Things To Do
in Amersfoort

Photograph the modest historic buildings, classic church architecture and local street scenes to capture the town’s character.

Wide-open plains offer dramatic light, long shadows and cloudscapes — ideal for panoramic, landscape and golden-hour shots.

Quintessential rural scenes with weathered fences, farm machinery and grazing livestock that tell the story of local life.

Small pans and wetland pockets attract waterbirds and waders after rains — bring a telephoto lens for bird portraits.

A social open-fire barbecue featuring boerewors (sausage), lamb chops and steak — often the centerpiece of local meals and best experienced at a guesthouse or with locals.

Must-Try!

Slow-cooked stew made in a cast-iron pot over coals; hearty and common at family gatherings and local events.

Cured dried meat snacks made from beef or game; widely sold at farm stalls and markets as a savory snack.

Maize porridge (pap) often served with a spicy vegetable relish (chakalaka) — a staple side dish in many homes and eateries.

Small farm stalls near the town sell homemade jams, preserves, biltong, seasonal produce and baked goods — ideal for tasting local flavors and taking souvenirs. Markets are occasional rather than daily, so check local noticeboards or ask at your accommodation.

Informal vendors may sell snacks, vetkoek (fried dough) or boerewors rolls; small community taverns (shebeens) sometimes serve simple cooked dishes — exercise usual street-food caution.

Polite greetings are important — a handshake and a brief hello in English, Afrikaans or Zulu goes a long way. Use formal greetings with elders.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural communities and informal settlements.

Many areas are privately owned farms — seek permission before entering, taking photos of farm buildings or using private tracks.

Be respectful of cultural practices and conservative dress in certain settings; avoid loud or disruptive behavior in town centers and near places of worship.

In restaurants, a tip of around 10–15% is customary if service is not included; small change for waitstaff, porters and cleaners is appreciated (R5–R20). Tipping at informal markets is not expected but rounding up is polite.

South African rand (ZAR) is the local currency. In small towns, cash is often preferred, though larger guesthouses and some establishments accept credit/debit cards. ATMs may be limited — carry sufficient cash for rural excursions.

Summer (November–March) is warm to hot with afternoon thunderstorms common; vegetation is green and bird activity high. Bring rain protection, sunblock and plan outdoor activities for mornings or late afternoons to avoid storms.

Autumn (April–May) brings milder temperatures, clearer days and a reduction in rainfall — a pleasant time for hiking, photography and farm visits.

Winter (June–August) has cold mornings and nights with possible frost; days can be crisp and sunny. Pack warm layers and expect limited rain — ideal for clear-sky photography and braai evenings.

Spring (September–October) warms up and wildflowers begin to appear in the grasslands; insects increase and mornings may still be cool. A great season for nature walks and birdwatching.