A very warm welcome to Doornberg.

We hope you have a fantastic stay.

We encourage you to embrace the relaxed pace in Nieu Bethesda. Things may move a bit slower compared to city life, but that’s part of the charm. Please enjoy the opportunity to unwind and savor the peaceful atmosphere.

For changes to your booking, please contact Lida: doornbergguestbookings@gmail.com or WhatsApp directly

Below you will find some important things to note before your arrive and during your stay.

Before You Arrive

Google Directions to the farm – https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jc9wm9T3nYTYafuA7
- If you are coming from Middelburg, the first turn-off to Nieu Bethesda is a dirt road. About 15 km further, there is a second turn-off that on a road that is mostly tarred. Nieu Bethesda itself only has dirt roads.
- If you are coming from Graaff-Reinet, take the first turn-off to Nieu Bethesda.
- Doornberg is 9 km outside Nieu Bethesda and is also accessed by a dirt road.
Your onsite manager for all your queries during your stay is Marlene Van Der Linde: 071 547 4915. WhatsApp directly
Please provide Marlene with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) to aid with the check in process.
Check in time is between 2:00PM and 6:00PM. For early or late arrivals please make arrangements with Marlene in advance.
Kindly note that there are no banks, ATMs, or petrol stations in Nieu Bethesda. Make sure you have enough fuel and cash before arriving. Most restaurants do take credit cards, but it’s better to be safe. A lot of the informal vendors only accept cash.
The closest chain grocers are in Graaff Reinet, Middelburg and Craddock. Nieu Bethesda has a few quaint stores that sell the basics. Die Winkel has necessities, while Tot Hier Toe Padstal sells local meat, preserves and deli items. Both are worth a visit regardless of your stock.
Please see the list of restaurants here
Some of the roads might be in poor condition due to heavy rainfall recently, so please drive carefully.
The farm has Vodacom signal only. Nieu Bethesda has signal for other providers too.
The Guest facilities have WiFi, but power interruptions, load shedding and bad weather does affect this.

On Arrival

Reception is located to your left, as you drive into the farm, next to the lusern shed on the left.
The Wi-Fi password on the farm is: 0825791039
Follow the map below for easy access to facilities
1 Bag of wood is provided for your stay. Additional wood can be purchased through Marlene.
Please let Marlene know of anything that might be broken or missing.

In Case Of Emergency

The closest hospital is in Graaff Reinet – Midlands Hospital. It is a government funded hospital. The closest private hospital is in Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha. For emergencies call Netcare: 082 911 or an ambulance: 10777
If you are experiencing car trouble, Botha’s Garage is our recommendation for towing services and spares.
Tyremart in Graaff-Reinet is recommended for tyres, batteries & brake services.
Peet is the farm owner and legendary for his “can fix anything” skills. Call Peet here: 082 579 1039 or WhatsApp directly

Meet Your Hosts

Marlene Van Der Linde

Marlene, lovingly known as Pikkie to her family and friends, is the Onsite Guest Manager and your go-to person for anything related to your stay. Her husband, Wickus, serves as the farm manager. Together with their two sheep dogs, they reside on the farm. Marlene grew up in the Uniondale/Willowmore district and moved to Nieu Bethesda in 2013. When you meet her, she is almost always cooking or baking, which is her second passion after caring for her animals. Wickus hails from Burgersdorp and is an avid hunter but farming makes him happiest.

Peet van Heerden

Peet is the fifth-generation owner of Doornberg. He is the sixth Isaac Petrus van Heerden in his family, each with an interesting story. Many articles have been written about Peet, his famous hospitality, and his “spares department,” which is what he calls the scrap heap. For history and stories about Doornberg and the Nieu Bethesda area, drop in for coffee at the main house or the workshop, where he is almost always fixing something.