Discover Xhariep: Nature, Culture and Mining History

Xhariep has many different facets: water resources along the Orange River, nature reserves, birdlife and fish farming, as well as places with a mining and cultural history, all shape the range of experiences on offer. The best way to start planning your trip is to consider which themes matter most to you and your travel companions. This also helps you tailor your search for holiday accommodation in Xhariep to the places that interest you most.

Water and Nature in Xhariep

The Gariep Dam lies at the southern tip of the Xhariep District Municipality. The District Municipality has water resources along the Orange River. The Gariep Nature Reserve is also part of the region’s natural landscape: when the dam is full, it covers 13,500 ha. This area figure applies specifically to that water level.

The Tussen Die Riviere Nature Reserve lies near Bethulie. A 4x4 route there passes the unusual rock formations of the Klipstapels. This drive offers a specific nature-focused experience for travellers interested in rocky landscapes and off-road routes. San rock art less than 20 km from Bethulie attests to the San people’s early presence in this area. So, alongside the landscape, the long history of human settlement is also in focus.

In Koffiefontein, the Bird Park is home to indigenous and imported bird species. The Gariep fish hatchery offers another glimpse of local wildlife, breeding yellowfish, carp and catfish. These attractions have different emphases—birds on the one hand and fish farming on the other—and give you specific themes to consider when planning your trip, without requiring you to focus on just one type of nature experience.

Mining History and Cultural Traces

Jagersfontein is the oldest diamond-mining town in the world. The Open Mine Museum provides an overview of the town’s origins and mining history. If you are interested in a place’s historical background, this offers a different focus from a nature reserve: the emphasis is on the town’s history and mining. Xhariep’s cultural heritage also includes Adam Kok House, also known as Griqua House, once the home of Griqua leader Adam Kok, and the TransXhariep Museum on Voortrekker Street. This museum tells the story of the town and its people.

Koffiefontein also preserves striking traces of its past. The Open-air Museum is at the entrance to the town. Large outdoor paintings of Victor Emanuele and Benito Mussolini were left by internees during the Second World War. Another striking feature is the Coffee Pot Fountain, which symbolically welcomes visitors by “pouring” them a cup of coffee. In Koffiefontein, an open-air museum, historic paintings and an unusual fountain come together.

Special Places and an Annual Event

The D. H. Steyn Bridge, a beautiful sandstone bridge, lies near Bethulie. At 1.2 km, it is the longest road and railway bridge in the country. Together with the San rock art less than 20 km from Bethulie, it is one of the specific points of interest for travellers interested in the history and landscape of this part of the District Municipality.

The International Horse Endurance Race takes place in Fauresmith every July. If this event is a deciding factor in your trip, July is the time to keep in mind when planning. The event adds a sporting occasion of its own to the nature and history themes.

Choosing the Right Focus for Your Trip

The N1 national highway runs through the Xhariep District Municipality and provides a geographical point of reference for the region. When choosing your accommodation, it helps to first weigh up the experiences you are looking for: nature and rock formations, birdlife, mining history or cultural heritage each offer a different focus.

For a closer look at individual places in Xhariep, explore the pages for Gariepdam, Rietrivier, Jacobsdal, Philippolis, Petrusburg, Smithfield, Springfontein, Bethulie, Koffiefontein, Rouxville and Bethel.

For the broader travel overview: Free State.