There are places in the world that refuse to be rushed. Nieu-Bethesda is one of them.
Tucked into the folds of the Sneeuberg mountains, this small Karoo village has no traffic lights, no fast food, and no reason to hurry. And nobody understands this better than Jacob van Staden.
Meet Jacob
Jacob has been guiding visitors through the streets of Nieu-Bethesda by donkey cart for years. His two donkeys know every corner of the village — every dust road, every rose garden, every story worth telling. Jacob doesn't just drive you through the town. He introduces you to it.
Past the famous Owl House. Past the white-washed church with its clock tower. Past the old water furrows that have fed this village for centuries.
What is Slow Tourism?
Slow Tourism is a choice — to travel at the pace of the place you're visiting, not the pace of your schedule. To notice things. To stop. To listen.
A donkey cart tour with Jacob is Slow Tourism at its finest. No engine noise. No air conditioning. Just the clip-clop of hooves on a gravel road, the sound of the wind through the poplar trees, and Jacob's quiet voice telling you things you won't read in any guidebook.
How to book
Jacob's Donkey Cart Tours are available through Gateway to the Karoo™. We handle all bookings and coordinate directly with Jacob.
📱 WhatsApp Wessel: 061 544-1436
🌐 gatewaytothekaroo.co.za
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JKK Members receive priority booking — members are confirmed before the general public.