Smithfield, Xhariep Region
In the midst of savanna country, on the national road that finally culminates in Port Elizabeth, lies the little Free State town of Smithfield - the third oldest town in the province, just 132 kilometres southeast of Bloemfontein.
The arguments for a visit to Smithfield are numerous: the incredible fresh air, star-lit evenings, peaceful surrounds of the little town (tucked neatly into the Maluti Mountains), and the almost sleepy ambience are enough reason. But add to this the vibrant hospitality of its residents, the fantastic examples of Bushmen paintings in the hills around town, and the myriad opportunities for hiking and mountain biking on local secondary roads and the foothills, and you begin to understand why Smithfield is a well kept secret.
Smithfield is one of those little Karoo towns about which one often hears, but which manages to remain fairly elusive. Artists reside in many of the older homes in Smithfield, a number of which are national monuments, which adds yet another dimension to the historical town, founded in 1848 and named after Sir Harry Smith, the Cape colony governor.
Essentially, what is attractive about Smithfield is the sense of open space and the access to nature, mountains, water - both the Orange River and the Gariep dam are nearby - and the distinct possibility of snow in winter. Locals divide the Free State into two unique spheres of northern and southern, and the southern Free State, which includes Smithfield, Rouxville and Zastron, is intensely proud of its classic little Karoo dorps and hospitable people.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Bluegum Cottage
Set in a large private property with lots of secure off street parking, Bluegum Cottage lies in the quiet and peaceful area of Smithfield. There ...
Letsatsi Game Lodge
Letsatsi Private Game Reserve is an ecological refuge that offers accommodation in a game reserve, a main lodge, a secluded bush camp. Letsatsi G...
Buckleys Guest House
Buckleys Guest Accommodation offers bed & breakfast accommodation in Smithfield. This quaint area has a number of unique shops, plenty of culture...
Things to do in the area
The Red Barn Gallery
Art has become an important part of life in Smithfield and a number of resident artists regularly display their work in the local art and craft g...
Excentrix Vintage Collectibles
Previously known as The Rustic Relic, Excentrix Vintage Collectibles is situated in General Hertzog Street in Smithfield. Run from a house dating...
Fresh Paint Art Gallery
The Southern Free State is the proud home of the Fresh Paint Art Gallery, which prides itself on being one of the area’s top art galleries. Fresh...
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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