Harrismith - Free State South Africa

Harrismith is the centre of one of the five wool producing districts in Southern Africa. It was established in 1849 and was named after the glamorous and hard riding British Governor, Sir Harry Smith.

Accommodation in Harrismith

• Harrismith has a wide range of accommodation options. Enquire at Midlands Reservations for central reservations for the area or check this directory of Harrismith accommodation

Places of interest in Harrismith

• Harrismith Golf Course  The 18-hole golf course is the third oldest in South Africa
• Harrismith Town Hall A graceful sandstone and brick building built in 1907, and a National Monument.
• Kerkenberg The Voortrekkers camped in the area, whilst their leader, Piet Retief, negotiated with the Zulu leader Dingane. After receiving reports of what the Voortrekkers interpreted as successful negotiations Rtief's daughter wrote his name, and the date, which was also his birthday, on the rock where they held a church service.
• Sterkfontein Dam The third largest dam in South Africa, and unusual practically all the water is pumped up the escarpment from KwaZulu-Natal. Built before the Lesotho Highlands water scheme was developed, this was a vital source of water for Gauteng. Ideal for water sport enthusiasts and anglers.
• Harrismith Wildflower Gardens
  Founded in 1967 as a botanical garden these contain about 20 % of the Drakensburg region's flora. Located around two dams fed by mountain springs. Perfect picnic spot.
• Platberg The most famous landmarks in the Eastern Free State, the 9 kilometre long, 2 377 metre high Platberg. The Platberg Game reserve is a 1400 ha wildlife area adjoining  the Harrismith Botanical Garden. In the Platberg Game Reserve you will find various antelope species. 4x4 trails, mountain bike trails and hiking trails are available. Even overnighting in the nature reserve is possible.
• Debora Retief Garden  A 250 million year old, 33 m fossilised tree lies in this garden next to the town hall. Memorials honour those who fought in the Anglo-Boer war.
• Qwaqwa National Park In the highlands of the eastern Freestate bordering the Golden Gate National Park, has developed a number of mountainous 4x4 trails. Within Qwa-Qwa National Park the Basotho Cultural Village is simply a must to visit. The Basotho Cultural Village shows the traditional way of life of Basotho from the 16th century
• Golden Gate Highlands National Park.  Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north-eastern Free State lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. They offer hiking trails, game viewing, environmental education courses, Horse-riding, abseiling and canoeing.
• Clarens With its Swiss-like appearance and concentration of artists having truly a charm to be found nowhere else. The Titanic Rock at the northern entrance of Clarens is another attraction
• Wonderful Trout fishing facilities in the nearby town of Clarens.
• Kestell Houses the second largest sandstone church in the Free State, designed by the famous architect Gerard Moerdyk who also designed the Voortrekker Monument.
• Bald Ibis Hiking Trail Swinburne, Harrismith and Van Reenen Pass. Located on Rensburgkop. See a massive San cave with some paintings, a vulture restaurant and massive yellow wood trees
• Swinburne is a little village just off the N3, south of Harrismith. It is a very beautiful area strewn with good boulders. Ideal for rock climbing
• Intabazwe is a township with a peaceful, small community who invite you to spend a night with one of their host families and experience the spirit of Ubuntu. In Intabazwe (Harrismith) you can have your hair done African style
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