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ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA
Easy to reach on the N3 and N5 routes, Harrismith is ideal as a stopover spot for a weekend getaway. The town is the starting point of the Highlands Route, and many tourists use Harrismith as a gateway to the Malutis, the Golden Gate National Park and the Natal Drakensberg.
Harrismith is a delightful, spacious, country town, founded in 1849, but only recently discovered by tourists. It is clean and friendly and the ideal destination to break a long trip, hold a conference or escape from the stresses of city living and recharge batteries in tranquil surroundings and excellent facilities. The Drakensberg range and Maluti Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop to Harrismith.
Sterkfontein Dam
You can enjoy outdoor activities like birding, trout fishing, biking, 4x4, hiking, climbing, golfing, history, water sport on the Sterkfontein Dam (the third largest dam in South Africa) and well stocked game farms. A petrified tree, 150 million years old, is on display. The Wild Flower Garden on the outskirts of town, contains 20% of the flora of the Drakensberg.
Harrismith has factory shops, gardens (both domestic and wild flower gardens), golf course (the oldest in South Africa) and links with the South African War; battle sites, blockhouses, a military cemetery as well as Boer and Brit sandstone architecture. There are also several handsome churches and public buildings.
Platberg
Day visits include:
- Royal Natal Park,
- The base of the Drakensberg Sentinel,
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park,
- Basotho Cultural Village,
- Boer War battlefields and
- Hiking trails.
- Bicycles to hire for cycling in the area and walks up the mountain to view indigenous flowers, the cross, Gibson Dam and the spectacular view.
Activities
- Basotho Cultural Village
It is here that the Basotho Cultural Village nestles in the heart of the Qwaqwa National Park some mere stone's throw away from the world-renowned Golden Gate area.
The Cultural Village takes you for a walk down the pathway of time. It is here where the lifestyle and architecture of the South Sotho is accurately depicted from the sixteenth century to the dramatically colourful present.
- Crafts
Distinctive Southern African curios and arty things are available at Marqwahouse.
- Debora Retief Garden
A 250 million-year-old, 33m fossilised tree lies in this garden next to the town hall.
- Golf courses
The 18 hole course is the third oldest in South Africa.
- Harrismith Wild Flower Garden
Founded in 1967 as a botanical garden it contains about 20% of the Drakensberg region's flora.
- Museum
A small community museum in the Market Hall at the back of the Town Hall.
- Platberg
The 2 394m 'flat mountain' is Harrismith's landmark. A famous race, claimed by some to be the toughest in South Africa.
- President Brand Park
A picnic area along the tranquil banks of the Wilge River.
- Sterkfontein Dam
The third largest dam in South Africa, and significant as 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.
- Swinburne
Now looking insignificant compared to larger brothers, the second oldest bridge in the Free State, a National Monument, spans the Wilge River. At the official opening in 1884 it was claimed that, as it wat the furthest of its kind towards the interior, it marked a distinct advance of the forces of civilization.
- Town Hall
A graceful sandstone and brick building built in 1907, and a National Monument.
- Township Tours
Self drive day tours or overnight stays enable visitors to experience what was described in the dark days of the early 1990s as a township which was a haven of peace.
- Van Reenen Llandaff Oratory
National Monument which seats eight people, and was built in honour of Llandaff Matthew who tragically lost his life in an act of bravery in a coal mining disaster. Find Accommodation in
Harrismith
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