In 1876 Steytlerville was established on the farm Doorschpoort. It was named after Reverend Steytler whose efforts resulted in the establishment of a new Dutch Reformed Congregation in the area.

A certain Mr. Roselt, a surveyor, was contracted to subdivide the farm and to survey as a start 200 erven. In September 1880 these erven were auctioned and it fetched prices ranging from £80 to £30 an erf.

The exceptionally wide Main Street of Steytlerville was designed at the time to allow ox wagons to turn around. Nowadays it is divided by flower boxes planted with bougainvilleas in the center.

Steytlerville is in the center of the wool and mohair district in the southeastern corner of the Great Karoo and is known for its astonishing variety of semi-desert vegetation that includes succulents, umbrella shaped wild plum trees and ancient cycads.


The village with it's colourful main street flanked by Karoo Victorian cottages, boasts a cavernous Edwardian Church, said to have the largest floorspace largest among its contemporaries south of the Sahara. The church was built in the early 1900's at a cost of £16 000.

Steytlerville is also the home of the Kori Bustard, the world's heaviest flying bird.

The rich history of Steytlerville has been preserved in the Steytlerville Museum, which was opened on 22/09/1967. Through the efforts of Reina Raymer, the Woman's Agricultural Society (VLV) the museum took off with contributions from various members of the community. Arrangements to visit the museum can be made at the local Tourism Office.



Information obtained from www.baviaans.co.za/index2.html

Route descriptions
Things to do in the Baviaanskloof












Free Web Counter

online web site analytics