Baardskeerdersbos

Although Baardskeerdersbos was first mentioned in 1660, when Jan van Riebeek sent an expedition to explore the Overberg, the village, in the beautiful Baardskeerdersbos Valley, has only recently come to the attention of visitors to this part of the world.

Only 25km from Gansbaai, Baardskeerdersbos has become home to a thriving art community who open their homes three times a year, as part of the popular Baardskeerdersbos Art Route. Some of the artists are Joshua Miles, Andreé Bonthuys, Philip John, Niël Jonker, Amanda Jephson and Nikki Miles, and of course a guest artist or two. They are painters, photographers, sculptors, printmakers and ceramicists. For more information on when the art can be viewed, contact Gansbaai Tourism Bureau: Gateway Centre, Kapokblom street: Tel : +27 (0) 28 3841439: Email.

The small rural village of a few homes, a church, pub and a local shop is worth a visit for the original mud-stone cottages, the church which was built in 1921 and the Strandveld pub, housed in an old school building.  Baardskeerdersbos Boereorkes (farmer’s orchestra) of Manie Groenewald is widely known in the world of Afrikaanse music. Many people first hear of B’bos after they listen to Manie and his men.

For more information on the Cape Overberg, visit ShowMe Overberg.