A small country town, Harrismith was first founded in 1849 and then the entire town relocated in 1850 due to a lack of water supply. The town flourished during the diamond rush in Kimberly and later became an important base during the Anglo Boer war.
Today the town is centered around the sheep farming industry and the nearby Platberg (“flat mountain”) is the location for the annual Berg marathon – a prestigious cross-country event. Harrismith offers plenty of outdoor activities, including water sports at the nearby Sterkfontein Dam, and walking, hiking and biking in the surrounding mountains.
