Aliwal North

Aliwal North is named after a battle in India. The Cape governor, Sir Harry Smith fought a battle with the Sikhs and won a victory at Aliwal in India, in 1846.

Attractions

Also see the neighbouring towns

Aliwal North (population about 50'000) is on the bank of the Gariep River (previously known as the Orange River), and on the N6 between Bloemfontein and East London.

Burgersdorp is southwest about 55Km on the R58 R391, Rouxville about 35Km north on the N6, Lady Grey about 50Km east on the R58. The Gariep Dam is roughly 50Km west (in a straight line) and Lesotho about 80Km to the east (also in a straight line).

Photos: Stella Swart

Hot mineral springs

There are two hot mineral springs with extremely high concentrations of minerals and gases. Water temperature is about 34°C.

Juana Square Gardens

The Juana Square Gardens is a park in the centre of Aliwal North. The park is named after Juana Maria de Los Dolores de Leon, wife of Sir Harry Smith.

Buffelspruit Nature Reserve

The Buffelspruit Nature Reserve is home to large herds of antelope, and includes buffalo.

Tussen-die-Riviere Game Reserve

The Tussen-die-Riviere Game Reserve is west of Aliwal North between the Gariep River and the Caledon River.

Gariep Dam Nature Reserve

The Gariep Dam Nature Reserve is west of Aliwal North.

Oviston Nature Reserve

The Oviston Nature Reserve is west of Aliwal North, south of the Gariep Dam Nature Reserve.

Anglo-Boer War monument

There is an Anglo-Boer War monument near the station Brughalte, north of Aliwal North.

History

There is a natural drift through the Gariep River confluence with the Kraai River, which was used by early travellers. In 1827 a pontoon was introduced here to transport travelers across the Gariep River.

The town is built on a farmed named Buffelsvlei in 1828 by the European pioneer Pieter Jacobus de Wet, who had the first European style house in the area. The location is a strategic ford (called Flotfontein) across the Gariep River (previously known as the Orange River).

In 1880 the Frere Bridge was opened. This was later replaced with the General Hertzog Bridge.

On 12 May 1849 the foundation stone for an administrative building was laid. The Cape governor, Sir Harry Smith fought a battle with the Sikhs and won a victory at Aliwal in India, in 1846. The town was named after that battle.

When the town was named, Mossel Bay was known as Aliwal, which became Aliwal South, while this town became Aliwal North.

Sir Harry Smith 1847 - 1852
Governor of the Cape of Good Hope (1847-1852).

Climate

Today's Weather Report

TOP