Jan
2015
Harrismith has, from the beginning of its existence been a major intersection town between the south and north of the country which became more pronounced with the diamond rush of the early 1850’s.
Located in a mountainous region and located at the foot of the Plat Berg Mountains the town falls within the Free State.
The town was established in 1847 and was originally located 25 km away but due to a water shortage it was moved to where it is today. The town was named after the British Governor Sir Harry Smith.
The town is a crucial point in the transport and road freight route between a few major cities from the KZN ports, the industrial hub of the greater Johannesburg and the western seaboard.
Here is a list of attractions which are more than worth the time and a visit;
· Sterkfontein Dam
· The Caves around the dam contain rock paintings which are worth discovering
· The Town Hall in Harrismith which is considered the third largest sand stone building in South Africa
· Platberg Reserve
· Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve
· Tugela Falls and Mont-Aux-Sources
· Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site
· Golden Gate National Park
· Mount Everest Nature Reserve
Historical Buildings which form part of The Grasslands route of the Historical Buildings and monuments of Harrismith which can be viewed by appointment are;
· The Town Hall
· The Market Hall
· Reitz Home
· The Cloete and Neveling Building
· De Oude Huize Yard
· Rose Garden
For the adventure tourist there is more than enough to do both competitively and just for enjoying the scenery like;
· Rhebok Hiking Trail
· Hiking The Golden Gate National Park
· Mountain Biking
· Hikes up Platberg Mountain
Take a tour of the MyRoof website, there are properties on offer in all the major and more obscure towns in South Africa.
