicles. You will come across the holiday farms Marlu, Elandsheuwel and Brighton along the way.

 

Information and a map of the district’s roads can be obtained here. If you follow the directions and gravel road, you will encounter, shortly before Fullarton, the Game Reserve Bhejane.

 

Don’t pass by without popping in to meet the hosts and learning more about the game reserve and adventure trails! From here you can hike across the hills to Elandsheuwel. Yes, there is a whole network of excitement to be experienced. Turn left at Fullarton and follow the road to where a last surprise awaits you. Where it meets the main road to Willowmore, you turn onto a single lane concrete road! This road is the only one of its type in South Africa.

 

Thus, facing west from Steytlerville, behold the wonder of dramatic sunsets – something that we can regularly enjoy in all its glory, free and unbidden.

 

Come and share these wonderful experiences with us!