Philippolis, Xhariep Region
Virtually smack bang in the middle of South Africa lies the little historical town of Philippolis, renowned for its hospitality and convivial atmosphere. It is not only considered the oldest settlement in the Free State, but Philippolis is also the birth place of Laurens Jan van der Post, renowned author, political advisor to British heads of government, and godparent to Prince William.
Philippolis initially lay right on the N1, before it was rerouted via the Gariep Dam and Springfontein, but the town, which has the highest number of national monuments in the province after Bloemfontein and Bethlehem, hasn’t suffered the loss, other than to rid itself of four of the five petrol stations that dominated the town. Philippolis began as a mission station for the Khois and Bushmen in the area, neither of whom was particularly interested based on their largely nomadic existence.
The Laurens van der Post memorial garden is worth a visit, and John Varty, well known filmmaker and conservationist, has established Tiger Canyons just 25 kilometres north west of Philippolis on the Van Der Kloof Lake in the Karoo, where the tigers roam free, and you get to view them from within a caged vehicle.
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Featured Attractions in (or near) Philippolis
Gariep Dam Nature Reserve
The Free State's largest nature reserve is a combination of the 36 487 ha Gariep Dam on the Orange River and an 11 237 ha game sanctuary on its northern shore. From the Gariep dam some 200 000 ha of land is irrigated, by means of a tunnel of 83,8 km, delivering water to the upper valleys of the Fish River, and then ... more information
Kalkfontein Dam Nature Reserve
Lying just south east of Koffiefontein in the south western Free State, Kalkfontein Dam Nature Reserve on the Riet River is not usually visited en route to anywhere - it is some way from the N1 and, unless you are going to Petrusburg from Fauresmith, you would probably never stumble across the pretty ... more information
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Things To Do in Philippolis
The Tiger Experience at Tiger Canyons
Where: Philippolis
How much (per person): R201 to R500
The Tiger Experience includes a tiger talk by John Varty - JV will tell you about the experiment, its mission and objectives and a game driv ... more information
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Events and/or Festivals in Philippolis
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On Holiday in Philippolis
• Philippolis Map
• Philippolis Accommodation
• Philippolis Hotels
• Xhariep Region Accommodation
• Xhariep Region Hotels
• Free State Accommodation
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