Sheep farmers Hester and JP Steynberg moved here over 10 years ago, and immediately started discovering the farms previous lives from the flinty rock that reveals ancient fossils to the smooth sides of the shelter painted by Bushmen.
The result is a private museum featuring all the fossils and Bushman implements found by them and their sons, Louis and Renier. The highlight of the collection is Kompasia delaharpi, the only complete fossil of this fish in the world.
A visit to the museum can be followed by accompanied walks to the fossil bed and to the sites of Bushman paintings and engravings. Working closely with Wits University, Hester and JP take seriously their role as caretakers of the past and educators for the future.
"In one day, we can give you a lifetime experience starting 240 million years ago" says Hester. Even the Anglo-Boer War features in Ganoras past.
All this is available to day visitors (and groups are welcome too) but the real feel of Ganora comes with a stay in Khoisan Cottage. Originally a sheep kraal, and then a labourers home. Both, Ganoras guest cottage (that sleeps 6) or 5 double en-suite rooms are privately sited (and have their own entrance) against two rocky hillsides and overlooks the farms horses, wool sheds, geese, goats and cattle.
Full of rustic charm, its thick, uneven walls provide accommodation with no concession to comfort. You are assured of privacy and a personal relationship with the Karoo. You can participate in farm activities, enjoy a dip in the farm reservoir, a genuine Karoo swimming pool! - or go walking, bike riding or birding.
Meals are available if you choose not to self-cater. Hester will deliver a light or a full breakfast, and supper or a full three-course dinner.
Tours available
Boer War Engravings, Rock Art, private fossil and artefact museum and fossil walk. For the adventurer there is a beautiful canyon hike that can be done on the farm.
Practical information
| Number of rooms available: | - 6, 1 selfcatering unit and 5 rooms for B&B |
| Price per person per night: | - R 350 pppn B&B |
| Breakfast included: | - yes unles booked on self-catering basis
|
| Dinner: | - can be made on request
|
| Children welcome: | - yes, always and all ages
|
Facilities ( ■ Available, □ Not available)
| Facilities on Premises | Facilities in rooms |
| |
| ■ Off street parking | □ Bath in room |
| ■ Pool, (In the form of a farm dam) | ■ Shower in room |
| ■ BBQ Facilities | ■ Refrigerator, in the self-catering unit |
| ■ Dinner cooked on request | □ Television |
| ■ Laundry facility | ■ Radio |
| □ Playground for children | □ Air-conditioning |
| □ Conference facilities | ■ Fan |
| □ E-mail facilities | ■ Heater available |
| □ Transfers from/to the airport (PE) | ■ Coffee / tea facilities in common room |
| □ Accept credit cards | ■ Baby cot available |
| □ Facilities disabled people | ■ Safe available |
Route Description
GPS co-ordinates
24.35'522 E
31.51'270 S
From Middelburg:
Take the first turn off to your right to Nieu-Bethesda. Follow gravel road for appr. 20 km and turn left at the Ganora sign.
From Graaff-Reinet:
Take Middelburg road (N9) and turn left at the second turn off to Nieu-Bethesda. Follow gravel road for appr. 20 km and turn left at the Ganora sign.
For more information have a look at: www.Ganora.co.za
Contact details
| Name : | Ganora Guestfarm |
| Contact person : | J.P. & Hester Steynberg |
| Post address : | P.O. Box 423, Graaff - Reinet 6280 |
| Actual Address : | Ganora Farm, Nieu-Bethesda |
| Tel. : | + 27 (0) 49 84 11 302 |
| Fax. : | + 27 (0) 86 505 4184 |
| e-mail : | info@ganora.co.za |
Page last updated 14 February 2010,