S1 - Ep 179 - Richmond - A Small Town in the Karoo Surrounded by Mountains and Plains!

The gravel road we took when leaving our farmstay at Salem Rus for Richmond, was a stunning one. Then again, every gravel road is stunning in my eyes. We crossed the border from the Western Cape into the Northern Cape on this road. In the past we would only notice the filling station on the N1 as we arrived in Richmond to refuel. This day we approached Richmond from the other side of town and this gave us a totally new vibe of this beautiful town full of surprises. One of only two horse museums in the world is here and the other in Kentucky. I had to see this place and it was well worth a visit. Driving through the streets was a real treat. Cute houses, neat streets and interesting things to see. Not to mention the friendly people. A very interesting fact about this town is that it is known as the only book town in South Africa. It sells more books for its size than any other town in South Africa. We loved every minute we spent in Richmond. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #richmond #murraysburg #karoo #mountains #plains #westerncape #northerncape #caltex
Instagram
/ dustbugstravel
Facebook
/ dustbugstravel
Twitter
/ dustbugstravel
Pinterest
/ dustbugstravel

[@christonieuwoudt7185]

Today, I stumbled upon this video that brought back a flood of memories. Born in Richmond in 1955, my first home was what is now known as ‘the Vetmuis restaurant,’ featured at 10:51 in the video. My family resided there until I was six, after which we moved to 168 Hoop Street, closer to Cape Town side of the dorpie. I completed my schooling in 1972, and three years later, we mourned the loss of my father, who rests in the new graveyard. My mother lived in Richmond until 1981 before joining us in Cape Town, where she later passed away in 1994 and was laid to rest in Riebeeck Kasteel. Currently residing in Cape Town, I often revisit Richmond, though it’s disheartening to see the town struggle with maintaining its roads and infrastructure due to financial constraints. The town may be fading, but the stories of its people and its impact on my life remain vivid.” Right at the end, 19:58, you can see the hospital at the other side of the N1. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PUBLISHING.

[@munesumangava9751]

Beautiful church!!

[@annawitter5161]

A wonderful cloudscape to start with. I think I should have settled in Richmond. I am a total bookworm. I wish I knew how to include a foto. Would love to show you my sketch of Richmond. Thank you for going into the graveyard. I love graveyards, they are not creepy, just history of people who once lived here. So enjoying your stories

[@DustBugsTravel]

It is a fantastic town. 👍One of us used to be a bookworm too! 🐛📚 Travelling has now become her books. Your sketch sounds lovely, you're lucky to be artistic, neither of us are. We agree with you, we don't find graveyards creepy at all, they simply honour the memory of those who have left us and tell their stories. 🏛️

[@seanchallenge]

Wow Dustbugs awesome Town of Richmond with its interesting architecture and Churches and the Horse Museum. The Clock for the Church probably is similar to Big Ben. Enjoyed our Saturday Coffee with you again and we look forward to the next episode ☀️. Thank you 🌞

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed Richmond! It's a really great place. We thought it was amazing that the clock has been chiming every hour for 130 years! ⛪ We look forward to seeing you in the next episode for Sunday coffee! 😆

[@RyanDH]

We had a pig cross our road while travelling to Bethulie from Venterstad, thought it was really amusing, and then a km further we spotted a bunch of warthogs on the side of the road, we actually stopped driving and watched for them for a few minutes. I found Richmond to be a very interesting town to drive through, I would have liked to have visited the Horse Museum, unfortunately it wasn't open at the time we were there.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Interesting that pigs seem to occur in open areas, this was our first experience and we found it very interesting how they were rooting with their snouts. We love warthogs too and would've sat there right with you until they all ran away with their tails in the air! 😁🦏 I agree with you, Richmond is a fantastic town and we loved having a look at all the goings-on, such a surprise just off the N1. Hopefully you catch the Horse Museum open when you're in town next time, I'm so glad I stopped there. 🐴

[@pattieannwoods8255]

There is a b&b just on the outside of Richmond called Ons Tuis van jou Huis the cleanest place and the best food you will ever have. Home made cooked meal. I always stop there on route to Cape Town

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, we appreciate the info! 👌🚗

[@vry3555]

Went to Lusikisiki once and there were lots of pigs grazing freely in the area as well.

[@DustBugsTravel]

That's interesting, neither of us have been to Lusikisiki before. It was a new experience for us to see pigs grazing in a field, we thought that was super cool. 😎🐷

[@vry3555]

@@DustBugsTravel yes when I saw them grazing for the first time I was surprised as well as one always imagines them in pig pens...

[@JohnThomas-lp3rf]

Thanks for a great video. I like your style. I was born and raised in EL, many years in the “Transvaal.” Last 10 years in CT. I left SA in 2008 to go to Sweden. In 2011/13 came to the UK. Presently I live in London. I know SA like the back of my hand. Thinking of returning to SA, now that I have the powerful passport! My heart is Africa shaped. Love SA. So good to follow you on your nostalgic meanderings. I love these little “dorpies.” I am a writer, and would love to live in Richmond. Keep filming!

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much, we're glad you enjoy our videos! 😁 I can so identify with you. We spent some time in the USA, but I was homesick quite a bit and eventually Africa called me back. 🌍 As a writer, Richmond will fit you like a glove. It's an undiscovered, yet fantastic town! 📚 With that Passport of yours, the world is quite literally your oyster! 🤩

[@aislingbooks]

I'm reading one of the books of the well-known writers from this town right now: Valerie Poore's 'Beyond A Copper Sky'. Lovely, lovely novel.

[@riagouws3211]

Dis so mooi waar n Kerkklok lui lewe mense og dis mooi en intresant dankie ❤

[@raycoco4938]

I stayed over at Richmond opposite a derelict station about eight years ago. I noticed that some of the houses were well maintained and some were not. Some had green gardens and some had nothing growing. I mentioned this to the B&B owner who said that the house with the green garden belonged to an ex farmer. As the story goes, the farms have a system that does not allow the farmer to stay on the farm when they get old, they then move into the town. Maybe someone can shed more light on this. I rode past Richmond in August this year and decided not to stop over. I. Missed out big-time. Thank you for the video. Always interesting.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Glad you enjoyed our video. 😊 Thank you for sharing that exchange with the info about the green gardens, very interesting. 🌳 We again heard that some farmers have houses which they stay in when they come to town and that could also be an explanation, but we really don't have any more info on it. When you drive past again, take an hour or two and explore the town, you'll love it. The derelict station you mention, sounds particularly interesting. I can't remember seeing that. 🚂

[@funkdunk]

I said "wow" both times re the church's bell ringing on the hour for the past 130 years...I watch your videos on two devices. That orange Mahindra or Suzuki that appears in some of your frames, is that an "understudy" or perhaps your own "Christine" (Stephen King book and movie) following you around 😀..."hire me for your next road trip..." 😀

[@DustBugsTravel]

We thought it was super cool that we could hear the clock chime! ⛪ And also found it unbelievable that it's been doing that hourly for 130 years. I haven't appointed an understudy just yet, the position is still open. 😁😁 You certainly have a keen eye. That orange Suzuki S-Presso belonged to a gentleman who we first bumped into at the Horse Museum and he seemed to like and enjoy all the places of interest we did. Luckily no Christine in sight. 😎

[@61sunset]

Another enjoyable episode, always wondered what Richmond was like. I seem to always view your videos just before lunch or dinner and boy the food you buy, always looks so delicious, makes my tummy rumble . I noticed how friendly the people were in the town, shouting greetings as you rode by...how wonderful.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Happy that you enjoyed this one, thank you! 🤩 You make a keen observation about the friendly folks in town. It is very true and we experienced that from our very first stop. Everyone was very kind and approachable and extremely proud of their town and rightly so! 😍 We're always starving when we eventually decide to buy food and both of us love eating, so we enjoy most of what we eat. I gather from your comment that you enjoy good food too. 😁🍛

[@deonzar]

Stunning..when I saw this episode coming up I poured myself a glass of wine to enjoy with all the memories of my time between 1974 to 1980 when I use to work in this area of the Karoo. That big building at 11.05 is now an Old Age home, use to be a Hotel where I stayed quite a few times. Thank you for bringing this to us, Yes so many people just drive by and never see the beauty and the history of these places. So glad there are still a lot going on in Richmond. One of my favorite places to work and very friendly people. Good also to see the veld so green. looking forward to the next one...and the best rock formations coming up on your way to Noupoort.. :-) that is if you went by tar.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Any excuse for a good glass of wine, love it! 🍷It sounds like you spent quite a bit of time here, so must know the town and surrounding area very well. It was such a surprise to us, we had no idea that Richmond was such a stunning place! 🤩 The people were super friendly and so happy and eager to tell visitors about their town, we thought that was great! 😎 Those rock formations sound amazing, but we skip tar if we have half a chance. 😉

[@deonzar]

@@DustBugsTravel Yes I was a provincial auditor during that time auditing Municipalities, Divisional councils, hospitals etc with my head office in Graaff-Reinet but staying in Middelburg. We audited quite a big area in the Karoo that's why I know those dorpies so well. The good old days. 😃

[@christonieuwoudt7185]

The big building you talked about was indeed the Richmond hotel, like you said. The building opposite was the annex, now both an Old Age Home. Was a striving hotel, mostly fully booked with the visitors travelling to or from Cape Town. The was a full size snooker table where my Dad and friends played every Saturday.

[@katkarlsen8806]

This is such a special place! My Father in Law is one of the Boekbennored Book Festival founders and its celebrating 90 years of Athol Fugard this year and so worth the visit, they have amazing speakers and guests from all over. This year is their 16th year!

[@DustBugsTravel]

How fascinating! Thank you for sharing that with us. 📚 It's truly a book lovers' paradise and such a special claim to fame as well. We never had even the slightest idea what awaited us mere metres from the N1. An undiscovered gem for sure, which we're so happy to have only recently discovered ourselves. 🤩

[@wendygreeff205]

Sorry I missed this one on my trip. But I went up the other side of the N1 to Deelfontein to see the Boer War era hotel ruins. Also worth a visit. The road from Richmond’s side was good but from Deelfontein eastwards towards De Aar not easy to negotiate in a low slung car.

[@DustBugsTravel]

You can always make up for it next time you're travelling on the N1 and happen to be in the Richmond area. You will love it! 😁 Your visit to Deelfontein sounds super interesting and one that we'll keep in mind for a future trip, thank you for sharing that. We'll have to see if our small vehicle can navigate that road, luckily we do have high road clearance though. 🚗

[@alroydavey5023]

I was here 2 days ago. The church clock sounded every 30 mins whilst we were there

[@charlietreston4035]

Hi from Kent England another great video those grave crosses should be in a museum shame my wife's grandfather fought in the boer war I don't know if you they recruited men by picking a street and going to every odd or even number and if you were unlucky you got sent to South Africa keep the good work 👏

[@DustBugsTravel]

Greetings to you in Kent! 😁 We also wish that these graveyards could be better preserved, but I suppose all the descendants have either also passed away or relocated. I always find it super interesting to walk around in a graveyard and read the names and dates. ✝️ War is never a good thing for anyone. Interesting info about your wife's grandfather, my wife's father again was recruited for WW2 at the tender age of 17 and was stationed in Brindisi, Italy.

[@charlietreston4035]

Unfortunately today the amount of effort put in by South Africans in both 1st and second World Wars is not fully appreciated by the world but in small spot in Kent they very much are totseins till next time

[@zharkleroux387]

Thanks

[@DustBugsTravel]

👌

[@tillabezuidenhout6460]

I wanted to live in Richmond

[@logannaidoo9667]

my first thoughts - looks absolutely peaceful and safe - probably able to travel for hours without fear of road hogs; hijackings; muggings... no need to watch your back all the time - unfortunately that's the way we lead our lives here in SA - in mortal fear -

[@DustBugsTravel]

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Richmond. It is a sad fact though that, even while travelling through any remote area or small town, one has to remain vigilant at all times. 😏

[@christonieuwoudt7185]

@@DustBugsTravel Very true, when we lived there until 1981, we went on holiday without locking a single door. Doors, windows and gate were always open. Nothing ever stolen. BUT NOW, they break in wherever they can and steal everything in site. SO SAD,

[@1812nico]

I will not regard Richmond as a mere fuel stop next time. Thank you again you two for brining seldom seen natural beauty and history of my beloved country to me. Your 360 degree cover of those klipkoppies at the start is amazing. Keep going and stay safe!

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you as always for your positive comment. 😊 We found those rock formations endlessly fascinating. When in the area next, take an hour or so and explore the town, you will love it! 😍

[@christonieuwoudt7185]

You really must sleep over the next time you pass. There are a lot to see. Richmond was formed as a town as the distance between Victoria West, Graaf Reinett and Middelburg was to far (for the cart and horse). The farm where Richmond is, was called "3 Fontein". I can only recall the one next to the riverbed in the middle of the town. Just a pity that all small towns cannot survive the elements as there is no money.

[@altaappel4568]

I'm surprised to see the bell and the iron crosses in the cemetery still standing. And not sold as scrap. here in Gauteng everything that resembles iron or steel are stolen and sold. loverly little town.

[@DustBugsTravel]

It really is a great place to visit. 👌🏻 It's always so sad to me when irreplaceable places of historical significance are vandalised. 😢

[@Gr300w]

I stopped in Richmond in the 1990’s and there were tortoises in that main town square, the fenced-off one. The gate was closed.

[@DustBugsTravel]

That's very interesting! I may be wrong, but as far as I remember, the gate was open the day we were there and I would imagine that being one of the main reasons they're not there any longer. How I wish there would've been a way to keep them there safely and out of harm's way. They're probably better of outside of town anyway, so hopefully they were relocated safely somewhere else. Thank you for sharing that memory with us! 🐢🚗

[@pieterbeukes1411]

Juule inspereer my om meer te STOP EN ROND TEKYK!

[@DustBugsTravel]

It's amazing what one finds if you do just that! Thank you for watching! 😁🚗

[@gustavschaappreng5159]

Come visit our town again! You missed the old fort on the hill, bookbinders at MapsSA and the Vetmuis coffeeshop! Lots of revampings in last year or so. New art gallery and make sure to visit the wool duvet factory recently moved into the old Exelsior Garage. Also a new artwork in the monument park...love your channel!

[@DustBugsTravel]

We were there rather early on a Tuesday morning and there was a scheduled power outage until 15:00 that afternoon, so I'm not sure if Vetmuis was open. 🐀 We have stopped there for breakfast on a subsequent trip though. It was on our way back home from KZN in Episode 383. You're welcome to check it out if you like. 😁

[@christonieuwoudt7185]

The VETMUIS, that was my first house we live in until 1960, now a lovely restaurant.

[@lizstapelberg1862]

Lovely to sightsee with you guys, SA is a beautiful country , thank you for this interesting trip

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much, we're happy to have you along for the ride! 😁🚗 You're right, lucky for us there are still so many beautiful places to see and we can't wait to explore them all, one by one! We hope you'll join us for all of them! 🤩

[@lizstapelberg1862]

@@DustBugsTravel Absolutely! thank you guys 😊

[@flodillon991]

Wow what beautiful rock formations really amazing. Strange to see such huge pigs foraging next to the road wonder why. Just loved the horse museum how far man has come since those days wonderful to see. I also would love to live there all those books would suit me fine. Love to read. Thank you for taking me on this lovely journey.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Those rocks were amazing! So huge and some of them looked like they were cracked, we just loved that they were so close to the road! 🪨 We've never seen pigs next to the road in a field before, so thought they were super cool. 🐖 We're so happy that you enjoyed our drive through Richmond with us. 🤩📚

[@theeleopardfighter]

You 2 are my soul mates, traveling like me in a kwidinki ❤️

[@DustBugsTravel]

Happy meeting you here! We just love the Kwiddie! 😍🚗

[@ericsa2636]

Looking forward to your comments on Noupoort in your next episode. My last visit some 6 years ago left me with much sadness, that a once thriving railway town could deteriorate like that!

[@DustBugsTravel]

And I look forward to your thoughts once you've seen our video of Noupoort. 🚆 It will be the episode after the next one, be on the lookout for it.

[@zharkleroux387]

Love these smaller towns, would love to see some discussions/ communications with the locals. Regards from Australia

[@DustBugsTravel]

We definitely chat to the locals in every town we visit and convey the knowledge and info they share, but we're not an interview channel and most don't wish to appear on camera either. We are also unable to stick to appointment times because we very often get delayed on the road because we happen upon so many things and places of interest which we just can't pass by. 😁

[@johnhunter3610]

There is also a horse museum in Ocala, Florida

[@gerdasnyman5140]

You missed MAP... stunning Midern Art Project...

[@MrElhabib123]

It’s sad that these small towns in South Africa in the Karoo don’t get enough maintenance and enough care from the authorities…it’s a human and historical patrimony and are unique ❤they deserve more attention from the government….i have visited Richmond and it deserves better than this ….thanks for sharing

[@jossiesteenkamp9317]

Hometown of David Kramers friend Mr Tokas Lodewyk famous Karoo Kitaar Blues muscian

[@Afriqueleblanq]

I never knew much about Richmond, even though at least two cousins owned guest houses there, and another friend grew up in the district. I used to read one good book per day, non-fiction at that, until my last stroke in 2019, one that left me with some bouquet of disabilities. It sounds as if Richmond should have been my heimat, then. I so wish more people would read good books, or even bad ones, as the corporate intellectual constipation of society is my pet peeve. Oranjemund recently ended up in South Africa, people still think the two oceans meet at Cape Point, estate agents cannot spell Robben Island or pronounce Thibault Square, Capetonians freeze to death at 20 degrees Celsius, then wither away at 28-ish. I literally had a dozen strokes and I still don't use Grammarly or spelling checkers (I can even spell that; Americans, take a few cues from me.....)

[@DustBugsTravel]

😁 I appreciate the sarcastic humour in your comment. I've never been a great reader, but my wife loves books. She's become a little lazier now too, she blames the travelling for that one. 📚😉 We found Richmond a great town, we loved our time there.

[@collinutube]

Hey Guys, Fantastic Videos. Been watching you guys past few videos and are planning a trip Jhb to Knysna In April Hoping for a 2 week trip. any suggestions for some small dorpies on the way. we are flexible My Interest are Architecture (my practice is in JHB)

[@DustBugsTravel]

Hello there! I'm glad to hear you enjoy our videos! 👌🏻 We're yet to explore Gauteng and other provinces DustBugs-style, so I'm not very familiar with the small towns along most of your route, since we've always just hit the N1 straight home. In the southern Free State though, there are some interesting places like Bethulie, Fauresmith and Smitfield, to only name a few. As an architect, a not-to-be-missed town for you will be Reddersburg. There are two gorgeous churches in town, designed by Gerhard Moerdyk who designed the Voortrekker Monument as I'm sure you very well know! 🏛️😍 Check out Episodes 200 to 220 for our trip to this part of the Free State. And then of course in Graaff-Reinet and Colesberg you'll have a field day! 💒 Graaff-Reinet is in Episode 162 and Colesberg in Episode 200. Prepare yourself, you're going to be overwhelmed. As non-architects, we can't get enough of the churches and historic buildings and the good news is that no matter which towns you decide to visit and explore, you'll find incredible buildings. I'm so excited for you. Safe and happy travels!! 🕌🏫

[@MincusMaxi]

Hey Hey, loving the vlogs. top class. Just want to know what video equipment are you using?

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much, we appreciate you watching our videos! I use my normal everyday cellphone to film with, a Samsung S22 Ultra with a regular selfie-stick. No fancy camera / video equipment on this channel! 😁

[@MincusMaxi]

@@DustBugsTravel Wow, thats incredible. Keep up the great work!

[@johnstuart8511]

I was wondering: The vehicle that you are driving is not the one for Gravel roads, you need something with more ground clearance and design for the Gravel. Like a Rav4, Havel or even better a Land Rover. . How did you feel about your little vehicle. Thank you for another awesome video. Regards

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video, thank you. 👍🏻 I couldn't disagree with you more on the vehicle. 😁🚗 As I type this response to your comment, you will note I have uploaded a total of 197 videos on our channel. Every single kilometre in 192 of these videos (the first five are excluded), have been done in a Renault Kwid. While it may not have been designed specifically for gravel roads, it has performed absolutely superbly on all types of terrain, including thousands of kilometres on very sketchy gravel roads and treacherous mountain passes. We have had two issues during this time: one flat tyre from a nail picked up in a campsite and we got stuck in the mud once because I mistakenly took the wrong line through deep water. The Kwid has high ground clearance and is super fuel-efficient, which is a big factor for us because of the frequency of our travels. Of course there are roads and places we can't go with it, but we're completely OK with that. We're able to do 95% of roads comfortably in the Kwid. We feel absolutely no need to rent an off-road vehicle since this little car takes us most everywhere we need to and want to go. 😁 We never let down tyre pressure, we drive super slow and treat the vehicle with the greatest deal of respect. That works just perfectly for us and will do for every person who doesn't own an off-road vehicle and still wishes to explore the lesser-known roads and places. 🤩👌🏻

[@lindaholtzhausen1539]

Ek kon n huisie 30 jaar gelede daar gekoop het vir R43 duisend, kan mt hare uit my kop trek dat ek nie my eie kop gevolg het, en dit gekoop het nie.

[@DustBugsTravel]

That was a great deal! Unfortunately those days are gone forever. 😏🏠

[@christonieuwoudt7185]

Ons het ons huis in 1981 daar verkoop vir R16 000. Was 'n hele blok, 5 erwe, 2 windpompe, buite geboue, groot dam vir water lei ens.

[@joshuasteenkamp3277]

You never met tokas lode Wyk

[@DustBugsTravel]

No, we didn't. What a talented guitarist he is though! 🎸👌🏻

[@dirk_v]

My wife and I did a Karoo tour in March 2022. (We did almost 6000km over a 16 day period). It was absolutely fantastic. The worst place we visited was Richmond. We were there at about 10 am on a Friday morning. Just about the whole town was closed. ZERO book shops open. The horse museum was locked with a padlock and a chain. Breakfast at the Caltex filling station was OK but unfortunately interrupted by a dog roaming amongst the tables begging for food. Rather spend more time at places like Barkley Wes, Loxton, De Rust, Graaf Reinet, Beaufort West, Prince Albert, Calitzdorp, Die Hel (Gamkaskloof), Sutherland (maybe not?), Aberdeen, Calvinia, Hoggback, Bethulie, Laingsburg and Matjiesfontein. These are all so much better! We talked to some of the locals in front of the horse museum, opposite the "main" book shop. They told us that Richmond is a "dead" town slowly falling apart and nothing is happening there. This was quite evident as the town was dirty/filthy with absolutely zero maintenance being done.

[@DustBugsTravel]

I suppose it all comes down to one's own experiences on the day one gets to visit a town. We were there on a Tuesday morning and the town had a scheduled power outage until 15:00 that afternoon. We still managed to have a wonderful time and really loved the town, its character and its people. We choose to focus on what we were actually able to do and not what we missed or what we were unable to do. We haven't found the perfect town just yet. 😁 We've visited many of the towns you mentioned and many are still waiting in the wings. Hopefully you find a few episodes amongst our almost 200 that you do enjoy! Thank you for watching though. 🚗

[@imanueljoemath7460]

What a beautiful town. I always wanted to go through Richmond. Thanks guys for sharing this awesome video.

[@joekieverster-oc3qi]

Thanks for showing us Richmond❣️ We have also always just stopped and go 🫣