De Rust Tourism - South Africa

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De Rust Tourism - South Africa

De Rust is a picturesque little village at the gateway to the Klein Karoo. De Rust has neither rat-race nor rust and very little crime. It is called De Rust.

Located at the foot of the Swartberg Mountain range between Oudtshoorn and Beaufort West, De Rust is especially known for the meandering Meiringspoort pass. The quaint Klein Karoo village of De Rust lies at the southern portal of the famous Meiringspoort about 35 km from Oudtshoorn. It has a typical Karoo atmosphere steeped in hospitality and time—time for well-being, time for each other and for some, time to become a human being again. In danger of becoming a ghost town a few decades ago, people have realised its beauty and potential and have flocked in to buy property. The artists, writers, burnt-out businessmen and people terminally sick and tired of crime and corruption, have moved in. Gone are the days when you could pick up a three-bedroomed house here for fifty grand or less…

It has the best of all worlds; from De Rust you need not travel more than 200 km to the breathtaking beaches of the south coast, to the Knysna and Tsitsikamma Forests, to the Cango Caves, to Meiringspoort or Seweweekspoort, to Gamkaskloof (also known as “Die Hel” or “The Hell”), up the Swartberg Pass, visit an ostrich farm or take a wine-route excursion to spoil your taste buds with some of the country’s finest cuisine, or go fossil-hunting on the endless plains of the Great Karoo. Where else can you stop at a picnic or braai site next to the road, and where else does it become so quiet at night that you hear nothing else but the booming call of an ostrich, the lost hoot of a Cape Eagle Owl or perhaps the forlorn braying of a donkey? Yes, there still is such a place. The villagers of De Rust welcome you, trust you will enjoy your stay and come back for more! Written by Leon Nel

10/09/2026

We can't wait🌸🎉! See you in De Rust!

MAL’VA KARNAVAL × SOUTH AFRICAN MOTORCYCLE FILM FESTIVAL

De Rust, maak reg.

Op 25 en 26 September 2026 gebeur iets besonders in ons dorp: Mal’va Karnaval en die South African Motorcycle Film Festival kom saam in De Rust.

Twee wêrelde. Een dorp. Een groot naweek.

Verwag kuns, motorfietsfilms, bikes, musiek, kos, malvas, mense en baie rede om De Rust toe te kom.

Dit is nie net ’n fees nie. Dit is De Rust wat wys wat hier moontlik is wanneer ons saamwerk, idees deel en iets nuuts bou.

25–26 SEPTEMBER 2026
DE RUST · KLEIN KAROO

MAL’VA KARNAVAL × SOUTH AFRICAN MOTORCYCLE FILM FESTIVAL

Meer programme en besonderhede volg.

De Rust is getting ready for a very special weekend. On 25–26 September 2026, Mal’va Karnaval and the South African Motorcycle Film Festival come together for one big weekend of art, motorcycle films, bikes, music, food, malvas and community. Two festivals. One village. One big weekend.

13/08/2026

Fun fact: Mermaids are often said to have three times the lung capacity of humans, because they need to hold their breath for long periods underwater! 🧜‍♀️

According to legend, Meiringspoort has a mermaid of its own.

You can read more about her on our website. https://www.oudtshoorn.com/project/mermaids/

Check out this awesome artwork by Hilton Jackson that was on display on the festival grounds of the KKNK earlier this year.

22/07/2026

Route 62 Wyn Winkel: 076 965 8888

Route 62 Wyn Winkel is nestled just outside the stunning Meiringspoort.

Whether you are on the road just traveling through the beautiful town of De Rust or staying over, Route 62 Wyn Winkel has it all. They offer a selection of locally & internationally renowned red, white wines, craft beer, craft gin, potstil brandy and whiskey. Alongside a variety of locally made jams, olives, pickled goods, free range meat and handmade gifts.

www.oudtshoorn.com

21/07/2026

Domein Doornkraal: 082 763 5296

Domein Doornkraal is situated next to the N12 between Oudtshoorn and De Rust - 10 minutes from De Rust and 20 minutes from Oudtshoorn. Feel free to buy some of their dessert wines at the pantry ranging from dry white, red, semi sweet, grape juice and Tickled Pink only to name a few.

www.oudtshoorn.com

20/07/2026

Klein Karoo Camino: 071 209 1977

Klein Karoo Camino gives a tour of the historic houses of worship in the Klein Karoo that vividly tells the stories of their congregations - ranging from the indigenous Khoisan to the Catholics, Protestants and the Jewish faithful who lived, loved and worked here. Each building has a colourful history to tell often starting with a Dutch, English or a German architect and Scottish stonemasons. The cut sandstone, stained glass windows, pipe organs and ornate decorations are timeless pieces of art to be treasured by all.

www.oudtshoorn.com

17/07/2026

Kammanassie Camino: 082 854 3615 / 084 403 3400

Between the Swartberg and the Outeniqua mountains in the Klein Karoo lies the Kammanassie Mountain Range. The Mountain of Water, as it was called by the Khoisan, is known for its pristine nature and is home to the endangered Kammanassie Blue Butterfly.

This unique all-inclusive slackpacking trail will take you through various habitats, private farms, a private game reserve and the state owned Kammanassie Cape Nature Reserve. The Kammanassie Camino experience will surprise you with an unforgettable combination of nature, spectacular sightings of wildlife and diverse bird species.

www.oudtshoorn.com

16/07/2026

Hotel De Rust: 082 494 7395

The family-friendly restaurant at Hotel De Rust serves South African cuisine with vegan options. Guests can enjoy meals in the traditional ambiance or outdoor seating area. The bar provides a relaxing space for refreshments.

www.oudtshoorn.com

15/07/2026

Karoo Rouge: 082 455 5487

Karoo Rouge has everything: from a wide range of soft vellies in a variety of colors, to coffee which you can enjoy with some carrot cake, koeksisters or even pastries. They have a gift shop and simply Bee products availability in store.

www.oudtshoorn.com

14/07/2026

De Rustica Olive Estate: 044 241 2177

Visit the tasting room at De Rustica Olive Estate to experience the exceptional extra virgin olive oil they produce. Start with their trees to learn how well suited they are to the climate and growing conditions of the Klein Karoo, how the orchards manage, and how olive blossoms are pollinated. Then, sample a variety of cultivars, each offering unique aromas and flavours that reflect the harmony between their land and craftmanship.

Guided by their knowledgeable team, you’ll learn to identify the subtle notes of fruitiness, bitterness and pepperiness that distinguish one oil from another. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a curious first-timer, their tasting experience is designed to deepen your appreciation for the complexity and quality of their award-winning oils.

www.oudtshoorn.com

13/07/2026

Klein Karoo Horse Adventures: 082 895 5009

At Klein Karoo Horse Adventures they take you into the veld. Hosted by the owners of two neighboring family farms. They follow old Jeep tracks and game paths through the foothills of the spectacular Swartberg Mountain range. They use descendants of the Cape Riding Horses, a local breed with a noble history. These horses have excellent temperaments and are extremely surefooted.

www.oudtshoorn.com

Address

80 Voortrekker Road
Oudtshoorn
6625

Website

http://www.oudtshoorn.com/

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