The small town of Bethulie lies on the north-eastern banks of the Gariep Dam in the Xhariep Region of the Free State Province of South Africa.
Bethulie’s location on the Gariep Dam makes it a great destination for watersports, aerial sports and outdoors enthusiasts as it is close to all the activities offered on the Dam, as well as to nature reserves and the beautiful scenery and heritage of this region of South Africa.
Like so many Free State towns, Bethulie and the countryside around the town have several Boer War historical sites and many areas with San rock art.
Bethulie’s central position as a ‘stop-over’ off both the N6 (East London – Bloem) and N1 (Cape Town – Bloem – JHB) routes through dramatic and open countryside has made it a favourite with bikers, so expect to hear the roar of motorcycles heading into or out of town.
The town is small and sleepy, with typical old red-roofed Free State buildings. Attractions in and around the town include the Pellisier House Museum, the Tussen-die-Riviere Nature Reserve (which also offers Hunting in season), the Mynhardt Game Reserve and the Gariep Dam and Gariep Dam Nature Reserve.
Getting there: From Bloemfontein take the N1 to Springfontein, exiting left on to the R715 for Bethulie. If exiting off the N6 from the Eastern Cape, exit on to the R701 just after Aliwal North on the Free State border.
