Towns: Bethulie, Edenburg, Gariep Dam, Fauresmith, Jacobsdal, Jagersfontein, Koffiefontein, Luckhoff, Petrusburg, Phillipolis, Reddersburg, Rouxville, Smithfield, Springfontein, Strydenburg, Trompsburg, Zastron.
On the southern border of the Free State lies the Xhariep District, a region of vast savannas fed by the Garib (great river), as the San people called it. The Gariep Dam is probably one of the biggest dams in the southern hemisphere and extends over approximately 2 000km. The many islands in the dam are an outstanding landmark of the sourthern region.
Apart from having the three oldest towns in the Free State, which all still have many interesting reminders of yesteryear, evidence of the early San, the movements of the Voortrekkers, and the strife of numerous wars can be seen all over the area. Just about every town has some interesting tale to tell about its origin, with evidence to substantiate the story. Some towns date as far back as 1823.
Those with a love for natural history will be delighted to hear that some palaeontologists regard the Karoo as the eighth natural wonder of the world. The sequences of the fossils embedded in its rock is said to be of the most complete. Thousands of fossils and early San utensils were found in the valleys that are know covered by the waters of the Gariep Dam. Some of these can know be seen in the museums in Bethulie and Phlippolis.
Three national roads (N1, N6, and N8), its central geographic position in South Africa, exquisite natural beauty and many other fascinating tourist attractions make Xhariep ideal for the tourism industry. Let nature massage the stress of city life out of your system during a game drive in one of our reserves, or enjoy life as it should be during a sundowner cruise on the Gariep Dam. Those that seek something different than the natural beauty of the environment, could marvel in the cultural diversity or the many reminders of the rich history of the area. The "Diamond and Wine" tourist route travels past the diamond mines of Jagersfontein and Koffiefontein, and stops at the Landzicht Wine Cellars for a taste of superb wine. It is an experience not to be easily forgotten. The wines from these cellars have already won a few local and Cape show awards. Many use Xhariep simply as a stopover to refresh and break a long journey. A large variety of accommodation facilities are available, ranging from very comfortable hotels, an Aventura Resort, luxury safari camps to lovely guesthouses where you could really enjoy proper Free State country food and hospitality.
