ADVENTURE AND SPORT

Water Sport

The Sand River, on which the town is set, is ideal for boating, water-skiing, fishing and swimming. A hiking trail along its banks is much frequented by bird-watchers.

 

Golf

The 18-hole Sand River Golf Course possesses a central lake.

Hiking

Trails such as the Hammerkop and Paradise Flycatcher Trails will allow you to experience the wonderful bird life of the area.

Horse riding

There are several horse riding schools in the town that are ready to accommodate riders both young and old.

FAUNA AND FLORA

Birdwatching

Virginia is situated on the migratory route and many rare varieties of birds fly into and flourish in the town and its surroundings.

Guest Houses and Holiday Farms
Lekker Rus is situated just outside the town and has a caravan park, restaurant and boating trips. Elizamor, “Die Ou Huis” and “Boer en Brit” also offer accommodation and true Free State hospitality.

LODGES AND RESORTS

Harmonie Farmhouse and Riverside Resort
The resort has a caravan park and angling facilities. The original farmhouse was burnt down during the Anglo-Boer War and later rebuilt.

Sand River Resort

This resort has bungalows and a caravan park along a 10 km long stretch of the Sand River and is popular among stressed-out visitors. The area is also a nature sanctuary.

Tikwe River Lodge and Conference Centre

Tikwe River Lodge and Conference Center is a 30-unit luxury en-suite lodge, nestled on the banks of the Sand river, centrally situated in the heart of the Free State, outside the Goldfields town of Virginia. It offers a holiday destination, Game Lodge and Game Farm. The property measures approximately 141,0301 ha and consists of a game reserve, measuring approximately 55,3056ha, natural grazing measuring approximately 54,8032ha and a lodge on the remainder of the property. The exterior line fencing of the game reserve section is of six foot high game proof fencing.

 

The river extends on the other side of the property and presents breathtaking views over the water and is offers good fishing opportunities. Other attractions include a large swimming pool, a quad trail, amusement park and a river boat. There are regular sightings of zebra, springbok, lechwe, gemsbok and wildebeest. The contact numbers are tel. (057) 212 3306 and fax 057 – 212 5059. The email address is info@tikwe.co.za and the website is www.tikwe.co.za.

Virginia Game Reserve and Park

The Virginia Game Reserve houses a large number of small species of antelope. It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with many water birds and guinea fowl.

TOURISM RAFT

The tourism raft on the Sand River seats about 50 people and is available for cruises and a variety of other activities.