In 1738, the first Moravian Mission village was established in Baviaanskloof by George Schmidt, Genadendal (Valley of Grace). Many other missionaries followed and about 13 Mission Station villages were set up in the Cape.

On the Cape West Coast there are nine Mission Station villages. They are Mamre, Wittewater, Goedverwacht, Elandskloof, Wupperthal, Vergenoeg, Papendorp-Ebenhaezer, Vanrhynsdorp and Rietpoort. Each Mission Station village has a history unique to itself. Mamre was first a military and cattle post. In 1808 the region was handed to Kohrhammer and Schmidt, two Moravian Missionaries from Germany. Buildings dating back to this time were declared National Monuments in 1967.

The Cape Route 62 passes through the Mission Station village of Amalienstein/Zoar in the Little Karoo. The Mission Station was established in 1853 by the Lutheran Church and named after Frau Amalie von Stein, who donated the funds to purchase the land. In the Cape Overberg, Suurbraak, was established by the London Mission Society. The town is about 25km from Swellendam, nestled beneath the Langeberg Mountains. It has a good visitors centre and can arrange guides to take visitors on local walks.

A visit to any of the Mission Station villages is an opportunity to meet the locals. These are places where, in many respects, time has stood still. Many of the houses and buildings date back to the 1800?s. The people are generally friendly and helpful and will find a moment or two for a chat. Visitors are always welcome.