Vryheid

Description

Vryheid is a small and unassuming town in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Situated 70km from Dundee in Zululand, Vryheid is close to the Battle of Blood River and Kambula, two infamous battle sites along the Battlefields Route, and just 40 minutes from the Gooderson Natal Hot Springs and Leisure Resort.

Vryheid, meaning “freedom” is a beautiful landscape brimming with extensive wattle and timber plantations, groundnuts, maize, cattle ranching, and coal mining. The town has plenty of history. Don’t miss a visit to the Old Raadsaal (old council chambers), the Lucas Meyer House (former president of the Nieuwe Republiek), Carnegie Public Library, and the Dutch Reformed Church while you’re here.

Vryheid is a beautiful setting for nature lovers. It lies at the sources of 4 major rivers, namely the White and Black Umfolozi, Mkhuze, and Pongolo Rivers, which makes it’s a great spot for fishing and water sports.

Nature lovers will enjoy a trip to the 700 hectare Vryheid Nature Reserve with a one-day hiking trail that passes several Anglo-Boer War gun points. The 4,500 hectare Klipfontein Bird Sanctuary, just 6km outside of Vryheid, is part of a wetland area and offers the chance to spot over 370 species of birds from the region.

The Gooderson Natal Spa Hot Springs and Leisure Resort is an oasis between Vryheid and Paulpietersberg. There’s something for everyone with hot mineral springs, quad bikes, table tennis and pool tables, squash and tennis courts, volleyball, guided bird walks, adventure golf, horse rides, super tubes, fishing, and a wellness centre.

Vryheid is a fantastic escape for history and nature lovers, or for those looking to relax and escape the stress of the city.