Die Meulhuis is a unique opportunity to see how horse and donkey power was harnessed for milling. The van Zyl family have lovingly restored an old ‘perdemeul’ or ‘horse-mill’ and have built a barn around it – a barn that also houses some other interesting historical items and farm equipment.

This particular mill was erected in 1924, and was in use until the 1950’s. Until 2002 the mill was disused and damaged. Today the mill stands proudly in good condition and is even used to demonstrate the milling if wheat. Demonstrations should be requested in advance.

Bettie can also accommodate large groups to watch the milling process.

Please note: There is no cell-phone reception in this area, emphasising your breakaway from the hustle and bustle of city life!

]]> 17.66430091857910156,-30.76490020751953125 The owners describe their business:

“In 1998 we experienced extreme drought on our Dorper sheep farm (15km from the sea, west coast, Namaqualand) and saw an opportunity in the cultural set-up around us, to establish a tourism project and also create jobs for local people in the area."

"We are now the only private guesthouse in this area, in between Port Nolloth to Hondeklip Bay. Because we provide accommodation for 60 people in wooden chalets/huts; and also camping facilities; we are ideal for tour groups. The Houthoop, which serves as an open-air restaurant, is a huge pile of Red Fig wood (a bush from the farm) packed in a semi-circle – almost sixty years old. We offer a place where people can come to experience traditional, homemade food and the rustic experience of farm life, do bird-watching, go on 4x4 trails, see seasonal wild flowers and enjoy nature with the ultimate goal to protect the environment. We also developed an old winter setting on the farm into a little, cultural museum. There is a campsite, Taaibosknop, on a remote spot in the veld where you can do bundu bashing and you need to go on the Sandveld Trail, an old farm road to get there. On your way, you will see small game, like Duikers and Steenbok. There is a Houthoop Koffi Shoppi in the guesthouse, as well as an à-la-carte on Saturdays in the Fishbone. We specialize in seafood."

"We do weddings/functions and provide facilities for teambuilding and conferences."

"Visitors make Die Houthoop their destination, when they come to visit this unique part of Namaqualand and the west coast. A home away from home.”

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 17.15460014343261719,-29.74979972839355469 Koiingnaas is a village located just north of Honedeklipbaai and slightly inland from the coast. It is mainly a checkpoint and centre for the diamond mining operations that surround the town – and therefore requires access permits.

OpenAfrica.org

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