Verkykerskop, Thabo Mofutsanyana
Although it has been described as a 'small scale agricultural town' Verkykerskop, on the R722 north of Harrismith in the Free State, is more akin to an intentional community. The little green living village lies within a 700 hectare working farm and conservancy in the foothills of the Klein Drakensberg.
There is more, though, to Verkykerskop than the scattering of buildings in the village. It is also a socio-economically inclusive town that is still in the process of developing.
It lies at the crossroads between an historic livestock route, and a new tar road known as the Moloto tourist corridor. Rather than trying to spread a new town on either of these routes, the town intends to insert itself in amongst existing farmland and buildings.
Verkykerskop's centre is what they term an 'uitspanning' – a space of assembly, designed as the main activity space for the town's anticipated 1 500 people (at the moment this part of town is very small – a fistful of buildings that include a general dealer and a restaurant). Around this the town proposes 300 mixed-income residences, most with their own intensive home farm.
On the fringe of these residences is conservation, or farm land, where Verkykerskop intends having schools, a day clinic, meeting halls, shops, recreation facilities, a retirement cluster and a boutique hotel.
By adapting existing buildings and structures, the idea is that the area can re-emerge and take part in the village's economy. The plan is to create 'public opportunities to live, work, farm, learn and play in direct response to the natural cues of the location'.
Visit Verkykerskop (it's all rather quaint and rustic) and you will find the old general dealer is full of antiques and artefacts. Enjoy lunch at Smiley's Slow Food Restaurant. The locals hang around this part of town, and you will probably find that residents from Clarens (just up the road) are regulars. Verkykerskop has its own gymkhana club, and they also hold regular art, craft and woodcraft workshops.
On the estate enjoy hiking, mountain biking, Nguni cattle, and fly-fishing, whilst in the area find wetland birding, river-rafting, rock climbing and day trips up Mullers, DeBeers and Normandien passes.
Verkykerskop is a popular wedding venue.
ps: Verkykerskop has not ATM facilities, although Smiley's does have card facilities.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
This is one of my favorite places ever! A absolute must go. So quiet and peaceful. A good escape from the city with delicious food and friendly locals
Lacy (JHB)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Villa Vista Bonita 63
Villa Vista Bonita 63 offers accommodation in the heart of the Eastern Free State in Clarens on the Clarens Golf & Leisure Estate. It is within a...
Periwinkle Grove Cottages
Nestled between the Clarens mountains, Periwinkle Grove Cottages offers a break to guests who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of dail...
His Vessel Guesthouse
His Vessel Guest House is a charming B&B in Clarens, just a 5 min drive / walk from Clarens Central. The small town of Clarens is situated at the...
African Dreams @ Kuriake
African Dreams @ Kuriake is found on Kuriake Farm and offers guests comfortable Clarens accommodation in a serene setting. Kuriake offers beautif...
Clarens Golf Estate Villa 178
Villa 178 Clarens is a lovely holiday home and offers self-catering accommodation in the Clarens Golf and Leisure Estate. Guests can enjoy an exc...
Golden Gate Hotel
Golden Gate Hotel is a classy and modern Clarens hotel decorated in an African seasons theme which is visible throughout the hotel and compliment...
Beauchef Farm House
Beauchef Farm House accommodates 13 guests in four bedrooms. The lounge, which has a cosy fireplace, is comfortably furnished and includes a slee...
Imla Guest Farm
Imla Guest Farm can be found on Waterfall Farm in Clocolan. Here you can enjoy spectacular scenery and a tranquil environment. Choose from our ro...
Nguni @ Kuriake
Nguni @ Kuriake offers Clarens accommodation on Kuriake Farm. Kuriake offers beautiful country living in a peaceful environment, surrounded by ro...
Noteworthy attractions
Golden Gate National Park
Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north-eastern Free State lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The park d...
Sterkfontein Dam Reserve
Rugged, steep krantzes silhouetted against the skyline, mountain slopes snugly covered with a grass blanket, deep lushly vegetated kloofs and a c...
Clarens Golf Estate
The par 71 golf course, designed and constructed by Golf Data, is bound to excite every level of golfer. All 18 holes meander along and across th...
Basotho Cultural Village
A visit to the Basotho Cultural Village which nestles at the foot of huge sandstone mountains, will give you a deeper insight into the lifestyle ...
Bethlehem Golf Club
The Bethlehem Golf Course is a Par 71 (W69), 18 hole golf course located in the lovely town of Bethlehem in the Free State. Facilities at Bethleh...
Harrismith Country Club
The Harrismith Country Club is a wonderfully kept course in the humble town of Harrismith. The golf course, famously known for being the third ol...
Mount Everest Game Reserve
The privately owned Mount Everest Game Reserve is set in a particularly scenic part of the Free State close to the town of Harrismith and, despit...
Clarens Village Conservancy
The Clarens Village Conservancy (CVC) is a group of people, homeowners and businesses who together look after the town's natural resources - land...
Normandien Pass
The Normandien Pass links Memel in the Free State with Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal. The pass is gravel that by all accounts has seen better days, ...
Find accommodation in Verkykerskop
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Free State Accommodation / Thabo Mofutsanyana Accommodation / Verkykerskop Accommodation