Harrismith
While the town of Harrismith may be known by many South Africans as the halfway point between the major cities of Johannesburg and Durban, this thriving picturesque enclave has much to offer and in recent years has become more than just a stop and rest point to stock up on fuel and food. Located in the province of the Free State and 314km from Durban and 315km from Johannesburg, Harrismith gained prominence largely because of its halfway point status, but today many travellers have discovered that Harrismith is not only beautiful and lovely, but also has a wide range of attractions that make it worthy of a weekend getaway.
Harrismith is home to the magnificent Wildflower Gardens, which was first founded in 1967, and showcases some of the finest assortments of Drakensberg flora as well as other indigenous and rare flower species. These botanical gardens are perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls where you can admire the many colours and contrasts on offer. The Harrismith town hall is also worth a visit; built in 1907, this elegant sandstone and brick building has continually struck the right chords amongst architectural enthusiasts and has been turned into a national monument. For those that love the game of golf and can’t go very long without playing the beautiful game, the Harrismith Golf Course is a pristine 18 hole fairway that offers excellent views and amenities.
Harrismith is a terrific launching pad to investigate and discover some of South Africa’s most supreme natural spectacles. This Free State town is within reasonable distance of the sumptuous Golden Gate National Park, the riveting Sterkfontein Dam and Nature Reserve, as well as the iconic Drakensberg Mountains. With all this to see and so much more, it is no wonder that Harrismith is starting to become a holiday destination within its own right.
