Daar is heelwat meer te doen in en om Philippolis as wat jy ooit sou raai. Hier’s hande vol voorstelle.
There are a lot more to do in Philippolis than you could possibly have imagined. Here are just a few suggestions.
Skaf boeke aan teen winskoop-pryse by die Groenhuis Gastehuis se ontvangs. Loer gerus hierna met jou aankoms, jou vertrek of enigetyd tydens jou kuier op Philippolis.
Purchase books at bargain prices at Die Groenhuis reception. Please browse on arrival, departure or during your stay with us.
Karel Schoeman het Philippolis al beskryf as die “Stellenbosch van die Vrystaat”. Met sy witgekalkte mure en erfenisgroen dakke, talle bome en leiwater erwe is dit nie moeilik om te verstaan waarom nie. Die kleine Philippolis het boonop die meeste nasionale gedenkwaardighede in die Vrystaat naas Bloemfontein en Bethlehem. Om langs die stil strate verby hierdie geboue te gaan stap is ‘n heerlikheid.
Karel Schoeman once described Philippolis as the "Stellenbosch of the Free State". With its whitewashed walls, green heritage roofs, numerous trees and fountain irrigation, it is easy to understand why. Philippolis also has the most national monuments in the Free State after Bloemfontein and Bethlehem. A stroll through Philippolis can be quite a treat.
Die N.G. kerk is soos in menige ander dorpies by verre die imposantste gebou. Dit staan aan die bo-punt van die boomomsoomde Voortrekkerstraat, het tydens die Anglo-Boereoorlog as fort gedien, sy orrel is een van die beste noord van die Oranjerivier, die preekstoel is uit Suid-Vrystaatse olienhout gemaak sonder dat ‘n skroef of spyker gebruik is, en ds. Tobie Muller het die heel eerste troue in Afrikaans in Suid-Afrika hier voltrek. Woon gerus op ’n Sondagoggend om 09:30 hier ‘n kerkdiens by. Die oud-Anglikaanse kerk, wat ouer is as die N.G. kerk, is as woonhuis omskep.
Serving as a fort during the Anglo-Boer War, the N.G. church is a most impressive building. Standing at the top of the tree-lined Voortrekker Street, its organ is recognised sa one of the best north of the Orange River. The pulpit is screw and nail free and is made from Southern Free State wild olive wood. The rev. Tobie Muller conducted the first Afrikaans wedding here. There are regular church services on Sunday mornings at 09:30. The nearby former Anglican church is older than the N.G. church and is now used as a residence.
Tensy jy lank vooraf bespreek, gaan jy nie ‘n bed kry om te slaap tydens die jaarlikse skou (tel. 051-773-0144) nie. Dit vind gewoonlik begin-November plaas en is al vir jare die tweede of derde grootste saalperdskou in die land.
Saddle horse show.
One of the highlights of the year is the Philippolis Saddle Horse show. Unless you have made a reservation well in advance, it may not be easy to find accomodation during this period. The show usually takes place in early November and has been for years one of the largest horse shows in the country. (Show contact tel no. 051-773-0144).
Hier is al meer as 200 verskillende soorte voëls getel - van geelbekkies en gompoue tot korhane en kwikstertjies. Langs die Oranjerivier hoor jy ook dikwels die onmiskenbare roep van visarende. Wees op die uitkyk vir swerms bloukraanvoëls. Daar is al ‘n 1 000 plus van dié bedreigde voëlsoort in die Philippolis-distrik getel.
There are more than 200 different kinds of birds to be found in Philippolis: Geelbekkies, korhane and wagtails. Along the Orange River you can often hear the unmistakable cry of African fish eagles. Also, look out for flocks of the once rare but recently recovering Philippolis population of the blue crane.
John Varty, die bekende filmmaker en omgewingsbewaarder, se tierplaas Tiger Canyons (082 89 24680) is 25 km buite Philippolis op die oewer van die Vanderkloofdam. Nader aan kat se kind kan jy skaars as op hul begeleide toere deur die veld.
Tiger Canyons, founded by John Varty the renowned filmmaker and conservationist, lies 25 km outside of Philippolis on the banks of the Vanderkloof dam. Book now to enjoy a guided tour promising up close encounters with these magnificent creatures (tel no. 082 89 2468 0).
Gaan stap deur die strate van Waterkloof. Dié nedersetting 5 km uit Philippolis op die R717-teerpad na Colesberg, bied uitstekende foto-geleenthede. Gooi ‘n piekniekkombers oop op ’n sypaadjie en kyk hoe die Boeing van die Kaap na Gauteng ‘n wit streep agterlaat.
Take a walk through the deserted streets of Waterkloof. This village, 5 km outside of Philippolis (R717 direction Colesberg) offers inspirational photo opportunities. Be at one with nature, enjoy an al fresco picnic and take in the quiet, still and tranquil surroundings.
Die groot 2.
Philippolis se distrik grens aan die Gariepdam (50 km) en Vanderkloofdam (90 km) - die twee grootste damme in Suid-Afrika. Dit bied talle hengel- en watersportmoontlikhede.
The district of Philippolis borders the two largest dams in South Africa, the Gariep Dam (50 km away) and Vanderkloof Dam (90 km away). Both are spectacular and offer enthusiasts many opportunities for fishing, sailing, jetskiing and other watersports.
Die plaaslike slaghuis (051-773-015) verkoop heerlike Karoo-vleis teen billike pryse. As jy ‘n skaap wil saamneem, moet jy vooraf bel sodat hulle dit vir jou kan opsny en vooraf verpak.
The local butcher (tel no. 051-773-015) sells delicious Karoo meat at reasonable prices. Call the butcher in advance to place an order now!
Die Transgariep Museum, Jacobson-biblioteek, Nienaberplein en Kanonkoppie is ‘n móét. Duisende rande word tans uitgegee om die museum op te knap en die biblioteek is byna klaar gerestoureer. Die Transgariep Museum is een van die enigste in die land wat gemagtig is om alkohol - en wel witblits - te verkoop. Kom skaf vir jou ’n flessie van dié vuurwater aan en neem dit saam as jy laatmiddag die Kanonkoppie uitklouter en kyk hoe die son sak oor die dorp. Dié koppie staan só bekend omdat die kanonne wat Adam Kok, die Griekwaleier, gebruik het hier staangemaak is.
The Transgariep museum, Jacobson library, Nienaberplein and Cannon Hill are a must-see. The museum and library are being restored to their former glory at the cost of thousands of rands. The Transgariep Museum is one of few authorised to sell alcohol and the speciality drink Witblits. Enjoy a shot of this "firewater" on Canon Hill and take in the spectacular sunset. Canon Hill takes its name after the canons that Adam Kok, the Griqua leader, used to protect the then mission.