A personal experience of living in the Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa. Copyright images: Herman van Bon Photography
Napier is one of those small towns in South Africa one has to explore to find the hidden secrets. Except for some excellent eateries; stunning vistas in and around the village plus a few of the best wineries of South Africa (Yes: it’s true!!!) there are amongst others a craftsman who makes miniature working steam engines; a toy museum, a chess board maker; a military museum; potteries; a toy museum (the 92 yrs old owner still makes them) and a gallery. Some of these are only open ‘by appointment’ but if you ring the bell you can be sure of great hospitality. Oh … and there is amongst others also the largest sundial of South Africa and a ‘Voortrekkers Monument’ (ox wagon)….
A photo impression.
Most tourists only know Napier of landmark; the DR-Church, a magnificent building. They pass the village and stop only to make a picture of the church or go into one of the eateries. But there is sooo much more. Napier is a destination in its own right with not only artists but with a toy museum (by appointment) beautiful vistas (just take the time to explore the back roads); a miniature steam engine maker (with global export), a military museum, a pottery, the largest sundial in South Africa, a 90 yr old woman making bird dens for sale at ‘Greta’s Place’ along the main road (many collector’s items over there), etc. etc.
Since recently Stellar Lodge and Private Gallery Napier also offer three day workshops jewellery making, painting and photography for beginners (including light lunch etc.).
But what makes this village also an outstanding multi-day destination is that is centrally located in the Overberg with places as Gansbaai, Cape Agulhas, Hermanus, Arniston, Swellendam and Greyton within 1 hour drive. For an active affordable holiday think twice….
More info: greenc2 -at- me.com or +27 (0)60 712 4001 We can also mediate in finding the right accommodation,
Since recently Judith Balie is the curator of the Genadendal Mission Museum. Judith is the daughter of Isaac Balie who build up this museum during 30 years. Thanks to Isaac this working museum is one of the best of its kind in South Africa and still to be discovered by the tourism industry. The museum tells the story of the influence of the Moravian Church in the evolvement of Genadendal and its original families.
Last year we visited the Genadendal Mission Museum for the first time. Time was too short but earlier this week we went again with guests and took half a day for it and honestly; also that is too short. It’s one of the best living museums in South Africa; in 50 years time build up by Isaac Balie with the help of some others. The collection is astonishing and provides the visitors a good insight of how village life was in the old days of Genadendal. President Nelson Mandela visited the museum and I guess he got the same guided tour of Isaac Balie as we experienced. Daughter Judith gave us a brief introduction and there we went with Isaac; going from one surprise to the other. Exploring ‘secret’ corners such as the pharmacy, the collection of old photo cameras including a ‘camera obscura’, the watermill, the organ collection including the oldest pipe organ of South Africa, etc. etc. Here are about 40 pictures that give you an impression but better is to visit…
BTW (for the tourists from abroad) No water shortage in the Overberg …
In Franskraal.
