Harrismith, Gateway to the Drakensberg, is halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, a small, charming country town.

A major base during the Anglo Boer War, Harrismith has progressed since then to a delightful, spacious town, with several handsome churches and ublic buildings. The Plattberg is the location for the annual Berg Marathon, one of the most prestigious cross-country running events in Southern Africa.

The race began when a Boer War Major referred to the Platberg mountain as "That little hill of yours". One of the locals took exception and challenged im to reach the top in under an hour. Major Belcher accepted and won easily and donated a floating trophy to the first person to reach the top in a race every year. It now covers several peaks in the area.

It is the ideal destination to break a long trip, hold a conference or escape from the stresses of city living. Indulge in open air hobbies like birding, biking, 4x4, hiking, climbing, golfing, history, water sport and more. The town is well known for its factory shops, gardens (both domestic and wild flower gardens), golf course (the oldest in South Africa) and links with the South African War, with nearby battle sites, blockhouses and a military cemetery, as well as Boer, Brit and sandstone architecture to be seen.

Activities near Harrismith include trout fishing, water sport on the Sterkfontein Dam (the third largest dam in South Africa), bird watching and visiting well stocked game farms. The Drakensberg range and Maluti Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop to Harrismith. Day visit opportunities include: Royal Natal Park, the base of the Drakensberg Sentinel, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Basotho Cultural Village, Boer War battlefields and hiking trails.