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Why to visit Williston Mall in the Karoo

20/11/2013

8 Comments

 
Williston Mall, Karoo
By Roxanne Reid
Travelling from Sutherland to Carnarvon in the Karoo, we drove into Williston simply because it was a point on the map we’d never been to before. We discovered it’s not the most promising destination overall, but well worth it just to visit the Williston Mall.

Weird and wacky are two words that instantly spring to mind. And of course ‘mall’ is a misnomer here in a dusty town where one of the major attractions is a tombstone route. Its other name is ‘Die Ark B&B en Vlieënde Piering’ (flying saucer) shop, which is equally bizarre.
Williston Mall, Karoo
Williston Mall: note the blackboard sign declaring 'Pudding of the day: Brandy and Coke'
Williston Mall, Karoo
The Junkyard Theatre, Williston Mall
Williston Mall, Karoo
More signs per square metre than anywhere else in the Karoo?
It’s the oddest collection of junk, rusted bikes, radiator grilles, tin ad signs from the old days, hubcaps, buckets, hats/bras/corsets hanging from the ceiling, the tiny Junkyard Theatre with its narrow concrete stage, a children’s village, a succulent nursery – an unusual hotchpotch that’s more than vaguely peculiar but definitely fun. I especially enjoyed a bust of a dour-looking Afrikaner forefather with a ladies’ bonnet perched at a rakish angle on his head and tied under his nose.
Williston Mall, Karoo
Someone at the Williston Mall has a quirky sense of humour
Williston Mall, Karoo
Your junk is Williston Mall's art installation
Williston Mall, Karoo
Even a visit to the loo (that red door) is an adventure
We enjoyed a good lime milkshake and peppermint tart before going back out into the heat to see what else Williston had to offer.
Williston Mall, Karoo
Quirky furniture and décor - just out of frame to the right are bonnets and bras hanging from the reed ceiling
It wasn’t much. Williston is a dusty little dump, the stone NG Kerk about the only other sight of any interest in town. It was built in 1912 when all the building materials had to be transported by donkey cart from Matjiesfontein via Sutherland. Its first organist earned the princely sum of £2.00 a month and school boys had to operate the bellows by foot during services.
Williston church, Karoo
Williston's pretty stone church
But the Karoo isn’t always about the obvious tourist attractions. I’ll bet if you stayed over in Williston, you’d find some out-of-the-ordinary Karoo characters to talk to.

That’s the real Karoo, the thing that makes it so special.

[Update September 2019: It’s been brought to my attention that day visitors now need to book ahead. A message on their Facebook page says: ‘The Williston Mall is open to booked overnight guests only. Tourists and day visitors are welcome, but must book 24 hours in advance on 072 0187288 or 053 3913659. Entrance R20 per adult, R10 for kids.']

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Why to visit Williston Mall in the Karoo, South Africa #Williston #Karoo #SouthAfrica #weird
More about the Karoo

Copyright © Roxanne Reid - No words or photographs on this site may be used without permission from roxannereid.co.za
8 Comments
gillian
20/11/2013 01:50:00 pm

At least I know where I can leave all my husbands junk one day. It sounds charming. I so love those small Karoo towns

Reply
Roxanne link
21/11/2013 12:06:57 am

I agree, Gillian, there's something very special about Karoo dorpies - they're so full of personality.

Reply
Di Brown link
21/11/2013 01:23:46 pm

You have a talent for rooting out these treasures. I just love shops, sorry, Malls, like that. Like an Algemene Handelaar with a well developed creative side and a great sense of humour. I could spend at least 3 very happy hours in a place like that. Thats why I love South Africa, never boring, even in dusty, nowhere towns. I think it's the inbred S.A. "gees"

Reply
Roxanne link
21/11/2013 11:19:21 pm

Thanks Di. You're right, it's the individual personality, creativity and spirit you find in small towns that makes them so beguiling.

Reply
Mike Suttle
25/11/2013 12:28:47 am

Wow! I love the new layout and design not to mention the fantastic articles

Reply
Roxanne link
25/11/2013 02:50:16 am

Thanks Mike, you're observant! Still ironing out a few kinks but I'm pretty chuffed with the clean, fresh new look. The old design was really past its sell-by date.

Reply
Hans Oosterhof
22/6/2020 05:37:48 pm

De kleine wind pomp, bij jullie gekoop, draait lustig in Holland

Reply
Roxanne
22/6/2020 07:52:45 pm

Glad to hear that, Hans, though I wouldn't think you'd need to import more windmills to The Netherlands!

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    I'm an independent travel writer and book editor with a passion for Africa - anything from African travel, people, safari and wildlife to adventure, heritage, road-tripping and slow travel.
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