Established in 1824 by German missionaries as a Moravian mission station. When selecting the location, the missionaries placed a high priority on the proximity of water and on terrain that was suitable for planting vines so that wine for communion could be produced. As well as preaching the Gospel, the missionaries taught the villagers a variety of trades and skills. Elim’s thatcher’s continue to be renowned for their craftsmanship.
The village is picturesque and has changed little over the years. Most of these buildings date back to the nineteenth century and thus the entire village has been declared a National Heritage Site. All the roads in the village lead to the thatch roofed church. The clock is the oldest still working church clock in the country, dating from 1764 and not lost second! The community, still mainly Moravian, consists of farmers, farm workers and artisans.
Visitors can explore the historical monument built to commemorate the freeing of the slaves in 1834, as well as one of the last working water mills in the Cape.
Elim is becoming known for the export of fynbos, and as an emerging area in the production of wine.
From Uilkraalsmond head straight across the the R43 to Baarskeerderbos, continue though Bbos, on a newly tarred road to come to Elim.