Nemeth/Star Productions - Picture Gallery

Anyone who follows Matjiesfontein on social media or in the press will be familiar with the Lord Milner Hotel, the Victorian gardens, the historical museums and the train station. This is the tourist side of Matjiesfontein. But behind the train station is the real Matjiesfontein. This is where the inhabitants of Matjiesfontein live and preserve the cultural heritage of the town. The entire town has been a National Heritage Site since 1975. The majority of the hotel and museum staff come from here or have moved to Matjiesfontein in the course of their lives. Many of the inhabitants are the 2nd and 3rd generation to live in Matjiesfontein and are partly descendants of railroad workers, farmers or servants from the colonial era. Most of the buildings consist of normal houses. There is a paved road that runs through the housing estate. To reach the residential area, you either have to cross the railroad tracks (which is not recommended) or use the bridge a few meters away from the station that runs under the tracks. This is also the access for cars. In the village, the locals run the small stores that are common in South Africa, selling soft drinks and the usual kiosk products. There is also a tavern, which can be visited by locals and visitors alike. In addition, the village has an elementary school that teaches children up to grade 7. After that, pupils have to commute to Laingsburg or Touws River to attend secondary school. There is also a sports field in the residential area and, of course, wild animals that can be welcomed as visitors at any time. In addition to the animals kept by the residents, most of the wild animals also come from the Karoo hills. A lot of these can only be seen on a walk through the residential area of Matjiesfontein. If visitors reach Matjiesfontein on the luxurious Rovos Rail and Premier Classe trains or are simply passing through, they will see little of the actual residential area. A walk through the residential area is worthwhile for anyone who wants to see this side of Matjiesfontein.