The picturesque Karoo village north of Nieu-Bethesda lies nestled in a fertile valley at the foot of the imposing Compassberg - South Africa's highest free standing mountain. The tranquil hamlet with its charming whitewashed houses is so isolated that it has just two roads, no streetlamps or petrol and bank facilities. Only the eccentric artist Helen Martins and her unique Owl House with enchanting artworks of mythical sculptures and multi-coloured glass panes put Nieu-Bethesda on the tourist map. The hamlet's offbeat vibe and Helen's spirit inspired the town's reinvention as a small artists' colony, not only attracting a mix of creative characters, but also fascinating visitors from all over the world. Visit the Bethesda Arts Centre, an empowering arts project to uplift the local township community, or join a fascinating rock art expedition into the surrounding Sneeuberg Mountains.