
Country Cottage is a AA Recommended bed and breakfast homestay with 6 rooms.
A true haven of serenity, guests are assured of outstanding hospitality and personal service.
We offer comfortable en suite rooms and secure parking. There are 3 private rooms away from the house.
We also have a swimming pool, sauna and self catering lapa with braai facilities.
Delicious breakfast and cuisine are served in the dining room or on the terrace beneath
a thatched roof. Dinner on request. The Golf Coarse and gym are within 2kms and there are
two lovely restaurants within 300m.
Ficksburg borders Lesotho and a trip to the Katse Dam is a must. The scenery is undescribable. (The road is in good condition, suitable for any vehicle. Passports are required. 150km, but 3hour drive there and 3hour drive back with damwall tour of 1 hour – pass all the way.)
The Cherry and Jazz Festival is in November, book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Your friendly hosts are Susan and C.M. Kotze.

Places to visit in and around Ficksburg:
- Katse Dam - Lesotho
- Cherry Festival
- The White Mischief
- The Green Goose
- Pellissier Gallery (Pierneef)
- South Africa’s tallest sandstone building
- CR Swart Prison
- Anglican Church’s Vibrant Windows
- Old Cemetery
- Ficksburg Town Square prettiest in Free State
- Sangoma Caves
- Ficksburg NG Church
Activities/ Leisure:
To test your adrenaline over a sandstone cliff, venture no further. Cliff faces of 40m or higher are 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 051 933 2828. Beginners are welcome.
Alternative Remedies
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.
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.
Game Hunting
Here is a unique opportunity to hunt a wide variety of antelope from Mountain Reebok to Eland. Thaba Imperani offers one of the most scenic hunting lodges situated above the Meulspruit Dam. For further details contact Wiegand 082 938 4454.
Game Viewing
Delhi Lion Farm, lion viewing, only by appointment contact Lalie Mentz 083 410 7753
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
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 8 km from Ficksburg on the Hammonia road. The unique game reserve borders the Meulspruit Dam.
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.
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 and Rustlers Valley 051 933 3939.
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.
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.
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.
Youth Camps
These farms are ideal for children and families to take a break during the year. Schools are invited to visit them through the year. They host motivational camps, hiking, swimming, game viewing and many more. Contact Gerhard at Hoekfontein Nature Reserve 051 933 3915 and Willie at Moolmanshoek 051 933 2220.
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. Moolmanshoek Adventure Farm: 051 933 2220
Places of Interest:
Anglican Church
View unique artworks in colored 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 FicksburgPrimary School houses the biggest art collection in Ficksburg. This gallery is noted for its Pierneef frieze. Visits by appointment only. 051 933 2250
Bird Watching
All the guest farms offer great Bird Watching! View birds while cruising along a nature reserve: Wiegand 082 938 4454; Moolmanshoek Adventure Farm: 051 933 2220; Kenyana Game Farm 082 651 3494; Boschfontein – 051 933 9310; Hoekfontein – 051 933 3915; Rustlers Valley – 051 933 3939; Tempelhof – 051933 3973; Franshoek - 051 933 2828; Thaba Imperani – 051 933 4112.
Bush Church
Couples from all over the country marry in this unique forest church. It is situated at Moolmanshoek. For more information contact Willie at 051 933 2220
Eastern Free State Sandstone
Grace your garden with genuine sandstone from Ficksburg. Garden features made to order, ranging from tables, birdbaths, fountains and many more. See how sandstone is carved by hand at 111 Caledon Street. Contact Meril at 083 289 3355 or after hours 051 933 2902
Goats Milk Cheese and organic farming methods
The Green Goose offers a unique experience for anyone interested in organic produce and homegrown products ranging from exceptional cheeses to a beautiful selection of down duvets. GPS Co Ordinates S28° 42’ 42 — E 27° 55’ 54, By appointment only
Tel : 051 933 5754, 082 925 2770, anneke@greengoose.co.za
Rock Art
There are numerous Bushmen paintings in the Eastern Free State. Well preserved paintings can be viewed at: Hoekfontein – 051 933 3915, Moolmanshoek – 051 933 2220, Boschfontein – 051 933 3910. Paintings only viewed by guests staying at the guest farms. Alternatively a display of all Bushmen paintings in our area can be viewed at the Library. Contact Marlene 051 933 2322
Blanché Spa & Slimming Clinic Rejuvenate, revitalize and relax mind body & soul. We offer unique treatments and tailor made packages. For Spa bookings contact Christell at 083 415 6575 or Giselle 076 616 9172
Tours:
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”. Organized 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. E-mail deemster@intekom.co.za.
Cherry Products
Treat yourself to a visit to the largest cherry farm in Africa. Taste the famous Ionia Cherry Liqueur, which 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.
Cherry Tree Growers
Visit Braamhoek, Gumtree (15km outside Ficksburg, on-route to Clocolan) to see how cherry trees and other fruit trees are cultivated. Enjoy tea & scones while strolling through their magnificent gardens. Appointments: Claire 083 274 6354
Dam Leisure Tour
Cruise around the Meulspruit dam on the White Mischief that seats 22 people. . For further details contact Gavin Boy at 082 920 5551 or tel 051-933 3543, fax 051 933 3317.
Highest Sandstone Building in South Africa
Visit the Old Mill in Gumtree. This unique building can be viewed at any time. 15 km outside Ficksburg, on-route to Clocolan.
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.
Sandstone Tour
This unique tour takes you back in time. Visit old Sandstone buildings, the Grave Yard and other interesting places, each with its own history told by a guide. Contact Dave for a guided tour: 082 717 1255
Steam Train Enthusiasts
Wander through time as you see beautifully restored steam trains and visit the vintage tractor museum at Sandstone. Viewing by appointment only. Contact Teresa 051 933 2619 or 082 990 5639.
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 / Jack 083 456 6047
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