Aliwal North Voyage Tips and guide

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Aliwal North is a town of 4,000 people in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, close to the border of the Free State. The principal attractions of Aliwal North are two hot mineral springs, both of which have extremely high concentrations of minerals and gases.

The thermal springs resort, named Aliwal Spa, is located within the municipal area.

Drive south from Bloemfontein, north-west over the beautiful Barkley Pass, from Barkley-East, or north from Queenstown.

• Hot Springs. This used to be the main attraction in the area, and one of the top five resorts in the country. It became rather run down, but it has been revamped. 
• Game Drives. 
• Horse-riding. 

• The Orange Gecko, part of Riverside Lodge (next to the Shell Garage, just before the bridge over the Orange River on the road to Bloemfontein). A restaurant and pub with beautiful views over the Orange River, and very child friendly. 

Accommodation is plentiful in the town.

• Spanish Haven. Run by the ex-caterer and florist to previous president FW De Klerk, the colourful owner has big plans for the place. R310 for a double room, en suite.