Steytlerville

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Geography and History

Steytlerville is situated in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Steytlerville is one of the quaintest Karoo towns in South Africa and was established in 1875. The sleepy town is the North-eastern gateway into the Baviaans Kloof and is the home of many architectural gems. Victorian and Edwardian houses abound. Due to the smallness of Steytlerville, many of the houses are well preserved and escaped expansionism.

Activities

The Valley of the Flags was started by the Craven family on Noorspoort and depicts the history of South Africa on the rock face. The "flags" theme has expanded into the family flags running down the main road. The flags along the Main Street depict the crests of families in Steytlerville and encompass crests from all communities. Those families without traditional crests were encouraged to design their own, to identify their unique family clan and what they stand for. Steytlerville is the only town in South Africa to document and publicly pay homage to family names.

Steytlerville is home to many unique rock formations that were formed millions of years ago. These formations can be seen at a variety of spots, most notably at Waaipoort and Draaikrans.

Another landmark is The Lady De Waal Bridge which was built in 1911/12. It was a single lane steel-girder bridge, painted dark red. In 1974 a new double carriage concrete bridge was constructed and the provincial administrator wanted to demolish the old bridge, but residents requested that it should be repainted as part of the history of the town. The old bridge was repainted green and white.

Other Activities in and around Steytlerville include Hiking, Quad biking, Mountain biking, Guided Bird watching tours, Star Gazing and much more!

Steytlerville has become popular amongst artists and those who want to retire away from the busy city life.