Winburg Accommodation

Winburg is situated in the Free State Province in South Africa. It is not a very big town and it is mainly a mixed farming community with a rich historical background. Bloemfontein is the nearest city and is approximately 120km away.

There were no other tribes in Winburg when the Voortrekkers arrived excepting for the nearest Tswana Tribe which was approximately 60km away and were under the rule of Chief Makwana. Andries Pretorius and Chief Makwana settled a dispute and the Voortrekkers offered them protection from the Basotho Tribes who were stealing the cattle. The protection was exchanged for land between the Vet and Vaal Rivers. After a disagreement that Andries Pretorius won, he established the town called Winburg. The name was taken from the Dutch word, winnen, meaning "to win". The Voortrekker Monument was erected in Pretoria and carries the names of the five leaders. The length of each tier of the monument represents the distances travelled by each settler group. During the second Boer War, Winburg was also the site of a women's and children's concentration camp. Disease and Malnutrition claimed many lives and the tents were not enough to protect them from the ice cold winters.

Attractions:
Built in 1899, The Dutch Reformed Church was used as a hospital during the Anglo Boer War. Due to politics, the church had a congregation split and another church was built, called the Rietfontein Church. Winburg boasts many historical memories and museums. The Fords Hotel's dining hall was used by the Voortrekkers in those days. Another interesting visit is the Garden of Remembrance that commemorates the great trek.

Climate:
Winburg is situated in the Free State which has a moderate climate. The summer months are warm to hot with most rainfall during these months. Winter days are cool with temperatures dropping considerably during the evenings.