Freek owns a small car wash and shop in Ipopeng. He has always envisaged doing something for the community in his town – especially the youth. He believes that you must do things for yourself; but that often it is good to have a little help from someone who can help you climb the stepladder. With this in mind, he always tries to help the young people in his community who want to better their station in life.

He has therefore also created a tendering business that will undertake just about any job in the community. In so doing, he can involve individuals or small groups from his community and thereby reach out in the hope that this will promote a connected mindset in the community.

The tender jobs include gardening, checking of plumbing and fixing minor problems. Freek explains that there is a need for this service particularly over the weekends, as most municipal workers do not work over the weekends.

]]> 25.31520080566406250,-29.74060058593750000 Annalise’s family farm is Groenkloof and borders on the town of Fauresmith. The farm has about eighty cattle on 1000ha. Annalise is very fond of walking on the farm and often takes members of the local community or tourists with her. The walk usually starts in the town and heads over the hills to a swimming place called “Bobejaankranse se swemgat” (which means “baboon cliffs’ swimming hole”).

The trip can also be done on horseback. The route is part of the National Endurance horse ride held every year in Fauresmith in July, so is well traversed by horses. The route also makes for an exciting mountain bike challenge and people are welcome to bring their own bikes to try it out. Guests can arrange to stay overnight on the farm.

Clean air, wonderful nature, 226 bird species and the hospitality of the Free State all abound here. Traditional dances and meals can be arranged.

]]> 25.31719970703125000,-29.74889945983886719 In 1995, about eleven people from Ipopeng Township outside Fauresmith gathered to discuss a way in which they could provide for themselves. They each put R20 into the pool and with the help of a social worker, started a chicken and pig farm.

The site was originally a rubbish heap. They removed all the rubbish and built a chicken pen. Today over thirty people are employed. Profit from the business is used to buy new poultry and pigs as well as seeds and plants for the vegetable patch. The rest is divided between the workers. The produce of the project is sold in Ipopeng and Fauresmith.

]]> 25.31800079345703125,-29.73710060119628906 JJJ Mini Market is located in the middle of Fauresmith on the main street. It is a general dealer where one can buy just about anything. Homemade take-aways are also available. The shop also has an interesting collection of old tins.

The van der Loo’s also own the Indraf Kafee (directly translated to 'run-in café'), also in the main street.

]]> 25.31410026550292969,-29.74769973754882812 This is a small home industry employing local labour and using sheepskins from the area. The business started in 2001 and manufactures items from sheepskin – including slippers, waistcoats, dog-jackets and saddle covers.

]]> 25.31509971618652344,-29.75020027160644531 The Kapokbosskerm is a guesthouse situated in the middle of Fauresmith. Every guestroom has an en-suite bathroom, television, heaters and coffee/tea facilities. The Kapokbosskerm is also a licensed restaurant where overnight and walk-in guests can enjoy a delightful meal prepared by Ursula and Theunis.

Kapokbos is the Afrikaans name for the wild rosemary bush – which has a white, cotton-like look in a certain season, and is seen commonly around Fauresmith. Because the business is both a guesthouse and a restaurant – and people can eat and sleep – it is the ideal shelter (the Afrikaans word for shelter is 'skerm').

Kapokbosskerm is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area, and Ursula or Theunis will be more than willing to recommend various sights or even take visitors on game viewing trips or visits to local points of interest. They also arrange a unique wagon ride through the township, arrange hunting trips, team building projects and small conferences.

It is the Nortje’s mission to make every visit so special that the guests will long to return again and again.

]]> 25.31599998474121094,-29.75049972534179688 Kosmos Café has been owned by the du Plessis’s since 1994. Kosmos is situated on the main road of Fauresmith, close to the Historical Church Tree and the town square where the steam locomotive is parked.

Kosmos is unique because it is a café, take-away diner, restaurant, general dealer, ladies bar and a place where a meeting can occur. The restaurant has a fireplace and the bar a braai (barbeque) area and pool table, as well as a television for sports events. Kosmos is secure and private – it is everything under one roof.

Zol is a third generation farmer in the Fauresmith area. The bar inside Kosmos is made from the wooden floorboards of the old farm homestead.

]]> 25.31760025024414062,-29.74880027770996094 Randjiesveld B&B is an old building almost in the heart of Fauresmith next to the Dutch Reformed Church. It is within 5-10 minutes stroll of the town centre, sporting facilities and scenic mountain walks.

The three bedrooms each have two single beds, electric blankets, heaters, fans and some antiques. One bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and the others have a bathroom nearby. There is a private entrance with a small shady garden and braai (barbeque) facilities. Kitchenette facilities for self-catering as well as a sunny veranda are available. Safe parking is ensured.

Come and enjoy a relaxing environment and experience the warmth of true country-style hospitality. Hand-made greeting cards, paper, jams, doilies and other items are for sale.

]]> 25.31730079650878906,-29.75020027160644531 An atmosphere of peaceful calm greets visitors to the Jacobsdal Landzicht Winery. Rows and rows of vineyards confirm skilful cultivation. Harvest time brings bustle and excitement as the harvesters fill their baskets with ripe grapes.

With a well-established culture and tradition of fruity delicate wines, Landzicht Wine Cellar continues to build on expertise going back as far as 1969, when the first positive step for viticulture was taken at the general meeting of the Riet River Farmers Society. Founding the cellar in 1974 was born from the belief that Jacobsdal is the ideal place for viticulture. The local red sand (blown in from the Kalahari) and the naturally occurring lime content make the soil ideal for vineyards. And water is plentiful due to a canal system from the PK Le Roux Dam on the Orange River.

Landzicht Winery cultivates noble grape cultivars – including Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and red and white Muscadels. The cellar is playing a leading role in the national and international wine markets – winning awards almost annually. The winery also supplies wine to some of the local airlines, and so passengers can enjoy some Free State wine – ensuring that the word spreads that the Boland area of the Western Cape is not the only place wine is made in South Africa.

Landzicht welcomes visitors for tastings and tours. A charming lapa is available with braai (barbeque) facilities, and can accommodate about 45 people.

]]> 24.77849960327148438,-29.14349937438964844 Veenwouden Guesthouse is a charming family residence at the entrance to Jacobsdal, next door to Landzicht Wine Cellars. A friendly, informal and warm service awaits all guests in this home away from home.

Breakfast – continental or English – is served, and a small conference can also be housed and catered for at the guesthouse. The guest rooms are located in and outside the main house, surrounding a swimming pool for hot summer days.

Visitors can relax here in a tranquil atmosphere, or wander around the house watching the ducks and guinea fowls. Hospitality is the motto in this neat guesthouse.

]]> 24.77669906616210938,-29.13990020751953125 They’re different, the wire objects created by the crafters at the Glaasstudio workshop in Jagersfontein. Lamps, bowls, baskets, animals, birds… Each item is handcrafted with care and attention to detail using wire, beads, stained glass or a combination of the three. The happy atmosphere in the workshop is tangible and creativity is reflected in the quality of the work produced.

Wire art is typically African, and here it is refined and combined with the eggs of the Ostrich and the richness of glowing hand-made glass – all inspired by the colours, moods and shapes of Africa.

Jagersfontein is poor and unemployment a big problem. The Glaasstudio Trust is a job creation programme that has been nurtured over the years to provide sustainable, creative and enjoyable employment for twenty people.

Visitors are welcome at the workshop, which also has a gallery and shop portion where examples of the items made are displayed and sold. Visitors are encouraged to try their hand at beading amongst the bead crafters.

“The crafters of Glaasstudio hope that your piece of unique African wire art will bring you much joy, as it was a pleasure to make it for you.”

]]> 25.42359924316406250,-29.76140022277832031 Situated on the outskirts of Jagersfontein, the golf course has 9-holes with well-maintained grass greens and grassed fairways. The views of savannah grasslands and far-off hills are wonderful as the course meanders up and down amongst the volcanic rock koppies. There is an abundance of indigenous plant life and wild olive trees – and occasionally one will see a mountain rhebok sheltering behind a tree.

The golf club has a long and interesting history, and celebrated its centenary in 2002. The clubhouse is large and has a pub, restaurant and lapa area – which can be hired out for functions.

Visitors are welcome and corporate functions, coupled to golf games, can be organised. Green fees are reasonable and caddies are available.

]]> 25.43169975280761719,-29.75230026245117188 Lerato means 'place full of love'. Lerato is love – the passion, love and hospitality of its service and people. Mike says that his vision is to see people happily sharing ideas and enjoying themselves – all different cultures, the rainbow people together as one.

Mike thought long and hard about what business would be appropriate in Jagersfontein. He knew that Jagersfontein is attractive to visitors because of the big mine hole, and to politicians because of the history (the struggle or apartheid years). He also knew that locals need somewhere to relax and enjoy a cold beer of their choice, whiskey, brandy, or even soft drinks or tea. The tavern also has a secure braai (barbeque) area out back where guests can enjoy a braai (barbeque) and pap. A jukebox is available for music, a television for sports events and a pool table for some fun games.

Lerato Tavern is fully licensed and is open from 10:00 to 02:00. Under 18’s are not allowed on the premises.

]]> 25.44560050964355469,-29.77799987792968750 The Jagersfontein Open Mine is the world oldest diamond mine of its kind. It is almost two years older than the mine at Kimberley. The South Africa diamond mining industry is older than its gold mining history and therefore Jagersfontein is even older than other mining towns such as Pilgrim’s Rest. Jagersfontein was founded in 1870 – and is considered to be the “Birthplace of the South African Mining Industry”.

Jagersfontein is the first place in the world where a diamond was found in its mother stone – the blue ground, or as later called “kimberlite”. Eight of the two-dozen biggest diamonds in the world came from the Jagersfontein mine. The Reitz Diamond (later called the Jubilee) of 972.75 carats was found here in 1893. The present day value of this diamond is estimated to be as much as R1.2billion. It is second only in size to the Cullinan Diamond. The so-called Jagger diamonds are world renowned for their size, quality, colour and clarity. Both Al Capone and Elizabeth Taylor are said to have worn Jagger diamonds.

The Jagersfontein big hole was dug by hand from 1870 to 1909 and it is claimed to be the world’s biggest vertical hand dug open hole. It is estimated that the hand-dug portion of the mine went down to 275m. The top surface area of the hole is 19.65ha (in comparison to the Kimberley hole’s 17ha). The Jagersfontein hole is also vertically sided, while the Kimberley hole tends to be funnel-shaped before becoming vertical – therefore the Jagersfontein hole is also bigger in volume.

Eventually mining was continued by means of an underground shaft of about 1000ft deep, but it is the hand-dug portion of this hole that makes it unique. Unfortunately the hole was closed to the public until 1992, but now visitors are welcome and a small museum / information centre has been established. The hole walls have become home to a nesting pair of Verreaux (Black) Eagles. Visitors can also venture out over the hole by means of a viewing platform – truly spectacular. Donations from visitors will be used for the upkeep and further development of the big hole as a tourist site.

]]> 25.42230033874511719,-29.76210021972656250 The Copper Kettle Guesthouse is a home away from home. The house is exquisite and still has the original Oregon pine finishes. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, television, a fridge and tea/coffee facilities.

Come and enjoy this restful bed and breakfast where the paper is delivered daily, and all other meals are served on request.

]]> 25.00090026855468750,-29.40559959411621094 Hakuna Matata (which means “no worries”) is located in Koffiefontein, opposite the turn off to the De Beers mine. The guesthouse has a number of rooms, each with en-suite bathroom, fridge, television, heaters, fans and carpeted floors.

Parking is undercover within precon walls – a must-see attraction. The guesthouse entertainment area has a full sized snooker table and a dartboard. The African theme décor extends to the restaurant where three meals are served a day on request.

]]> 25.00289916992187500,-29.40850067138671875 The ladies of the Kgaladi Crafts Project make jewellery using beads, as well as other items such as knobkieries, beaded ornaments and Christmas decorations. Elizabeth started the business in October 2003, with a grant from the Department of Agriculture.

Bead and craftwork is a very labour intensive business, and as such, the group struggles to get a high return on their labour. Elizabeth knows that her business might never be highly profitable, but acknowledges that their main aim is the creative self-expression and pride that her and her friends get through the work, as well as the small income they earn.

]]> 24.99309921264648438,-29.39789962768554688 This knitting business, based from home in the township outside Koffiefontein, is focused on the local market, but does produce goods that are of interest to the tourist market. Jerseys, dolls, chair backs, socks (bed socks too), ponchos and many other items are produced. Little gift sets for newborn babies – caps, jerseys and leggings – are a speciality and made in the colour of the client’s choice.

People often bring a photo of the pattern they want on their jersey and the knitting group will make up the garment to order. Bunnies, Teletubbies and various other cartoon characters are favourite patterns for kids’ jerseys. Local schools also order their tracksuits or school uniform jerseys from the Knitting Project.

Anyone can have the garment of his or her choice here – or simply leave it up to Ms Smith’s discretion! Ms Smith started the business as a hobby and is really pleased that she can be earning a living doing something that she loves.

]]> 24.99080085754394531,-29.39999961853027344 Kos Kaia directly translated means 'food dwelling' – a kaya being a term used for a dwelling. It is a comfortable restaurant which has a separate bar area.

Sunday lunches are a speciality and have a set menu. Kos Kaia can also serve as a small conference facility and cater for functions.

]]> 25.00329971313476562,-29.40789985656738281 The Lebone Sewing Project was started on 12 January 2004. Six ladies pooled their resources and skills to start their business, with the Department of Welfare supplying them with some cloth and six sewing machines. The municipality helped with accommodation for the business and located them at the Koffiefontein Library.

The group has really tried to make a difference to the unemployment crisis in Koffiefontein – particularly the women. The group makes traditional garments, shirts, dresses, blouses and trousers.

]]> 24.99979972839355469,-29.39599990844726562 The Ruimte Farm Begrafnis Koppie (burial hill) is a tourist attraction with a difference. Here visitors can come to see the grave of one of South Africa’s most famous authors, Etienne Le Roux.

Etienne (who was Stephen’s father) wrote some famous and controversial books in Afrikaans – many of which were translated into English.

Some titles include:

Sewe Dae by die Silbersteins;
Een vir die Azazel ('One for the Devil'); and
Magersfontein O Magersfontein (which was banned in South Africa for a certain period due to bad language!).

Ettiene won the Hertzog Prize for literature and his memory lives on strongly in his family and on the hillock where he and his wife are buried. The hillock provides a spectacular view over the farm and into the distance towards Jacobsdal. Come and visit the farm where he lived and wrote, hear a bit of his life’s story from his son and visit his grave to see the magnificent view.

]]> 25.02160072326660156,-29.31559944152832031 Shalalombi is a crocodile park located in Koffiefontein town. Here visitors can see crocodiles, some game species and a number of birds in a piece of natural Free State veld. Bird lovers will enjoy wandering the bush trails on the property. Watch Wiets as he enters the crocodile’s enclosure and explains their breeding and feeding habits. Feeding can be witnessed in the summer months.

Shalalombi is a hunter’s idiom that means “the place where the great buffalo sleeps”.

]]> 24.99979972839355469,-29.40579986572265625 After the two hotels in Koffiefontein closed down, there was a huge demand for overnight accommodation. Therése then decided to convert her outer room into a guestroom with an en-suite bathroom, two single beds, a television, fridge and fan, as well as tea/coffee facilities.

The van Schalkwyks are pensioners and therefore enjoy receiving guests from all over the world at their guesthouse. Therése’s passion for swimming, pot plants and gardening make the garden of the cottage a haven to relax in, alongside the pool. All meals are prepared and served lovingly on request.

]]> 25.00160026550292969,-29.40660095214843750 Birdshaven Self-Catering Accommodation offers the luxury of four en-suite air-conditioned rooms, each with their own entrance and television – for those not completely enthralled by the range of bird species to be seen in the garden!

The wooden garden is the ideal place to enjoy a sundowner and admire the beautiful Karoo sunsets. Here, on the edge of the village, guests can enjoy the peace and quiet of the country in a totally safe environment. A cosy lapa, swimming dam and many other facilities ensure an unforgettable experience.

For those guests not wishing to self-cater, there is an arrangement with Philippolis Lodge to make their dining room open to guests of Birdshaven. Their menu is fairly diverse, and take-aways can be arranged.

]]> 25.26250076293945312,-30.25519943237304688 It’s sometimes a blessing not to know what the future has in store for you, and other times you can surely benefit from knowing. The restored Groenhuis (which means ‘green house’) Guesthouse has one downfall – sooner or later you have to go home!

During the restoration (2003) of Die Groenhuis, former school principal Jens Friis must surely have thought that building anew might have been much easier. Restoration takes money, time, art and tons of patience! Having been used more for storage than accommodation for fourty years, there was not even running water or electricity in the building. The end product justifies the effort however.

The original wooden floors, ceilings and windows have been preserved as far as possible, lending an incredible sense of warmth. According to Naómi Friis, “A large amount of furniture is unnecessary”. A family friend from Jagersfontein, Mr. Manie Barkhuizen assisted with the restoration of the windows. The refurbished ceiling is backed by pages out of 1940s Huisgenoot magazines, which act as insulation.

Friis insists the guesthouse was never intended to be the American White House, and explains that there are sometimes visitor’s cars pulling into the driveway that are “up to eigth times the value of the house itself”! All the amenities and necessities are provided, including innerspring mattresses, crispy-fresh linen, large bathrooms and delicious meals.

Nestled on the edge of the town, it reminds one often of a farm. On surrounding erven are the springbokkies of Mr. George de Vos, the horses of Mr. Johan Lamprechts, the succulent garden of the Funcks, and Café Khooa – where one can take a horse-and-carriage tour. This is all besides the peacocks of the Friis’, the cows of Tiekie Pienaar and a footpath that leads to an old ammunitions storage house.

Olden-day flowers like roses add to the atmosphere and spirit of the place, and a wooden bench is nestled here, from where a view of the Karoo with its koppies can be savoured. The only occasional disturbance is the distant sound when a Cape Town to Johannesburg Boeing flies overhead!

The grass grows lusciously in the garden. The pear and lemon tree are grateful for the rainfall the area receives sporadically. The irrigation reservoir has been stripped of its koi by overzealous feeding by the local stalks. When the rains come in the new year, the lands will be ploughed by the 'Vaaljapie' (tractor) from 1956, and there is a possibility of growing mushrooms in the cellar.

As far as testimonials go, the following is a snippet out of the guest book from a visitor from Holland: "Aangenaam verrast! Jij hoort de stilte. Jij siet de schoonheid. En jij voelt de warmte van die mensen. Bedank voor alle goede sorgen. Een aangename pauze tussen de drukte van twee steden. Wat 'n rust!"

Loosely translated: “Pleasantly surprised! You hear the silence, see the beauty and feel the warmth of the people. Thank you for all your good care. One pleasant pause between the pressures of two cities. What a rest!”

]]> 25.26230049133300781,-30.25699996948242188 Ebenhaeser is self-catering thatched cottages set in an idyllic scene where the wonderful stillness of the Karoo days and beautiful starry nights can be enjoyed by young and old alike. The cottages are situated on a farm 14km from Philippolis, right next to the entrance of John Varty’s tiger sanctuary and game park. The cottages can each accommodate five people in two rooms.

For those who enjoy walking in a totally safe environment, along with experiencing some typical Karoo sheep farming activities, this is the ideal place. Guests can enjoy the solitude and peacefulness of the farm, while still having all the amenities of luxury self-catering accommodation and the fully equipped lapa where many a long evening can be enjoyed.

]]> 25.16309928894042969,-30.32480049133300781 Museum Transgariep is a cultural history museum specialising in the local history of the area. Distillation of Witblitz takes place once a year at the Witblitz festival (see entry on this route) – this is the only provincial museum in the country to have a working still. The museum is also the distribution point for Philippolis Witblitz as it cannot be purchased anywhere else.

The museum also houses a unique collection of items made by local women in the spinning and weaving school that was established by Emily Hobhouse in 1904; displays about Adam Kok II and III and the Griqua culture; and features about the London Mission Society. In the shed behind the museum is a perdemeul – a mill that ground flour by using horses, mules or donkeys to turn a large wheel, which then turned a grinding stone. This is the only museum in the Free State to house this interesting item.

]]> 25.27319908142089844,-30.26250076293945312 Spend a night in jail!

The jail is situated in Justisie Street right on the upper edge of Philippolis town. At the back of the jail is a trail through real Upper Karoo veld leading to the old Adam Kok Kruithuis.

In jail, guests sleep in an authentic cell 7'x10' (2mx3m) with 24” (60cm) outer walls and 18” (45cm) inner walls. The cell door is a very sturdy solid wood and steel door with 101 nuts and bolts holding the door together. The cell is virtually sound proof. Guests lock themselves in at night and out in the morning. Full braai (barbeque) facilities are available and the kitchen is also fully equipped with fridge, freezer and stove plus all utensils that one would need. Tea and Coffee is always available at 'no extra charge'. There is good cellphone reception in jail.

When Harry bought the jail in 1998 it was totally derelict after being vacant for 16 years. He however saw and realized the potential of the place as a 'destination attraction' and after extensive restoration work the jail is now one of the anchor attractions in town. Right next to the jail, Harry has established Justisie Herberg for those that do not want to stay in jail. It is the epitome of charm, style and graceful living. It also has a Secret Garden with outside shower.

In the early history of the Jail a 'gallows' existed in the courtyard of the Jail. This is noted in several articles on the early history of the Jail and Harry is finalizing research with the intention of constructing a near authentic 'gallows' that will be erected once again in the courtyard of the Jail as in the days of old.

History of the Powder-Magazine:

Since before 1861 Philippolis was a crossroads for dealing in and later on smuggling gunpowder, nitrate and sulphur from the Cape Colony across the Orange River (Gariep). Skirmishes with the Basotho people and the threatening war with England soon necessitated a powder factory and powder-magazine in Philippolis.

A certain James Spirit (Spruit) received the tender to build the existing powder-magazine on the 1 October 1870 at a cost of £75. A lightning conductor and gutters were added at an extra cost of £15. The site for the powder-magazine, however, was a poor choice and led to the fact that is was used by the Free State Government for storing ammunition only until September 1873.

With its profiled cornice and pediment, the powder-magazine forms part of the Karoo architecture that characterizes Philippolis. As far as is known, this powder-magazine is the only example of this type of building in the Free State to survive to this day. The building is unique in its building-material, design and age. The powder-magazine is a National Monument.

Jail history and stories:

Old Jail History:
The Philippolis jail was built in 1872 and did duty as a jail for about 70 years. It then became the local police station for the next thirty years. In this period the police did certain alterations to the jail. Cells were turned into the charge offices – the present day visitors tea rooms.

From 1972 until 1982 the jail did duty as the local army barracks. Once again certain alterations were done to the jail. Two old cells were changed into a kitchen and one into a shower room.

Then from 1982 up until 1998 the jail stood vacant. From time to time it served the local Voortrekkers, the local civil defence unit, and once it was also the venue for the matric farewell party – they had drinks here before moving on to the town hall. They were led to believe that this was where the party was to be.

Items for sale:

Enamelware such as tin mugs and plates etc. All with the jail logo on them;
T-shirts – With jail logo on them;
Aprons – With jail logo on them; and
Ou Tronk Gogga (Dates in very strong brandy sauce, sold in a small bottle). This is something truly unique to the Old Jail.

The Old Jail’s own 'friendly' GHOST story:

Willem Bitter was a local musician who was decapitated in a motorcar accident just outside Philippolis. At that stage the jail was being used as a police station and thus Willem Bitter’s body was brought here. Someone stole Willem Bitter’s violin that night and so today if you hear soft, gentle sad violin music in Jail at night, don’t be alarmed. It is only Willem Bitter searching for his stolen violin.

]]> 25.27179908752441406,-30.26399993896484375 The Van der Post Memorial Centre was founded in 1998 in Philippolis.

The centre consists of:

A memorial garden where the ashes of Sir Laurens van der Post are buried;
The museum room where his study and original books are on display;
An information bureau catering for the town of Philippolis;
A labyrinth;
A tea room; and
The Artist’s Retreat guesthouse.

The Memorial Garden and the Artist’s Retreat were both opened officially by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a personal friend of Sir Laurens.

But who was Sir Laurens van der Post?
Charles, Prince of Whales, considered him a mentor and friend and appointed him godfather of his son. Carl Gustav Jung knew him as a personal friend. The bushmen called him “the white Bushman”. Laurens Jan van der Post was born in Philippolis on 13 December 1906 as the thirteenth of fifteen children.

Both in peacetime and in war he led an extraordinary and eventful life and one of great significance for our time. He served with distinction in the British army during the Second World War and spent three years in a Japanese prison camp. After the war, he returned to active service as a member of Lord Mountbatten’s staff in Indonesia.

From 1949 he took part in many official expeditions and missions in Africa in search of Bushmen. As a boy, his father had told him many stories of hunting the Bushmen – and this compelled him to “give something back” to the Bushmen people.

Laurens van der Post was appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1947 for service in the field and in 1981 he was awarded a knighthood. He spent most of his final years in England and died on 16 December 1996 at the age of ninety.

During his life, Sir Laurens published 25 books. He regarded life as a journey and saw “… man, on his journey from the cradle to the grave”. In designing the memorial garden it was important to capture and symbolise this belief. The garden also had to pay tribute to his philosophy of “meaning transfigures all” in a concrete, tangible manner. The labyrinth is the latest addition to the centre and was made finically possible by Mr Karel Bos Snr of Bosal International.

The Artist’s Retreat is there to serve as a workspace for artists, musicians and researchers. When it is not in used by artists, it is available as a guesthouse.

The van der Post Memorial Centre was founded by Bertie Haasbroek, Alida Stewart and the daughter of Sir Laurens, Lucia van der Post and her husband Neil Crichton-Miller. Neil and Lucia live in London, while Bertie and Alida live in South Africa. The local community is represented by Maffa Lichaba.

]]> 25.27269935607910156,-30.26110076904296875 The Philippolis Witblitz Festival occurs in April every year in the show grounds of Philippolis. Drum majorettes, a boere-orkes (orchestra playing traditional Afrikaans music), a Scottish Pipe Band and various other performances are given.

Stalls, games, go-carts, motorbike and car displays, farming implement displays, and loads more can be seen and experienced. 4x4, cycling, oil-wrestling, beer-drinking and witblitz-drinking competitions are also held, as well as a Mr and Miss Witblitz pageant.

]]> 25.27319908142089844,-30.26250076293945312 Gannabos offers a fully equipped, self-catering guesthouse that can accommodate four guests. Breakfast and dinner may be served on request. Guests can enjoy the peace and quiet in beautiful surroundings.

There is a wide variety of bird species for the birdlover and game-viewing and hunting can also be arranged. Other activities include fishing and nature walks.

]]> 24.72353553771972656,-29.96959686279296875