Ficksburg

Set at the foot of the imposing Imperani Mountain in a fertile agricultural region, Ficksburg is the closest town to the Lesotho border. Art lovers will enjoy a visit to Ficksburg High School as it houses the S H Pellissier Art Gallery, displaying works by South African artists, including murals by Pierneef. For more nature-based activities, the Meulspruit Dam, surrounded by a nature reserve, is a hub for water sports and angling. It also serves as the starting and ending point for the 23-km Imparani Hiking Trail. Ficksburg is a gateway to Lesotho, where one can traverse the rugged Maluti Mountains on a Basotho pony, known for their sure-footedness in mountainous terrain. The annual Cherry Festival, South Africa's longest-running festival, takes place in November and offers a chance to visit the largest cherry farm in Africa.