Aliwal North Attractions
The town of Aliwal North, famed for its warm mineral springs, lies on the south bank of the Orange River, near the Lesotho border.
The name of the town, which was founded in 1849, commemorates the victory of Sir Harry Smith, governor of the Cape Colony from 1847 to 1852, over the Sikhs at Aliwal (India) in 1846. The "North" distinguishes it from Aliwal South, the old name of Mossel Bay.
The name of the town, which was founded in 1849, commemorates the victory of Sir Harry Smith, governor of the Cape Colony from 1847 to 1852, over the Sikhs at Aliwal (India) in 1846. The "North" distinguishes it from Aliwal South, the old name of Mossel Bay.
Aliwal Spa
Two hot springs have a daily flow of over 2.5 million liters (550,000 gallons) of water at a temperature of 34.4°C/93.9°F, coming from a depth of 1,280m/4,200ft, which is used in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism. The extensive spa complex includes two large swimming pools.
Buffelspruit Nature Reserve
On the Krasi River, 2km/1.25mi miles from Aliwal North, is the Buffelspruit Nature Reserve in which numerous species formerly found in this area have been re-established, including springboks, elands, ostriches, zebras and oryxes.
Hours
May 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 |
October 1 to April 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Buffelsvlei Farmhouse & Old Church
There are displays illustrating the history of the town in Buffelsvlei Farmhouse (near the spa establishment) and the Old Library (1876). The old church (1864) is also a museum (opened 1987), after previously serving as a market hall, a cinema and a warehouse.
