Need to put the cherry on top of your pie? Why don’t you treat yourself and head off to the Annual Ficksburg Cherry Festival taking place from the 17-19 November 2011. Being a cherry lover myself, this is obviously the place to go if you want to gorge yourself on handpicked cherries. However, the festival encompasses so much more than just the juicy red indulgence it has become synonymous for.
Located on the banks of the Caledon River, at the foot of the beautiful Imperani Mountains in the Free State, Ficksburg is sure to provide the perfect setting for a scenic and restful break. The whole town will come out in celebration with a host of activities to choose from including a huge market, cherry tours, cherry picking (of course!), a half marathon, beer fests, a new food and wine fiesta, cherry baking competitions and live music by well known South African artists, to name but a few.
The scene is set for the 44thAnnual Festival. So don’t delay. Book your accommodation now. Here are 10 great accommodation options that will put you right on the festival’s doorstep:
Buzz Backpackers (R100 per person sharing – self-catering)
A rustic sandstone home with a friendly ambience and well-trained, helpful staff. It is the ideal base from which to enjoy The Cherry Festival and surrounding area. A variety of accommodation is available including twin, triple and family rooms as well as dormitories. Other activities include hiking trails through the mountains and into caves, horse riding and cherry picking on the neighbouring farms. Click here to book.
Woodpecker Bed and Breakfast (R245 per person sharing – DB&B)
The guest house offers 12 en-suite rooms, each wheelchair friendly, with access to the swimming pool and barbecue facilities. Secure undercover parking and warm buffet dinners are served daily. Each room features a TV with DStv, ceiling fan, bar fridge and private patio. Click here to book.
Walkabout Estate Guest Farm (R260 per person sharing – self-catering)
A rustic and private farm stay with two cottages to choose from: A luxurious and fully-equipped thatched cottage sleeping 6 and a Farmhouse Unit sleeping 4. Cottages are equipped with bedding and towels, braai facilities, tv and a fully-equipped kitchen. Click here to book.
Canonly B & B (R250 per person sharing – bed and breakfast)
With its earthy toned, African-themed décor, lies on a quiet residential street in the heart of Ficksburg, a stone’s throw from the town’s Historic sandstone buildings in the main square and within walking distance of shops, supermarkets, restaurants and banks. There are 12 well equipped rooms (two single, four double, and six self-catering) all with TV and en-suite bathrooms. Click here to book.
Bella Rosa Guest House (R270 per person sharing – bed and breakfast)
Offers park-like gardens and a quiet country atmosphere. 12 comfortable en-suite rooms are each tastefully and individually decorated with antiques and collectibles, and all bedrooms are equipped with televisions, telephones, heating, radios, and tea and coffee facilities. Click here to book.
Zuikerkop Country Game Lodge (R300 per person sharing – self-catering and B&B)
An oasis of calm that is conveniently located between Ficksburg and Ladybrand, just outside of Clocolan. Offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from quaint two-sleeper rondavels, lodge style chalet rooms, sleeping quarters for camps, or a stylish Honeymoon Suite, all furnished to a high a standard to make your stay unforgettable. Click here to book.
Imperani Guest House (R360 per person sharing – bed and breakfast)
A newly renovated house that provides luxury accommodation in 11 bedrooms with bed and breakfast. Disabled friendly rooms, interleading family room as well as a Coffee Shop and Pancake House on the premises. Swimming pool and braai facilities available. Click here to book.
Franshoek Mountain Lodge (R440 per person sharing – DB&B)
The heart of the lodge is a charming, thatched sandstone building where guests can relax at the bar or enjoy a delicious meal. With only ten rooms, an intimate, easy going, family friendly lodge is provided. The bedrooms are situated in the old farmhouse which is attached to the lodge and each has its own access to the beautiful gardens. A swimming pool and braai facilities are also available. Click here to book.
Nebo Mountain Lodge (R450 per person sharing – bed and breakfast)
A charming and historic guest house, halfway between Fouriesburg and Ficksburg, sleeping up to 16 guests in chalets and cottages in a park-like setting. Each room can sleep four in two double, or a combination of double and single beds. The large rooms have plenty of cupboard space, a small seating area, en-suite bathroom with bath and separate shower, tea and coffee making facilities and a garden view from your verandah. Click here to book.
Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve (R735 per person sharing – DB&B)
A private nature reserve of over 3,500 hectares, situated in the district of Ficksburg. Enjoy the rich wild and birdlife or experience the hiking trails on and around the farm. Relax in the thatched-roofed restaurant, with its excellent cuisine and bar facilities and end off your day in one of the luxury modern sandstone suites for a peaceful night’s sleep. A variety of rooms available sleeping up to 4 people. Click here to book.
For more accommodation options in the surrounding area click on the following links: Fouriesburg, Clarens and Ladybrand.
Distances:
Approximately 400 kilometres from Johannesburg to Ficksburg.
Approximately 570 kilometres from Durban to Ficksburg.
Approximately 200 kilometres from Bloemfontein.
Ficksburg Cherry Festival Contact: 051 933 6486
Visit getaway.safarinow.com to book a place to stay for your next vacation. With over 10 000 places across Southern Africa, you’ll be sure to find you’re perfect accommodation here.
