Fauresmith Accommodation

Fauresmith is one of the Free State’s most characterful historic towns, surrounded by sweeping grasslands and the quiet farmland of the southern province. Founded in 1848, it has the distinction of being the second-oldest town in the Free State and was once considered as a possible capital of the Orange Free State.

History is woven into Fauresmith’s streets and architecture. The town takes its name from the Reverend Philip Faure and Sir Harry Smith, the British Governor of the Cape Colony in the 1840s. Its historic church, built in the nineteenth century, remains a prominent landmark, while older homes and public buildings reflect the town’s importance during the early development of the Orange Free State.

Fauresmith is perhaps best known for the annual Fauresmith International Horse Endurance Ride, one of South Africa’s major endurance riding events. The challenging multi-day competition attracts riders from across the country and transforms the normally peaceful town into a lively gathering of horse enthusiasts.

The surrounding landscape is ideal for scenic drives, photography and birdwatching, with vast horizons and open veld extending in every direction. Visitors interested in history can also explore the town at an unhurried pace, discovering its old sandstone buildings and cemetery, where generations of local residents are remembered.

Situated in the Transgariep & Goldfields Region, Fauresmith offers an appealing combination of heritage, equestrian tradition and rural scenery. Its small-town atmosphere and remarkably well-preserved character make it a rewarding stop for travellers exploring the southern Free State beyond the better-known destinations.