Tucked away between the fynbos-covered mountains along the R399, between Piketberg and Velddrif, lies Goedverwacht, a historic town that feels like a step back in time. Originally known as Burgershoek, this quiet village may seem like it has little to offer at first glance, but once you dig deeper, you’ll uncover a place bursting with stories, character, and resilience.
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Why explore a town with “nothing” to do?
Goedverwacht proves that a meaningful travel experience doesn’t require flashy attractions; you just need to meet the right people.
A Town Built on Legacy
Goedverwacht’s story begins with Hendrik Schalk Burger owning the original farm. In a rare and remarkable act, Burger left his land to his former slave, Christiana Maniesa, and her five children after she cared for him in his final years. Despite his children’s efforts to contest the will, the court upheld Maniesa’s rightful inheritance.
When Maniesa passed away, Moravian missionaries purchased the farm in 1889 for 750 pounds. They established a thriving Mission Station and built the beautiful Moravian Church that still stands today. As you stroll through the village, you’ll spot both charming thatched cottages and modern homes, many with tin roofs glinting in the sun.
Start at the Heart: The Information Office
We made our first stop at the brightly painted Information Office, where we met Lorraine Cornelius, a lifelong resident and local tour guide. If you want to truly experience Goedverwacht, Lorraine is the person to speak to.
“You have to see this town on foot,” she insisted. “Say hello to the Rastas, and don’t be shy to stop by the old ladies, they have stories that will change the way you see this place.”
Following her advice, we walked past the quiet primary school, closed for the holidays, and admired the Moravian Church, built from stone and clay in 1846. Goedverwacht soon joined a network of isolated communities under the church’s care, and today, it remains a proud symbol of faith and perseverance.
Discovering Hidden Corners
We continued down the dusty path to the Mill Museum, home to a towering, non-operational windmill that’s still an impressive sight. Even though the museum was closed, standing beneath that mill reminded us of the town’s resourceful spirit.
Next, we stumbled upon the Snoek and Patat building, where we met Sheena and her assistant, caught mid-keyboard typing.
“Sheena, are you baking bread today?” I asked hopefully.
“Nope,” she laughed. “Tomorrow.”
Despite the lack of fresh bread, Sheena shared her passion for Goedverwacht’s future. She studied at UWC, returned to her hometown, and now leads initiatives to boost the local economy. They’re working on projects like building produce sheds for farmers, although convincing the older generation hasn’t been easy.
We didn’t leave empty-handed, though homemade tomato jam made its way into my backpack!
A Walk Through Time
Before we left, Lorraine urged us to visit the graveyard, a resting place for generations past. Walking among the tombstones felt eerie yet humbling. Somewhere among those graves, my ancestors may be buried.
Courtney, my husband, however, found more entertainment in provoking the ants, so we didn’t linger too long!
Reflecting on the Journey
When we returned to Lorraine, she smiled warmly.
“You’re leaving already?”
“We’re exhausted and need to get back to Cape Town,” I said, laughing.
“We need more people like you to visit,” she said. “Your generation wants adventure, but towns like ours have so many stories worth hearing.”
And she’s right. Adventure isn’t only found in adrenaline and fast-paced cities; sometimes, it’s in the quiet moments of history and heart that a true journey begins.
Goedverwacht preserves more than just memories, it preserves a way of life, one that’s fading too quickly. Only six original thatched houses remain, with only a few being restored. As Lorraine said, “It’s expensive to keep them up,” but they are treasures lining the main road for those willing to see them.
Things to Do in Goedverwacht:
- Visit the Old Stone School Building – A glimpse into early education.
- Get a Guided Tour of the Slaves’ Graves – Understand the town’s deeper roots.
- Explore the Original Goedverwacht House – A historic home filled with stories.
- Hike Peerboom and Klok se Poort – Trails through breathtaking fynbos landscapes.
Goedverwacht may not shout for your attention the way bigger destinations do, but if you listen closely, it sings with history, heart, and a rare kind of beauty you can’t manufacture. Every path, every old house, and every smile from a local reminds you that some of the best places on earth aren’t on the tourist trail; they’re hidden in plain sight.
Don’t just read about it, experience it for yourself. Take the road less travelled, walk the dusty paths, hear the stories firsthand, and reconnect with a simpler, richer way of life. Pack your curiosity, your love for adventure, and an open heart.
Visit Goedverwacht and see why the best adventures are the ones you never planned.
Getting there 🛣
From Cape Town, take the N7 (139 km) toward the R399. Turn onto Goedverwacht Main Road. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive, perfect for a weekend escape!
When to visit 🌸
Many recommend the lively Snoek and Patat Festival in June/July, but if you prefer a quieter experience, visit outside of festival season.
Where to learn more 🌐
Check out the official Goedverwacht website for accommodation options, events, and local insights.
