Watersport Galore
Aliwal North is ideally located close to the Gariep (Orange) River and Dam, which offers visitors a range of water-based activities. When the river is full, you can enjoy a canoe trip and relish in the beautiful natural surrounds. Fly-fishing is also a popular sport at the dam, as well as the Orange River, and it runs ample with freshwater fish. Sit back and relax as you take in the sunset while throwing your line, as this is the best time for fly-fishing.
You’ll be able to catch large-mouth yellowfish, small-mouth yellowfish, Orange River mudfish, moggel, sharptooth catfish, chubbyhead barb and carp. Fishing can also be done by boat on the Gariep Dam.
Further down from the dam, adrenaline junkies will jump at the opportunity to do some river rafting. Tackle the whitewash as you spot many species of wildlife and birdlife in the area. Boat cruises are the ideal early morning or sunset activity for the whole family to enjoy.
Hot Springs
The hot mineral springs draw many visitors and the Spa Holiday Resort produces water at about 34 degrees celsius in its indoor and outdoor pools. These are said, and widely believed, to have curative qualities, particularly for illnesses such as rheumatism and arthritis.
It is also believed that the concentration of gas is so high that the first restaurant built here was able to maintain its cooking fire from gas that was funnelled from the springs.
Some other attractions in Aliwal North are the Aliwal North Museum, Buffelspruit Nature Reserve, De Leon Park, Garden of Remembrance, the Eastern Cape's great bio-diversity, historical places and buildings, Kerkplein Museum and the San rock art.
Aliwal North is a small town that lies on the border of the Free State and Eastern Cape provinces. The town’s proximity to the Orange Rive...