VENTERSBURG

ADVENTURE AND SPORT

Allemanskraal Dam

The beautiful Allemanskraal Dam, in the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve, is the ideal venue for birdwatching, angling and water sports.

Hiking

There are hiking trails available in the nearby Bosrand Nature Reserve as well as in the vicinity of the town. The three easy routes on the farm Koolspruit will appeal to novice hikers.

ARCHAEOLOGY AND PALAEONTOLOGY

Leghoya Ruins

The well-preserved ruins of a prehistoric settlement of the long-vanished Leghoya people can be seen on Doornberg, in the nearby Willem Pretorius Game Reserve.

FARM HOLIDAYS

Visit farms such as Strydfontein or Bundu Camp for a taste of farm life and the added attraction of 4×4 and hiking trails, swimming, birdwatching and angling opportunities.

FAUNA & FLORA

The Willem Pretorius Game Reserve

The Willem Pretorius Game Reserve is situated in the heart of the Free State with the Allemanskraal Dam (with a surface area of 2 771) forming the central part. The reserve itself covers some 12 005ha. It has a great variety of game and bird species. Among the many game species are the world’s largest herd of black wildebeest, as well as springbok, blesbok, gemsbok, kudu, red hartebeest, eland, zebra, white rhino and giraffe. There are no large predators in the park – caracal and blackbacked jackal are the two largest carnivores in the reserve. There is also a wealth of bird life, with a total of about 220 species. Martial and fish eagles and flocks of aquatic birds will be one of the highlights on the twitcher’s itinerary.

An extensive network of roads ensures excellent game viewing. Other activities include fishing, boat tours, a swimming pool, sporting facilities and picnic sites. A special feature of the reserve is the environmental education centre, controlled by the Directorate of Environmental and Nature Conservation.
Within the boundaries of the reserve there are ten fully-equipped chalets, a caravan and camping ground with ablution facilities, and a bush camp (sleeping sixteen people) with separate ablution and kitchen facilities. The contact numbers of the reserve are tel. +27 (0)57 651 4168 and fax +27 (0)57 651 4005.

Bosrand Nature Reserve

This reserve is a paradise for bird and nature lovers and also offers hiking routes and game drives. Accommodation is provided in a chalet with a “lapa” (an open, thatch-roofed enclosure) and “braai” (barbecue) facilities.

Rondebossie Farm

Visit the farm Rondebossie where you can view the lion, king of the beasts, and his pride, as well as many other animals. Day visitors are welcome.

Tara Game Reserve

The reserve has several eco-tourism opportunities, such as game drives and hunting facilities. Accommodation is available in a modern lodge, chalets, tents and log cabins.

HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE

Basotho War Rampart

The Basotho War Rampart, built by Moshweshwe in 1856 as a defence against other raiders has been recreated next to the original wall, of which little remains, and is preserved as a monument to the great leader.

Dutch Reformed Church

Every small town in the Free State has a Dutch Reformed Church Building and Ventersburg is no exception. The original church, erected in 1890, was burned down by the British during the Anglo-Boer War and the present church came into use in 1913.

Police Museum

 

The police museum in Ventersburg is the only police station in South Africa which is fully restored and claims national heritage status as from 30 May 1987. This museum is the only of its kind in the Free State & one of four countrywide.

Sand River Convention Monument

The Sand River Convention monument is 15km from the town en-route to Winburg. It was at this spot that the legendary Sandriver-convention was signed between the Boers and the English proclaiming the local inhabitants independent from the crown.The Wildlife Festival Marathon is a unique marathon where the athletes run through Willem Pretorius Reserve during the annual wildlife auction. This is a qualifying event for the Comrades.