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 reviewexcellent

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

Noteworthy attractions

Find accommodation in Verkykerskop

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Free State Accommodation / Thabo Mofutsanyana Accommodation / Verkykerskop Accommodation

Verkykerskop as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Verkykerskop property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
Destinations
Destination Verkykerskop
  • By type in Verkykerskop
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.