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16 things to do in Willowmore in the Karoo

21/6/2023

41 Comments

 
Things to do in Willowmore: colourful buildings
By Roxanne Reid
[Updated October 2024]
​Anyone who thinks South Africa’s Karoo is full of a whole lot of nothing just isn’t paying attention. Same goes for anyone who speeds past Willowmore in the Karoo without stopping to scratch beneath the surface. Here’s my pick of some of the things to do in and around this little dorpie.

You’ll find Willowmore in the Eastern Cape, about 170km north-east of George and 117km south-west of Abderdeen in the Karoo. Although it was first established in 1864 and the district was proclaimed in 1874, its story goes all the way back to 1817, when the first farm was registered. Even today, the main source of income is farming, including angora goats for mohair. (You can see a selection of mohair products to buy at The Cozy Shed on the main road).

Many Gauteng holiday-makers probably only know Willowmore as a signpost on the N9 that they whizz past on their way to Knysna on the Garden Route, but it’s really worth stopping to explore. It also makes a good kick-off point in the west for exploring the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area with its jagged mountains and rocky cliffs, its lush valleys and lichen-festooned trees.
Metal installation art at the entrance to Willowmore in the Karoo
Ollie the Anglia welcomes you to Willowmore with this metalwork installation
Willowmore has recently been announced as the Eastern Cape’s ‘Dorp van die Jaar 2023’ (town of the year) by Afrikaans TV programme, Kwela, so I’m not the only one who has fallen under its spell. When you visit, don’t miss Ollie the vintage yellow Anglia welcoming you to town as you approach from Uniondale. It’s an art installation of rusted objects and plants and a cool place for a photo.

Here’s my pick of some of the best things to do in Willowmore.

1. Pop into the tourism office
Start your visit by ducking into the Baviaans Tourism Office in the municipal building on Knysna Street to ask about things to do in the area. They’ll give you a map of the major attractions, including various historical buildings and accommodation options, and tell you about things to do in the area. You can also contact them on tel (049) 807-5709 or https://www.baviaans.co.za. For other useful online info, see Willowmore Tourism’s website, where you can also download street maps of the town and the Baviaanskloof.

2. Admire the old buildings
Things to do in Willowmore: old buildings
The Willowmore Town Hall; look out for the angora goat statue in the square next door
​Given that its history goes back to the 19th century, it’s no surprise that Willowmore is a delight for those who love the architecture of days gone by. Look out for The Town Hall in Knysna Street. Built around 1896, it’s a symmetrical Victorian building that might look more like a house if it weren’t for the unusual clock tower in the centre.

At numbers 3 and 5 Wehmeyer Street are two lovely old Victorian houses, while at number 70 you’ll find an elegant double-storey Victorian, the first level dating back to 1864 and the top level added in 1897. Once the parsonage of the Dutch Reformed church, and later a girls’ hostel and then a boarding house, it’s now the delightful Willow Historical Guesthouse (see points 14/15).

In Blignaut Street you can find the Old Jail with its plaster quoins at the corners, door and windows. Originally a jail complete with dungeon, it was lovingly converted into a guesthouse and art gallery with gorgeous gardens, but those are now rather forlorn. It’s apparently still used for retreats.
Willowmore Eastern Cape: old synagogue building
The old synagogue is a reminder of how much the Jewish community contributed to the Karoo in times gone by
You can see the town’s Jewish history in the (sadly neglected) old synagogue in Victoria Street. Built in 1908, it looks much like any church except for the Hebrew inscription at ground level and what’s left of a broken Star of David at the apex of the facade. This building was already in a state of disrepair when it suffered serious structural damage during the 1969 earthquake. It was deconsecrated in 1979, was used in the past to store old cars and furniture but now stands empty.

The shul has its own ‘ghost’ story from the 1970s when heavy breathing sounds were heard issuing from the building. On investigation, though, it proved to be nothing more ghostly than an owl breeding in the roof.

A building in Knysna Street used to be the rabbi’s house with a line of Stars of David worked into the stoep’s wooden railing. It’s now a funeral business and on our last visit in May 2023, I was horrified to see that the historic railing had been replaced with a galumphing modern one.

There are lots of other gems in the Karoo style with corrugated iron stoep roofs that may be bell-curved or bull-nosed – a great protection against the ruthless Karoo sun. Spend some time wandering the streets to find them. You can drive or walk but best would be to bring your mountain bike and cycle up and down. Many of these lovely old buildings beg to be photographed.

3. Wander around the Willowmore Cemetery 
Anglo-Boer War cemetery, Willowmore
Find historical graves from the Anglo-Boer War and the Spanish Flu epidemic
I may be odd, but I love old graveyards that reek of history and the stories the inscriptions tell. This one has graves dating back to the Spanish Flu of 1918, the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902 and beyond. The oldest graves go back to the first half of the 1800s. To the right of the entrance are the graves of some ‘Cape Rebels’ executed by the British for supporting the Boer guerillas during the Anglo-Boer War. From here you can take a short hike to a small powder magazine used during battle to store gunpowder and ammunition, possibly during the Frontier Wars of the 1850s and 1870s.

4. Visit the Jewish Cemetery
Willowmore Jewish Cemetery
The Jewish cemetery is exceptionally neat and well cared for
Follow the signs from the northern end of the main road, which take you through a fairly neat but poor township. The gates to the Jewish Cemetery are locked but by the time you park someone carrying a key will appear to let you in. Willowmore used to have a thriving Jewish community until about the 1960s, and in this small, very well cared for graveyard you might find names like Feltman, Horowitz, Kaplan and Korelstein.

5. Go hiking
The Pierre Ferreira trail on the outskirts of Willowmore takes you through veld rich in succulents. You’ll pass two old Anglo-Boer War forts that were used to guard the railway line to Willowmore. It’s a 2-3 hour circular trail that gives good views of the village, and is especially pretty in the early morning or late afternoon. In summer when it’s very hot, make sure you wear a hat and sunscreen, and take plenty of water. New signposts need to be erected, but pop in to the tourism office on Knysna Street and they can give you easy directions.

Or go hiking on Aasvoëlberg (vulture mountain) at Finchley Farm 2.5km south-west of Willowmore. It also looks out over the dorp and is one of the few places in the Karoo where coastal fynbos grows. You’ll need to pay a day visitor’s fee.

Many of the accommodation providers in the western section of the Baviaanskloof also offer hiking trails for day visitors (for a fee). Some of those between 40km and 70km from the N9 along the R332 include
  • Uitspan Guest Farm (which includes a hike to a cave with Bushman paintings)
  • Makkedaat Caves
  • Duiwekloof Lodge
  • Verlorenrivier Guest Farm (three 5km hikes)
  • Bo-Kloof Guest Farm (both hiking and rock climbing)
    ​
6. Walk over the red bridge 
The Red Bridge, Willowmore
The red bridge was getting a new coat of paint when we visited
The pedestrian bridge at the southern edge of town was built over the Noodsloot River in 1923 and much used when it was in flood. Back in those days, the road was just a drift. Even as recently as 2010 a flash flood hit Willowmore, turning the river into a torrent that flooded part of the main road. When we last visited in May 2023, it was good to see that this quaint little bridge was getting a bright new coat of red paint. Once the painting was finished, the flower pots would be remounted.

7. Gaze at the stars
The clean, dry Karoo air is perfect for indulging in some star gazing, especially if you stay somewhere away from the town lights – or indeed during hours of loadshedding! Try to move away from buildings so your view isn’t interrupted and you’ll see the planets, stars, Milky Way and other constellations more clearly and brightly than you will in any Big City.

8. Meet your own Karoo Angel
Karoo Angels, Willowmore - a social upliftment project
Karoo Angels can be Christmas decorations or jewellery like these pendants and earrings
Don’t miss a visit to the Karoo Angels shop next to Absa in Knysna Street. This is an outlet for hand-made angels knitted from thin wire, with feathers, sequins and beads to add individual character. They’re so charming that you’ll want to buy more than one, whether as a Christmas decoration, dream-catcher or perhaps jewellery. They’re produced by crafters in the tiny settlements of Vondeling and Rietbron about 60 or 70km north-west of Willowmore. It all began back in 2006 as a social upliftment project spearheaded by two women from Gqeberha and today it’s still a huge success, with thousands of Karoo angels finding their way to other parts of the world, including Switzerland, France and Norway.

9. Go mountain biking
Bring your mountain bike and take to the gravel roads around Willowmore to feel the wind blow away the Big City cobwebs. Some guest farms in the area also have mountain biking tracks open to day visitors for a small fee. These include:
  • Finchley Farm – see website link in point 5
  • Baviaans Guest Cottages (about 70km from the N9)

10. See town by donkey cart 
The Willow Limo donkey cart in Willowmore
Go for a donkey cart ride around town on the Willow Limo
Look out for the flower-festooned Willow Limo donkey cart that’s usually parked on the main road. Enjoy a leisurely 20-minute ride around the streets of Willowmore while you listen to a local’s take on its story. It’s a wonderful way to slow your pace to Karoo time and will be a hit with your kids. There’s obviously a fee for the ride; think of it as food for the donkeys. If you’re not going on a donkey ride but want a photo of the donkeys and cart, ask first. The driver will want a small fee for a photo.

11. Drive a 4x4 trail
Put your 4x4 through its paces on a 4x4 track and at the same time enjoy the scenery of cliffs and valleys that make the Baviaanskloof area so beautiful. At Finchley Farm 2.5km from Willowmore, you can drive to the top of Aasvoëlberg for sweeping views over the surrounding landscape. The Grade 1-2 track is suitable for 2x4 bakkies with high clearance. See the website link in point 5 for more info.

If you’re a day visitor looking for something more serious to challenge your 4x4 and driving skills, try the Grade 4/5 route at Uitspan Guest Farm 42km from the N9. It should take you 30 minutes or so, depending on how often you stop for photos. There’s also an 8-10km 4x4 route at Makkedaat Caves 47km from the N9, and a 22km 4x4 route at Verlorenrivier Guest Farm 68km from the N9. Day visitors are welcome but need to pay a fee to drive these routes. See website links to these guest farms in point 5 for more info.

12. Visit the old Blackstone Power Station 
Old Blackstone power station, Willowmore
Visit the Blackstone Power Station for a look at how things were done in the past
If you’re interested in anything to do with power and electricity, you’ll be intrigued by the tiny Blackstone Power Station at the southern end of town. It has six Lister Blackstone diesel engines that used to supply the whole town with power until 1984. You can get a key from the Baviaans Tourism Office in Knysna Road.

13. Go birding at Bakers Dam
Bakers Dam just outside Willowmore was built in 1906 by the South African Railways to supply steam locomotives with water. With the arrival of diesel trains, the municipality took over the dam to serve as the town’s primary source of water. Today, it’s mainly a spot for birders to spend time with their binos. Look for birds like red-knobbed coots, herons, storks and egrets, maybe even an African fish-eagle. Get a gate key from the tourism office in Knysna Road, Willowmore, and find the gate about 5km south-west of town on the N9 towards Uniondale.

14. Eat at Willowmore restaurants
Although it may not be a foodie destination in the same way as Franschhoek or Stanford, Willowmore does have a few cool coffee shops, farm stalls and restaurants that are surprisingly good for a small Karoo town.

Sophie’s Choice
Duck into Sophie’s Choice*, which is also an antique and object d’art palace. Try the fresh scones, carrot cake or apple crumble. They also do breakfasts, and there are lamb shanks, bobotie and other dishes to satisfy the lunch crowd. ​
Sophie's Choice Willowmore, restaurant and garden
The garden and pool next to Sophie's Choice restaurant
​Inside, there’s an elegance of antique tables with jugs of fresh roses, leather couches for lounging, and joyfully mismatched chairs. If the weather is good, you might prefer to sit on one of the stoeps among wrought iron chairs and pot plants, to look out over one of the pools and fountains. A walk around the pretty gardens is also a peaceful way to unwind.
Willowmore restaurants: inside Sophie's Choice at lunchtime
Antiques, mirrors and chandeliers fill the interior of Sophie's Choice restaurant
Either in the restaurant space or the shop next door, you might find leatherbound books, christening dresses, dressmaker’s dummies, crockery, silver, chandeliers, paintings, gilt mirrors, cherubs, and a collection of ancient teddy bears. Think of it as a revolving art gallery, where the exhibits change from day to day.

*Update October 2024: Although it used to be in Willowmore town and then at Keurfontein Country House, Sophie's has now moved to Uniondale. The space is slightly different but the ambience the same and worth a visit if you're travelling to Willowmore from the south. Not open for dinner.
Restaurants in Willowmore: Sophie's Choice
Sophie's Choice shop next to the restaurant is well worth a visit too
Sophie's Choice shop - interior
A peek at the riches inside Sophie's Choice shop
Kapoet
At the southern end of the main road, stop at the charming Kapoet with its yellow shutters and umbrellas outside. Try their coffee and apple tart, lemon meringue, milk tart or chocolate cake. For something less sweet, there’s freshly made roosterkoek with toppings like chicken mayo, or biltong and green figs. They also offer fresh pies, quiche, gourmet burgers, filled pancakes, and toasted sarmies. There are some gift items to browse while you wait
Kapoet restaurant, Willowmore
Kapoet on the main drag is a great place to 'stoepsit'
​When the weather is fine, sit outside on the Karoo stoepie to watch the passing parade. This activity is widely practised around the Karoo, where it is known as ‘stoepsit’.

Find it at 26 Knysna Street. Not open for dinner.

Belly Deli
Belly Deli declares upfront that it’s not a fast food joint. And that’s already one point in its favour in my eyes, meaning that food is prepared fresh when you order. The little restaurant will lure you in with its colourful and artistically decorated exterior. Inside you’ll find friendly service and a homely atmosphere.
Belly Deli restaurant, Willowmore
Sit inside or outside to enjoy your food at Belly Deli
Enjoy anything from breakfast to milkshakes, coffee and cake, or meals like the pies, woodfired pizzas, burgers, stuffed pitas, tramezzinis, wraps, and salads. They also do Sunday lunches featuring dishes like chicken schnitzel, braised oxtail, and bobotie. The fireplace is a gem for cold winter days or you can sit outside to enjoy the fresh air when the weather is balmy.

Find it at 40 Knysna Street. Not open for dinner.

The Willow Historical Guesthouse
The Willow Historical Guesthouse is a mellow hide-out in an old Victorian building that used to be a rectory and a hostel for girls at one time. Enjoy a meal in its a la carte restaurant, surrounded by polished mahogany tables, riempie chairs, hallmarked silver cutlery, and old china plates as wall hangings. 
Restaurant at The Willow Historical Guesthouse, Willowmore
Enjoy a candlelight dinner in Victorian splendour at The Willow Historical Guesthouse
Try the excellent slow-cooked lamb shank or other Karoo dishes like bobotie, oxtail, ostrich, and pumpkin fritters. Allow enough time to duck into the bar before your meal to enjoy a chat and a space jam-packed with historical memorabilia like old tins, lamps, licence plates and road signs. Read about our visit here.

Find it off the main road at 70 Wehmeyer Street. Open for all meals, including dinner.

Oppi-Vlak Padstal
If you love a good padstal (farm stall) and you’re approaching Willowmore from Aberdeen, you’ll want to stop at Oppi-Vlak Padstal for breakfasts, roosterkoek with various fillings, home-made pies and, in winter, Ouma Betsie’s pea soup. Sweet treats include a legendary milk tart, carrot cake, chocolate torte, apple tart, and waffles. If you’re in a rush, they can make you a takeaway. 
Oppi-Vlak Padstal ooutside Willowmore
Sit outside at Oppi-Vlak Padstal or inside among lots of goodies you'll want to browse
There’s also the usual farmstall fare of dried fruit, rusks, jams and preserves, as well as gifts like toys, tins, signs, mugs, hats and throws that provide a pleasingly cluttered décor for the dining area. Don’t forget to listen carefully to see if you can hear the ‘meerkat choir’ outside. The kids will love to see the donkeys too.

Find it about 40km north of Willowmore on the N9 towards Aberdeen. Not open for dinner.

15. Stay over in Willowmore accommodation
Over the years, we’ve stayed at about a dozen of the accommodation options in Willowmore and the Baviaanskloof. There’s a wide range to suit all budgets, from a full-service hotel, guest houses, B&Bs and self-catering cottages/rooms to camping.
Willowmore accommodation: The Willow Historical Guesthouse
The welcoming, three-star Willow Historical Guesthouse
In Willowmore itself, I can highly recommend The Willow Historical Guest House in a lovely old Victorian building. We’ve stayed there twice and the rooms are comfy, the welcome friendly, the pub cosy and chatty, and food in the restaurant very tasty. 

We’ve also stayed in self-catering rooms at Keurfontein Country House about 18km south of town, with the convenience of Sophie’s Choice restaurant nearby for breakfast and lunch if you feel lazy. The wood-burning stove in our room was a boon in freezing weather and the view over a dam relaxing.

If you’re looking for a budget stay, consider the neat and well cared-for Willowmore Caravan Park next to the town hall. There are campsites for caravans and campers, with power and water points nearby. Each site has private ablutions, and there’s a communal wash-up area. There are also a few very reasonably-priced chalets for those who’re on a budget but don’t dig camping.

There’s also a rustic campsite with flush loo and hot rocket shower at Finchley Farm 2.5km outside Willowmore.

This is just a handful of the many choices of Willowmore accommodation. For more options, check out Willowmore Tourism’s website.

16. Visit the Baviaanskloof 
Willowmore is the Western gateway to the Bavaiaanskloof
Hills and valleys with lots of rivers and streams, the Baviaanskloof is an explorer's delight
Another of my favourite things to do in the area – the reason we first discovered Willowmore – is to take a drive into the beautiful red-stone mountains of the Baviaanskloof (valley of the baboons). Willowmore is the western gateway to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot.

Find the R332 just south of town. It’s both the last and the longest of the 24 roads that the ingenious Thomas Bain built in the 19th century, this one between 1880 and 1890. (Some of his other famous passes you may have driven include the Swartberg Pass, Meiringspoort, Seweweekspoort, and the Seven Passes Road on the Garden Route.)

You can choose to venture only as far as the Nuwekloof Pass, to do a hike at one of the guest farms (see point 5) before you turn back to Willowmore, or drive the full 200km to Patensie in the east, taking in numerous river crossings and narrow gravel passes with names like Holgat, Pisgoedvlakte and Poepsloot. There are plenty of guest farms and a few rustic campsites along the way, as well as a day visitors’ picnic area at Smitskraal. Note that you need a 4x4 on the last section through the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area or Mega Reserve to Patensie in the east.

You may also enjoy
Guide to the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, Eastern Cape
​
Sleep in the Makkedaat Caves in the Baviaanskloof
Magical Speekhout tree house in the Baviaanskloof

Like it? Pin this image!
Despite its small size, there are lots of things to do in Willowmore in the Karoo, from hiking, mountain biking and 4x4 trails, to old buildings, graveyards, birding, donkey cart rides and star gazing. There are also 5 Willowmore restaurants worth visiting, and lots of Willowmore accommodation to choose from during your stay. Don’t miss a drive into the Baviaanskloof UNESCO World Heritage Site, to which Willowmore is the western gateway.
Despite its small size, there are lots of things to do in Willowmore in the Karoo, from hiking, mountain biking and 4x4 trails, to old buildings, graveyards, birding, donkey cart rides and star gazing. There are also 5 Willowmore restaurants worth visiting, and lots of Willowmore accommodation to choose from during your stay. Don’t miss a drive into the Baviaanskloof UNESCO World Heritage Site, to which Willowmore is the western gateway.
Copyright © Roxanne Reid - No words or photographs on this site may be used without permission from roxannereid.co.za
41 Comments
Burnell Hugo
13/5/2015 09:42:20 am

What a lovely posting. My Grandfather Christian Dorfling was born there in 1894. I would definitely like visit this town one day when I visit SA again.

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Roxanne
22/5/2015 04:56:49 am

Thanks Hugo. It's small but fascinating - i'm sure you could track down the house your grandfather lived in if you went there; so many old places still standing.

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JACO
28/7/2023 03:49:59 pm

Hi Burnell

What is your grandfather up to these days ?

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Roxanne Reid
29/7/2023 01:58:54 pm

Hi Jaco, I'm not sure that Burnell will see your comment on my blog post.

william stephen rex
24/6/2016 07:07:00 am

its the place of my birth,i grew up in the 60's next to the old jail.my late mother used to work for one of the wealthy families in the town and operated the bellows at the st.matthew's church so that the organist Mrs.Chapman could play on sundays.

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Roxanne
24/6/2016 09:43:07 am

What super memories of Willowmore, William. Thanks for sharing them. I wonder when last you visited.

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william
24/6/2016 09:55:39 am

regrettably about two years ago for a funeral...

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Roxanne
24/6/2016 02:08:38 pm

Ah, William, that's sad.

Jackie
5/6/2017 10:23:19 pm

Can one walk or drive through the Toorwaterkloof railway route?

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Roxanne
7/6/2017 04:20:58 pm

Jackie, I'm afraid I don't know. I've only stopped over there for a night and don't know about the Toorwaterkloof railway. I'm away with a really slow connection otherwise I'd Google it, but perhaps that would be the best thing for you to do yourself. If you don't find specific mention of it, Google the Willowmore tourism association - they're bound to be able to help.

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ezette pool
3/9/2017 12:43:06 pm

Great blog and I am on my way there again next week!! Would love to buy your books!!

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Roxanne
3/9/2017 01:04:07 pm

Enjoy your visit, Ezette. Just follow the links to my books and you can buy them on an amazon account - you don't need a kindle or ereader, you can get an app to read them on your phone or computer.

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Denise Diamond
9/2/2019 02:58:53 pm

Am planning to visit Willowmore in April 2019 to find out about my great grandmother Aletta Ferreira. This is a lovely guide for us to use. Thanks very much.

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Roxanne Reid
9/2/2019 03:46:03 pm

Ah, good luck with your research, Denise. I'm sure you'll enjoy your time in this part of the Karoo. It's also well worth exploring the Baviaanskloof while you're in the area.

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Leoni Hattingh
11/9/2021 12:59:25 pm

Hi Denise my mother came from Willowmore. Jacomina Aletta Vosloo. Other names in our family are Ferreira and Olivier. I am planning to visit in 2 weeks time.

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Roxanne Reid
11/9/2021 01:05:53 pm

I hope you have a wonderful time there, Leoni. Chat to people there, even in the tourism office, and they might be able to point you in the direction of some of those families who are still in the area

Surita de Goede
5/11/2021 09:18:20 pm

Hi Leoni. My mother is also from Willowmore also from Family Ferreira and Olivier. Can you conatct me so that we can explore our heritage further.

Roxanne
6/11/2021 07:34:40 am

Hi Surita. If you want Leoni to contact you, you need to give her a cell number of email address. She can't see it otherwise. I can't see your email either otherwise I could pass it along, but this is now part of the new POPI Act.

Eddy
6/5/2019 12:41:16 pm

I had the honour of arriving in Willowmore last year while travelling from GraaffReinette to Oudtshoorn.I met some friendly people,first lf all.The clean air,the historical buildings,the sight of a tranquil Karoo town setting,is worth staying in your memory for a long time.I will definitelygo back there but this time to stay a couple of days.Thank you

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Roxanne Reid
6/5/2019 03:43:35 pm

Indeed, Eddy, that's just how I remember it. It's definitely worth going a couple of days to explore it properly. Hope you get back there soon.

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Windra Basson (nee Chatwind)
13/12/2019 12:06:08 pm

I was born in Willowmore at the local hospital in 1957. I lived there until around 1971. My father, Joey Chatwind farmed in the Aberdeen district. The last I visited Willowmore was around 20 yrs ago. I have very fond childhood memories of the town.

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Roxanne
16/12/2019 07:03:09 am

What wonderful memories, Windra. You should try to go back sometime - it would be interesting to know how much has changed in the past 20 years.

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David Labuschagne
9/11/2024 10:16:37 am

My sister Elizabeth( Santjie) was also born in Willowmore Hospital 1957

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hendrik christiaan jerling
7/4/2021 03:16:38 pm

hi Roxanne my grand father was born in willowmore and his brother i would like to trace there heritage is there a way you can help maybe.

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Roxanne
8/4/2021 07:49:45 am

As a mere visitor to Willowmore, Hendrik, I wouldn't be able to help. I suggest maybe getting in touch with someone at the Willows Historical Guest House or Sophie's Choice (website links in the copy above) and asking for contact details of a person in Willowmore who may be able to help you.

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San-Marie
20/6/2023 02:10:42 pm

That's really a lovely posting. The info about Oppi-Vlak Farmstall is accurate. We are very fortunate to announce that we are recognised under the "top 10% of restaurants" from Tripadvisor. Thanks for the covering of our beautiful town.

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Roxanne Reid
20/6/2023 04:04:34 pm

Thanks for your comment, San-Marie. I hope Willowmore is going to get some new visitors now that it's Kwela's Eastern Cape Dorp van die Jaar.

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Santa/ Belly Deli link
21/6/2023 11:36:40 am

Thank you Roxanne, very nice article.

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Roxanne Reid link
21/6/2023 01:14:42 pm

Thanks, Santa. It's a charming place and we always enjoy our visits there.

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Ernest Williams
22/6/2023 08:31:05 pm

You made a small dorp that I would have normally driven past come alive and worth a visit. Thanks

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Roxanne Reid
23/6/2023 12:39:44 pm

Thank you for that comment, Ernest. My job here is done! Hope you get there to enjoy it for yourself one of these days.

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Eric Hayman
23/6/2023 12:17:36 pm

Here in the UK, yesterday evening I was at a local railway society meeting. Part of the presentation was slides of the steam locomotives that used to pull the trains across the Karoo. Including the great condensing tender locos which re-used the steam by turning it back into water again; the Karoo being so lacking in water supplies.

On my way by train from Cape Town to Lesotho in 1969, I crossed the Karoo hauled by one of those great steam locos. One other memory is of the coldness of the night at De Aar.

Best wishes – Eric Hayman.

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Roxanne Reid
23/6/2023 12:38:24 pm

Ah, what lovely memories of the grand old age of steam. I've travelled by steam train too, but not very far. I found if you stick your head out the window to watch the train wind around a pass, you get smuts in your eye!

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Alanna link
24/6/2023 03:18:54 pm

What a lovely spot. I had never heard of Willowmoore but it seems like a wonderful place to visit with lots to do. The antique shop and cafes look great!

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Roxanne Reid link
25/6/2023 08:38:44 pm

Thanks for reading and for your comment. Definitely worth a stop now that your eyes have been opened to its existence!

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Ava Williams
25/6/2023 12:21:12 pm

I lived in Willowmore when I was young. I loved it as it's a small community and you always have friends - it's a simple life. We now live in a city which is busy and unfriendly - evetyone is in a rush. So different.

Reply
Roxanne Reid
25/6/2023 08:37:18 pm

That seems to be a common experience, Ava, and is perhaps one of the reasons there's a resurgence of interest in people moving away from the big cities and to smaller towns.

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Kate Webber
10/7/2023 08:39:16 pm

Thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog.

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Roxanne Reid
11/7/2023 12:53:04 pm

Thanks for your kind comment, Kate. I hope you found it useful too.

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David Labuschagne
9/11/2024 10:10:54 am

We lived in Willowmore ( Grey street , old school hostel)from 1947 to 1963. Many good memories ! Thank you for beatiful photos and info. Kind regards.

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Roxanne Reid
9/11/2024 12:59:33 pm

Special memories for sure. The Karoo has such soul.

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