Philippolis Snapshot
Rambling along the N1 through the dry and seemingly dreary Free State, you can take R717 and catch your breath in the quiet little village of Philippolis. Founded in 1823 by the London Missionary Society, Philippolis is the oldest settlement in what is now the Free State. Philippolis is fast becoming a rather popular tourist attraction thanks to its rich history, interesting architecture and deep rooted Griekwa culture – not to mention the peace and quiet. Although Philippolis is mainly used as a stopover when traveling the long and winding road between the Cape and the Northern areas of South Africa, there is quite a bit to do and see while you are there, so a bit of an extended stay may well be worth your while. With a population of less than 4000, its easy to understand why your “friends are also your neighbors” and why everyone who visits, leaves with a slightly heavy heart.
Things To Do
- If you feel the need for some solitary time to dwell on your thoughts and feelings, a visit to Jobhuis comes highly recommended. A collection of 25 contemporary paintings by artist Rina Coetzee depicting her battle with depression, Jobhuis offers space for reflection, meditation and of course artistic appreciation.
- Philippolis has an incredibly rich history for such a small town. If you're keen to find out more about the founding fathers of this spot, you can visit any one of its museums and memorials including Adam Kok's House, The Old Cannons, Emily Hobhouse Memorial, Old Jail, Kruithuis as well as the big Museum.
- One of the main reasons that many people visit the town of Philippolis, is to sit in conversation with John Varty, a South African conservationist and filmmaker specializing in Big Cats. Situated on the banks of the Van Der Kloof Lake, John Varty has established a Big Cat Sanctuary called Tiger Canyons where you can attend talks as well as enjoy a game drive in a specially protected vehicle where the stunning Karoo sunsets and free roaming tigers provide unforgettable photo opportunities.
Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Beaufort West • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bot River • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai • Cape Town area • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Franschhoek • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Heidelberg • Hermanus • Knysna • Ladismith • Laingsburg • Lamberts Bay • Langebaan • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Paternoster • Plettenberg Bay • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel • Riversdale • Riviersonderend • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stilbaai • Strand, Gordon's Bay and Somerset West • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland