Moffat Mission

Robert and Mary Moffat of the London Missionary Society settled at Kuruman in 1821, drawn by the reliable water of the Eye, and stayed for half a century. Their significant work was linguistic: Robert Moffat learned Setswana, reduced it to writing, and translated and printed the complete Bible - the first full Bible in any southern African language - on a press brought up by ox wagon, completing it in 1857. That press is in the museum. The 1838 church, built to hold hundreds, still stands, along with the mission house, the workshops and the almond avenue. David Livingstone came here as a young missionary, married the Moffats' daughter Mary under the almond trees, and left on the journeys that made his name. The site is a working retreat and conference centre as well as a museum, and the guides handle the mission's complicated colonial position without evasion.

What you actually see

• The printing press - the machine that produced the first complete Bible in a southern African language.
• The 1838 church - a large stone church still standing at the mission.
• The Livingstone connection - where he married Mary Moffat before his journeys.
• The almond avenue - trees planted by the Moffats, still lining the approach.

When to go

April to September. Two hours. Guided visits at set times; check hours ahead.

Honest expectations

Access is guided and hours are limited. Summer heat in Kuruman is severe. The site is also a working conference centre, so parts may be in use. The mission's colonial context is discussed but visitors bring their own views.

Nearby

The Eye of Kuruman is in the town; Wonderwerk Cave is south.