- Harrismith
Harrismith is a large town situated on the N3 highway in the
Free State province ofSouth Africa betweenJohannesburg (about 350 km from Johannesburg) andDurban . This important crossroads in South Africa's land trade routes is surrounded bymesa s andbutte s and located at base of one of these called "Platberg" ("Flat Mountain" translated fromAfrikaans ). The town was founded in1849 by British GovernorHarry Smith , who tried to persuade the disillusionedVoortrekkers not to abandon Natal. Harrismith is the centre of one of the five wool producing districts in Southern Africa.Tourist Attractions
*Harrismith Town Hall - A graceful sandstone and brick building built in 1907, and a National Monument.
*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.
* Harrismith Golf Course - The 18-hole golf course is the third oldest in South Africa
*Kerkenberg - TheVoortrekkers 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, Retief's daughter wrote his name and recorded 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. 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.Accommodation links
* [http://www.harrismithaccommodation.co.za/ www.harrismithaccommodation.co.za] – The View 3 Star bed and breakfast in Harrismith
* [http://www.harrismithmanor.co.za/ www.harrismithmanor.co.za] – Summit Legacy Manor bed and breakfast accommodation
* [http://www.wildhorses.co.za/ www.wildhorses.co.za] – Wild Horses Mountain Lodge - 5 Star Accommodation
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