Sitting virtually at the geographic centre of South Africa, the small historical town of Philippolis is a true hidden gem. Trade the city noise for wide open skies, golden silence, and the kind of warm, genuine hospitality that keeps visitors coming back.
Stroll down the pine-lined Upper Voortrekker Street, browse the local eateries, and soak up the history that lives in every gracious Karoo home and heritage building.
The surrounding landscape is equally rewarding — from fishing on the Orange River between the mighty Gariep and Vanderkloof Dams, to world-class birdwatching and stargazing. And just 25 kilometres away, Tiger Canyon offers an unforgettable encounter with free-roaming tigers.
The perfect stop on your way into or out of Philippolis, Waterkloof Brewery is a celebration of local craftsmanship and flavour. Their small-batch craft beers are brewed with passion and precision, while their handcrafted gins are distilled using botanicals sourced right from the surrounding landscape — each sip a true taste of the region.
Just steps away, The Skinny Chef is serving up seriously good food using the best local ingredients around. Think slow-cooked Karoo lamb that melts off the bone, hearty burgers, and a menu that changes with the seasons — honest, delicious cooking in a relaxed setting that feels just like home. Together, Waterkloof Brewery and The Skinny Chef make the perfect pairing: exceptional drinks, exceptional food, and the warm, unhurried atmosphere of small-town hospitality at its finest. Come for a meal, stay for the evening.
Bookings & Enquiries: Tyrone +27 82 813 6666
Named in honour of the remarkable Emily Hobhouse — humanitarian, activist, and a woman who understood the power of community — Emily's Tea Room carries her spirit in every corner. From the moment you step inside, the welcome is genuine and unhurried. In the colder months, an Aga stove casts a warm glow over the room, inviting you to linger a little longer over your coffee and a delicious slice of homemade cake.
Whether you're stopping in for a leisurely breakfast or a light, satisfying lunch, every dish is prepared with the kind of love and care that only a true tea room can offer. Beyond the food and drink, Emily's is a destination in its own right. Browse a carefully curated selection of beautiful décor, books and unique finds that make the perfect gift — or a well-deserved treat for yourself.
Bookings & Enquiries: Carin: +27 83 474 7124
Philippolis holds the distinction of being the oldest settlement in the Free State, and its historical significance runs deep. It is also the birthplace of Sir Laurens van der Post — celebrated author, political advisor to British heads of government, and godfather to Prince William — a fitting origin for a man of such remarkable stature.
Once a stop on the original N1 highway before the route was redirected via the Gariep Dam and Springfontein, Philippolis has adapted quietly and gracefully. Today it boasts the highest number of national monuments in the Free State after Bloemfontein and Bethlehem — a remarkable achievement for such a small town, and a testament to the many hands that shaped it. Bushman, Griqua, English, Boer and Jew all left their mark here, and the town wears that layered heritage with quiet pride.
Among its most striking landmarks are two naval cannons perched atop a small hill, presented by the Cape Colonial Government in 1840 to Adam Kok III, the Griqua chief of the time. These cannons are believed to have seen action during the conflicts between the Griqua, Basotho and Boer peoples, and remain a powerful symbol of the town's turbulent past.
The Emily Hobhouse Garden of Remembrance pays tribute to the courageous English activist who worked tirelessly to improve conditions for Boer families during the South African War. Her connection to Philippolis didn't end with the war — in 1905 she established a spinning and weaving school in the town, leaving a legacy of compassion and community that endures to this day.
No visit would be complete without stepping inside the Dutch Reformed Church, opened in 1871 and declared a Provincial Heritage Site. Its magnificent pulpit, carved entirely from wild olive and assembled without a single nail, screw or bolt, is a breathtaking piece of craftsmanship that has to be seen to be believed.
• Philippolis library Philippolis.
• The property with the Old Victorian Library building thereon, Voortrekker Street
• The property with the Dwelling-house thereon, 24 Tobie Muller Street
• The property with the Dwelling-house thereon, being certain Portion “C” of Erf 97, Tobie Muller Street
• The property with the Dwelling-house and adjoining building thereon, 26 Kok Street
• 26 Kok Street dwelling house Philippolis.
• The property, together with the Karoo styled Dwelling-house thereon, 4 Justisie Street
• The Old Pound, together with a portion of surrounding land, being 5 metres on the northern and western side of the structure, the land on the eastern site to and bordered by Justisie Street and the land on the southern side thereof to and bordered by Erf 129, Philippolis.
• The property, together with the Victorian House thereon, 7 Colin Fraser Street (Amended declared in 1990.
• The historic Old Power Magazine, together with 10 metres of surrounding land, situated on Subdivision 20 of the Town Lands of Philippolis 143, declared in 1991.
• The wagon house adjacent the Victorian House together with the property on which they are situated, at 6 and 7 Colin Fraser Street, declared in 1990.
More about Philippolis: https://www.getaway.co.za/travel-ideas/destinations-travel-ideas/secret-village-guide-to-philippolis/
