Trompsburg is a small sheep-farming and agricultural town in the Xhariep Region of the south-western Free State, on the N1 between Bloemfontein and the Gariep Dam.
Trompsburg is most notable for its Merino sheep farming and lamb, mutton and wool produce, but it is also a good base from which to enjoy a number of outdoor activities from horse-riding under the ‘big sky’ of the Free State to bird-watching and game viewing in the area around the town. Trompsburg is also very close to the Gariep Dam and the many activities on offer there – from game viewing to hiking, to gliding, sailing and many other watersports.
Full of rural character and Victorian architecture, Trompsburg features charming shops, atmospheric pubs and friendly locals. Merino wool products abound, and if you know nothing about sheep – Merino wool is the best, softest and finest sheep’s wool in the world, and is prized as more durable than cashmere. Merino sheep prior to sheering are also a Kodak opportunity – they can produce up to 15% of their own body weight in wool, inspired not only by genes, but by the cold Free State winters and chilly evenings. Yes read ‘weight’, not size…in effect this makes for the woolliest animal on the planet, its rolling coat almost touching the ground and dwarfing all other features. They also have charming ‘smiley’ faces.
Trompsburg is as ‘Free State’ as it gets and is worth a visit if just to taste the finest Karoo lamb chops in the country on a traditional ‘braai’, take home jerseys you can hide away in for days, enjoy day long horse-trecks, and stargaze in unpolluted night air filled with thousands upon thousands of stars.
The open plain grassland terrain that is ideal for sheep-farming also make the Trompsburg District perfect for horse-breeding. A local stud breeds Arabian and Apaloosa horses. Naturally, it is also a working sheep farm….
Getting there: Take the N1 south from Bloemfontein.
