Ficksburg

Ficksburg was founded on 12 June 1867 and named after General Jan (JIJ) Fick - Commander-General of the old Orange Fee State Republic.

Attractions

Also see the neighbouring towns
See Tessa Joughin photo gallery

Ficksburg lies on the banks of the Caledon River at the foot of the Imperani Mountain, which lies northwest of the town, and part of the Maluti Mountain Range.

There is a border post to Lesotho in the town.

Cherry Festival

Cherry Festival is held each year around Mid November. This is the longest running festival in South Africa.

The 41st Cherrie Festival: 22-24 November 2008. Website: http://www.cherryfestival.co.za/

Architecture

This is a sandstone area, most of the buildings and houses are built from sandstone. Several sandstone buildings were opened in 1907: Dutch Reformed Church, the Railway Station, the old Post Office and the bridge across the Caledon.

The Union Buildings in Pretoria was built of Ficksburg sandstone.

Museum

Firearm Museum

Visit the Pinedene Small Arms Museum for a glimpse of days gone by. Antique military weapons ranging from Matchlock, Flintlock, Percussion, Single shot and Bolt action rifles, all from various countries. The farm Kromdraai is situated 22km from Ficksburg on the Fouriesburg road.

Contact Charles for viewing at 051 933 4301.

Steam Trains

Biggest collection of Steam Trains. The Great 400 working is held each year around April. Wander through time as you see beautifully restored steam trains. Viewing by appointment only.

Contact Teresa – 051 933 2619 or 082 990-5639

Vintage tractor museum

Vintage tractor museum at Sandstone. Viewing by appointment only.

Contact Teresa – 051 933 2619 or 082 990-5639

Art

Anglican Church

View unique artworks in coloured glass by the late Helen Tennant, depicting indigenous plants found in this area.

Contact Father Vic for viewing at 051 933 2700.

Art Gallery

The S H Pellisier Art Gallery at the Ficksburg Primary School houses the biggest art collection in Ficksburg. This gallery is noted for its Pierneef frieze.

Visits by appointment only. 051 933 2250.

Things to do

Fly over the Maluti Mountains

Picturesque flight over the Maluti Mountains. Bookings are essential. Flight duration approximately one hour,

Contact Sean Hughes – 082 651 3494 or 051 933 2693.

Hypnotherapy

To relieve stress and other symptoms of city life, open your life up with hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy can also help you give up smoking, lose weight, stop nail biting, relieve phobias etc. Treat yourself to sessions at Franshoek with Roz.

Call 051 933 2828.

Relieve city stress with drumming, experience the tranquillity and fresh air of Rustlers Valley.

For information on workshops contact Niyan at 051 933 3939.

Agriculture

Cherry Products

Treat yourself to a visit to the largest cherry farm in Africa. Taste the famous Ionia Cherry Liqueur, that has become a landmark. Ionia offers cherry tours in season from October to November, pre-booking for visits is essential. Ionia is situated on the Fouriesburg road approximately 25km from Ficksburg.

Contact Renè at 051 933 4302.

Charlie’s Products have left their mark on Ficksburg as far as cherry products are concerned. Charlie’s Products are available for tasting and sales. Products include liqueur, maraschino, schnapps, brandied cherries in syrup etc.

For tasting contact Charles at 051 933 4301

Asparagus Farming

Visit the oldest asparagus farm in South Africa, founded by William Joughin Deemster in 1906, where the first asparagus was planted. The name Deemster originated from the Isle of Man, and it means “King”. Organised tours are available in season from September to December. Visit the factory for ex-stock throughout the year. Deemster is situated 20km from Ficksburg on the Clocolan road.

Contact Annemarie at 051 933 2368/9. deemster@intekom.co.za

Goats Milk Cheese

Enjoy traditional goats milk cheese made at Zevenfontien farm 15km outside Ficksburg. Viewing of farm and factory by appointment.

For cheese sales and viewing, contact Annelie 051- 933 5924 or 083 2278694 cheese@zevenfontein.co.za

Tours

Dam Leisure Tour

Cruise around the Meulspruit dam on the “Leopard Express” that seats 22 people. See game in the Thaba Imperani game reserve. The cruise departs at 16:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Cruise duration approximately 2 hours. In winter the times may change.

For further details contact Wiegand at 082 938 4454 or fax 051 – 933 6356

Katse Dam Wall Tour

Treat yourself to breathtaking views of Lesotho. Guided tour of the Katse Dam wall. Duration of the tour is one day. Passports are essential.

Bookings in advance, contact Jack Sorour 083 456 6047.

Tours to Lesotho

Visit Katse Dam or go trout fishing in crisp clear mountain streams, for the more adventures 4x4 trips in Lesotho.

Contact Koos at 082 550 1569

Game Hunting

Here is a unique opportunity to hunt a wide variety of antelope from Mountain Reebuck to Eland. Thaba Imperani offers Grasslands and indigenous trees. Large growing of grain and mealie crops. As the climate reaches sub-zero in winter - it is ideal for growing of cherries. Asparagus is also grown in the Ficksburg area.offers one of the most scenic hunting lodges situated above the Meulspruit Dam.

For further details contact Wiegand 082 938 4454

Game Viewing

Tempelhof

Treat yourself to game viewing at a private game farm, Tempelhof 15km outside Ficksburg on the Rosendal road.

Contact Christo or Ansie Stofberg at 051 933 3973 or 082 213 1299.

Kenyana Game - rhino

See the only pair of breeding rhino in the area at Kenyana Game Farm 3 km outside Ficksburg, next to the airport. Viewing by appointment only.

Contact Sean Hughes – 082 651 3494 or 051 933 2693.

Thaba Thabo

Visit Thaba Thabo 22 km from Ficksburg on the Fouriesburg road. Thaba Thabo is situated next to Franshoek Mountain Lodge. Rustic overnight accommodation is available.

Bookings in advance essential Contact Christo 083 458 6298 or Roz 051 933 2828

Thaba Imperani Game Reserve

Thaba Imperani Game Reserve 8 km from Ficksburg on the Hammonia road. The unique game reserve borders the Meulspruit Dam. Game iewing can either be done with your own vehicle or aboard the Leopard Express departing from the Meulspriut Dam. Daily cruises are available

Contact Wiegand 082 938 4454 or Fax 051 933 6356

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Adventure

Absailing & Rock Climbing

To test your adrenaline over a sandstone cliff, venture no further. Cliff faces of 40m or higher are available in the area.

Contact Ollie at 082 563 6242.

Enjoy the adventure of abseiling down sandstone cliffs or rocks in the area.

Contact Roz at 051 9332828.

Beginners are welcome

Altitude Scuba Diving

Experience a different dive. Scuba diving at an altitude of 2650 meters above sea level in the Maluti Mountains. Currently this is the highest dive site in Africa.

Contact Lin at 083 462 7453.

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Enjoy the sport of the gentry. Indulge in the sport of game bird and clay target shooting around Ficksburg.

For more information call Craig 082 652 5770

Hiking Trails

Spoil yourself with a guided tour of different hiking trails with an experienced guide, Andrew van den Heever, at Outdoor Connections 051 933 3500 or 083 305 8400

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Maluti Mountains and surrounding sandstone cliffs. This is your opportunity to be with nature in the Eastern Free State and enjoy a variety of six hiking trails in area in different locations. Hikes last from one to four days.

Contact
Boschfontein 051 933 3910;
Franshoek 051 933 2828;
Hoekfontein- 051 933 3915;
Meulspruit Dam 051 9336356;
Moolmanshoek 051 933 2220
Rustlers Valley 051 933 3939
Porcupine Hiking Trail 071 29 55889 Clive Moffett

Horse Riding

Treat yourself to a ride in the country at Franshoek on well-schooled horses. Approximately 25km from Ficksburg on the Fouriesburg road.

Contact Roz at 051 – 933 2828.

African Hoofbeats offers from one-hour to day trips around Ficksburg and area.

Contact Marina at 083 460 5170.

Ox-wagon Adventure

Do as the pioneers did! Go back in time and travel in an ox-wagon to see the Eastern Free State in a different light.

Contact Gerhard at 051 933 3915.

4 x 4 Off-Road

Endure the only off-road route in close proximity to Ficksburg. Visit the Imperani 4 x 4 route 5 km from Ficksburg, starting at the cherry experimental farm. Enjoy fantastic views of the Maluti Mountains and surrounding area. The route takes approximately one hour to complete.

For more information contact Wiegand 082 938 4454

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History

Dinosaur footprints can be viewed in the area.

The San people lived in the area, asn many rock paintings can be seen.

By the time the European settlers moved into the area, the Basotho people were well established.

Ficksburg was founded in 1867. Its town hall was built in 1895.

The town was built for military presence of the European settlers against the Bashoto people. Jan (JIJ) Fick was in charge. He was Commander-General of the old Orange Fee State Republic.

The Free State government encouraged settlers to live here by offering them land, horses, guns and ammunition.

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Sport

Polo

Arrange a polo match or tuition with professional polo players. Approximately 25km from Ficksburg on the Fouriesburg road.

Contact Christian for lessons at 051 933 3938.

Quad Bikes

Ride through the valleys and streams on quad bikes. 1 hour to day trips. Visit exciting historical sites, game farms and take in breathtaking views.

For more information contact Bryan 082 880 0744.

Skiing in Lesotho

Go skiing in Lesotho and stay at Oxbow Lodge. Other activities include trout fishing and 4 x 4.

Booking office call 051 933 2247 tel / fax office hours

Trout Fishing

Visit virgin trout streams in Lesotho and surrounding areas. Let professional and South African acclaimed fishermen guide you to the best locations the area has to offer.

Contact Louis 083 261 3277 or 051 933 4310

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Nature

Vegetation

Grasslands and indigenous trees. Large growing of grain and mealie crops. As the climate reaches sub-zero in winter - it is ideal for growing of cherries. Asparagus is also grown in the Ficksburg area.

Climate

Today's Weather Report for Ficksburg
The climate is crisp and the good rainfall results in good plant life. Heavy thunder and hail storms occur during summer.

Average Summer Temperature: 30°C
Average Winter Temperature: 14°C
Highest recorded temperature: 35°C
Lowest recorded temperature: -13°C

Economy

Farming: Cherries, Sheep - goat and cattle farming