Harrismith Attractions

Harrismith is an agricultural center and an important traffic hub, situated at the junction of N 3 (Johannesburg-Durban) with N 5, which runs from Harrismith to Bloemfontein. Harrismith has no particular tourist attractions apart from its Wild Flower Garden, but it is a good center for excursions to the northern Natal Drakensberg and the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

Harrismith was originally founded in 1849 near Vrededorp, but subsequently moved steadily nearer the Wilge River, thus solving the problem of water supply. The town was named after Sir Harry Smith, Governor of the Cape Colony from 1848 to 1852. During the 19th C gold and diamond rush Harrismith became a post town and thereafter developed even more rapidly.