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.
Travellers' Reviews
2 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
Hello, I have just looked at the information and pictures of Southern Free State, Philippolis as there is a house there that I wish to rent. However, I am living in Johannesburg and would be relocating from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Can somebody please let me know if there is a junior school there, public transport, shopping malls and bottle store, swimming pool and braai places to visit, church horse riding etc. And if we move to there could you catch a train to Johannesburg CBD and how long is that trip. Also, I and my boyfriend would need to find jobs there as we are working in Joburg, how do I find jobs - what do I search for or is anybody aware of jobs available. I am in HR but have gained experience of a variety from being a Data Capturer up to an HR Manager. My boyfriend is a Goldsmith. Please can you email me with informration.
Alicia Prins (Philippolis)
Verified review
Philippolis is an absolute quaint and stunning place to visit. Philippolis is rich in history. The Philippolis Old Jail as well as the Memorial Garden for Emily Hobhouse and the 'Laurens van der Post Memorial Garden' are not to be missed. At the 'Laurens van der Post Memorial Garden' you can also walk the labyrinth.
Kirsten van Vuuren (Johannesburg)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Tiger Canyon Private Game Reserve
Tiger Canyon Private Game Reserve sits on 6100-hectares of prime Karoo landscape with various separate territories for the wild tigers and cheeta...
Otterskloof Private Game Reserve
Otterskloof Private Game Reserve offers high standards in accommodation, close wildlife encounters, beautiful vistas, and personal service. The a...
The Dusty Vine Nagmaal Huis
The Dusty Vine Nagmaal Huis is located in Philippolis in the Bo-Karoo. The house is a national monument which provides Free State self catering a...
The Dusty Vine Hoek Huis
The Dusty Vine Hoek Huis offers Free State self catering accommodation in the historic town of Philippolis. Bring your friends and come take it e...
Things to do in the area
Laurens van der Post Memorial Garden
Laurens van der Post was born in Philippolis in 1906 as the 13th of 15 children. He went on to lead an extraordinary and eventful life; becoming...
Transgariep Museum
Situated on Voortrekkers Street in the town named after Dr J Philip, the Transgariep Museum in Philippolis showcases three themes; Dr J Philip an...
Adam Kok House
Philippolis is a small, quiet town that is secluded in the landscapes of the Free State Province. This area was inhabited by a group of people th...
Noteworthy attractions
Karoo Gariep Conservancy
Karoo is a “quenna” word meaning “dry and hard”. Gariep is also a “quenna” word meaning “big water”or river. The Karoo Gariep Concervancy is foun...
Tankwa Karoo National Park
The 80 000 hectare Tankwa Karoo National Park, proclaimed in 1986 and still in a development stage, is at present in a veld recovery phase and it...
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 n...
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 e...
Tussen die Riviere Game Reserve
Tussen die Riviere Game Reserve is one of the most accessible game reserves in the Free State. Situated in Bethuli, you can get there from Bloemf...
Oviston Nature Reserve
The Oviston Nature reserve lies close to the little Karoo towns of Venterstad and Oviston roughly two hours' drive from Bloemfontein. That it is ...
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