Towns and suburbs

Avontuur and Haarlem

History of Lageberg area, rock paintings, wheat farming and apple farming.

History of Avontuur and Haarlem

The lush and fertile Langkloof has been a home to people for thousands of years. The San were the first to inhabit this area, leaving behind rock paintings in the caves of the surrounding mountains. They were later displaced by livestock farmers from the north before European settlers arrived at the Cape.

In the late 17th century, Simon van der Stel of the Dutch East India Company sent 21 men, led by Isaac Schrijver, to the Langkloof to trade with the Khoi tribe. The town of Haarlem was established on the farm Welgelegen. In 1844, G.E. Heyns and J.C. Taute acquired the farm and its surrounding land. A township for white settlers was laid out on the farm in 1856, and in 1860, the Berlin Missionary Society purchased the Welgelegen settlement.

Haarlem and Avontuur are two villages located close to each other in the Langkloof. Avontuur, meaning “adventure” in Afrikaans, is near a river of the same name. Haarlem was named after the Dutch town from which many settlers originated.

Over time, more settlers from Europe arrived in Langkloof. Some came as labourers, teachers, and skilled workers, while others were freed slaves. These new arrivals helped create a more integrated community. Many leased land for subsistence farming. Even today, low-input agricultural practices are common, with farmers using horse-drawn ploughs and traditional methods passed down through generations.

Known as Apple Country, Langkloof was once served by the “Apple Express,” which ran as far west as Haarlem. Today, the area maintains its rural charm, with cows, horses, and donkeys roaming freely on the gravel roads. The nights here are quiet, offering clear, starry skies undimmed by city lights, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

The postcode in Avontuur is 6490 and in Haarlem 6467

Things to see in Avontuur and Haarlem

  • Haarlem Mills-Two water-powered mills used for milling wheat. They are unique as they were built in series, thus fed by a single stream water source. The first was built in 1865 and the second in 1885 by Hendrik Beneke. The mills were functioning until the 1930s. Today the mills stand in ruins,  the original wheel is still in place, although there are plans for the wheel to be moved to the George Museum until a suitable place can be built in Haarlem itself.
  • School- Separated from the church by an open area is an old school, in all probability the building that was erected in 1865 served temporarily as a church. It is rectangular with later additions at right angles it has pointed windows and door. The floors are of Yellowwood, but the flat ceiling is a later alteration as the original building had open rafters
  • Prince Alfred’s pass

WEATHER IN AVONTUUR AND HAARLEM

all listings in avontuur and haarlem

 

Useful Numbers

  • Municipality -Eden District Municipality: 044 805 5071
  • Municipality (Uniondale): 044 752 1024- (after hours): 044 801 6300
  • Police: 044 752 6600
  • Traffic department: Municipal: 044 801 6300- Provincial: 044 805 5071
  • Fire: George Mun: 044 801 6300
  • Ambulance: 10177
  • Post office; Post agency Avontuur 044 752 3011
  • Library: Mini library 044 752 3351
  • Closest hospital; (Uniondale): 044 752 1068
  • Clinic (Uniondale): 044 752 1138
  • SPCA: Garden Route SPCA-044 693 0824
  • Schools;Haarlem Secondary School-044 763 1019
    Avontuur LB Primary School-: 044 752 3351
  • Tourism 044 752 1076 (Rico Classen)

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