Vrede, Thabo Mofutsanyana
The pretty little town of Vrede lies in what is described as the 'spine' of the Drakensberg, surrounded by rolling hills covered in highveld grasses, and home to a particularly striking sandstone church. Situated just off the N3 north east of Harrismith and virtually on the border with Mpumalanga, Vrede is on the main route from Johannesburg via Newcastle to the North Coast and is thus an automatic stopover - even if just for lunch (although you may well consider staying longer in this quaint town steeped in history).
André Brink, one of the country's most prominent writers, three-time recipient of South Africa's CNA Award and short-listed twice for a Booker Prize, was born in Vrede. One of his reviews describes his home town as the 'deep interior' of South Africa. Whilst Vrede may have felt like the 'deep interior' during the 1970s, today it is not only the agricultural hub of a large maize, wheat, mutton, wool, beef and dairy farming region, but it is also a perfect place to 'lay one's hat' for a time.
Here one can relax as well as participate in the myriad adventure activities the town and its surrounds cater for. Vrede, which is the Afrikaans and Dutch word for 'peace', has its own golf course, whilst the nearby Vrede Dam is a hive of water sports.
There are numerous hikes, mountain biking trails, areas for caving, abseiling and rock climbing in the area, whilst the town offers a number of activities that require little effort, such as quaint little pubs, restaurants and arts and crafts shops.
Other than the beautiful sandstone church, which without doubt warrants a visit, there is also the Burghers Memorial to fallen Boers, a garden to honour British soldiers, a Great Trek Monument erected in 1938, and the odd horse-drawn cart through the pretty main streets.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Gibson Place Guest House
Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, the guest house offers a blend of comfort, convenience, and charm. With a variety of rooms type...
Thanda Tau
Enjoy a tranquil getaway at Thanda Tau in Vrede, near Warden in Thabo Mofutsanyana. Guests can enjoy a true South African experience, luxury acco...
Mambakloof Country Estate
Mambakloof Country Estate's luxurious rooms ensure that our guests experience all the comfort they need. Each unit is air-conditioned and has a p...
Things to do in the area
Langberg Hiking Trail
Although majority farmlands, there are some interesting and fun hikes to participate in. The Langberg Hiking Trail is set on the Koefontein Farm ...
Thanda Tau Restaurant
Thanda Tau is all about the wonder, variety and absolute beauty of Africa; its cultures, cuisine, arts, crafts, wildlife and people. Travellers v...
Thanda Tau Microbrewery
The breath-taking landscapes of the Free State Province offer countless opportunities to see, taste, feel, hear and smell the untainted countrysi...
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, ...
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