Visiting Elim, a mission station dating back to 1825, is like taking a step back in time. Little has changed in this perfectly preserved hamlet since it was founded. All the land still belongs to the Moravian Church, of which all the residents are members and the whitewashed, thatched cottages still line the streets.
The cottages of Elim, a National Monument in its entirety, were originally built to house the local community, the majority of which were freed slaves. Today you can still visit the monument that commemorates the freeing of the slaves.
You can also see the old wooden watermill and then have tea and cake in the little tearoom inside the mill. This lovely little town has a wonderful sense of community, with children playing in the streets and locals greeting you from their cottage doors as you wander past.
You will find Elim as you drive between Bredasdorp and De Kelders or Gansbaai. Don’t forget to stop at the Zoetendal Winery for some wine tasting along the way.