Besides a beautiful meander of dam & river, Freestate’s Bethulie is a canvas of historical impression.

Situated centrally in Southern Africa, Bethulie is the ideal place for a weekend break away or stopover en-route via the N1 or N6. It is situated close to the impressive Gariep (Xhariep) Dam which supplies numerous water sport opportunities.

Formerly a Mission Station, this sleepy town has great historical significance and many outdoor attractions that will appeal to any visitor. During the Anglo-Boer War, (1899 to 1902) the largest concentration camp erected by the British was situated in Bethulie.

San Rock art in the district, less than 20km from Bethulie, gives evidence of the early San in the area, while the movements of the Voortrekkers, and the strife of numerous wars can be seen all over area.

The cemetery displays small sandstone graves of deceased concentration camp children to the silver crosses at the heads of soldiers’ graves. A large memorial, built on the outskirts of town, with name walls will have you linking a trace to the many nationalities once engulfed in the duress of the Anglo Boer War.

Driving off the main road and down a small hill brings you to an old reservoir, with the famous horse/donkey painting, used by British Soldiers on horseback. Exploring Bethulie and surrounds, the area has some interesting tales to tell about its origin, with evidence to substantiate the story.

Bethulie has nooks and crannies to surprise in discovery. Don’t be alarmed that a mere tree could be hiding “some” monument in its shade.

Bethulie is the only town in the Free State that offers a Bike-packers stay over & in the humble luxury of spirited adoption, you’ll find yourself cocooned in revelations about the functions and probable activities about town.

The Pellissier House Museum depicts the history of the area, including an exhibition on the Anglo-Boer War and concentration camp as well as some of the thousands of fossils and early San utensils, which were found in the valleys that are now covered by the waters of Lake Gariep.

Hunting, golfing, tennis, hiking, bike rallying & more are to be experienced in and around Bethulie. The DH Steyn Bridge connects the Freestate to the Cape and frames one of the Horizons of Bethulie. It is a combined road and rail bridge, and the longest in the country (1,2km).

Visit Tussen die Riviere Nature Reserve with its rhino, zebra and variety of antelope or the Mynhardt Game Reserve, which has a variety of antelope species.

Artists like Pierneef, Nico van Rensburg etc. are all interwoven in this Freestate art interest & it’s advisable to investigate the art trails further to discover even more beauty in this place.

Play a game of golf, go hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking, biking, or game viewing, the reason people rally around here is due to the array of daily entertainment that fills one’s soul.