Van Reenen

Van Reenen is a tiny Drakensberg mountain town on the border between the Eastern Free State and Kwa-Zulu Natal, close to Harrismith, and best associated with the Van Reenen’s Pass – the scenically beautiful stretch of the N3 between Johannesburg and Durban.

The Van Reenen’s Pass is known to be a bit precarious and slippery, and is often covered in mist due to the elevation. In winter, the Pass is often covered in snow and is closed on occasion due to heavy snowfall.

Attractions and curiosities in Van Reenen include the historic Green Lantern Inn, which has been operating for almost 120 years, the smallest church in the Southern Hemisphere (which only accommodates 8 people) and the ‘Barefoot Lady’ monument commemorating the experiences and role of Boer women during the Anglo-Boer War at the turn of the 19th century.

The Van Reenen area is spectacular and there are several farms and country estates offering beautiful country accommodation and venues, and outdoors activities, particularly fishing, horse-riding and equestrian sports, including Polo and English Drag Hunting.

Nearby attractions and activities include the Bald Ibis Hiking Trail which starts at Swinburne on the N3 between Van Reenen and Harrismith, the Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve and what is surely the area’s primary attraction – the spectacular Kwa-Zulu Natal Drakensberg, which is without question one of the most geologically spectacular regions in Africa, and offers nature lovers a paradise of mountains and valleys, nature and retreats, outdoors activities, hikes, walks, climbing, abseiling, off-roading, fishing, pony trekking and horse riding. For travellers from Gauteng and Mpumalanga, Van Reenen is the Gateway to a mountain wonderland.

Van Reenen is also the location of the annual fancy dress and pomp affair, the Great Gatsby Horse Race

Getting there: Van Reenen lies on the N3 between Johannesburg and Durban, just south of Harrismith, at the top of the Van Reenen Pass.