Wepener is situated in the Free State on the Lesotho Border

Wepener is situated on the Lesotho border and is home to the Caledon Nature Reserve. It has many game species and a flourishing birdlife. Wepener offers various historical and cultural heritage sites.

Wepener was founded in 1867 on the banks of Jammersbergspruit, a tributary of the Caledon River, and named for Louw Wepener who was killed in 1865 while trying to storm Moshweshwes stronghold of Thaba-Bosiu in the Free States second war against the Basotho.

Wepener was the southern most of several settlements founded by the Free Staters in the `conquered territories to prevent the Basotho from resettling the land taken from them during the war of 1865. Today Wepener is a commercial centre for a 1 725 square km district where mixed farming is practised (cattle and sheep ranching, dairying, wheat and maize)

Attractions near Wepener

• Caledon Nature Reserve
  Fishing is the main attraction. The river supports barbel, mudfish, yellowfish and carp. Canoeists and hikers are welcome
• Caledon River Bridge
  Sturdy sandstone bridge, declared a national monument.
• City Hall
  A historical sandstone building, built in 1927.
• Jammersdrift Battlesite
  The site of many Briton-Boer clashes, with many British graves in the area.
• Louw Wepener Memorial
  A bronze bust, by acclaimed sculptor Coert Steynberg, unveiled on the 100-year anniversary of Wepeners death.
• San Rock Artwork
  On the Ventershoek farm.
• Van Rooyens Gate Border Post
  The gateway to Lesotho in 7km away.

Wepener, founded in 1869 on the banks of the Jammerbergspruit, a tributary of the Caledon River, was named for Commandant Louw Wepener, killed during the second Basotho War (1865). The area was the scene of many battles and skirmishes during the 19^th century, and the many unmarked graves are a sad reminder of the area’s stormy history. The town boasts a number of historical monuments, cemeteries and exquisite examples of sandstone architecture. The Caledon Nature Reserve is situated south of the town, and is worth visiting.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there - Ladybrand 100 km, Zastron 64 km

Dams – Knellpoort, Welbedacht

Mountains – Jammerberg

Rivers – Jammerbergspruit (Caledon River)

HISTORICAL VIEW

Bronze Bust of Cmdt Louw Wepener

Historical Sandstone Dutch Reformed Church – Built in 1882

Historical Town Hall – Built in 1927

Jammerbergdirf Battlesites

9 April 1900. A Relief Exhibit of the Battle of Jammerbergdrift in the local public library.

Lord Ian Fraser’s House - Restored to it’s original Victorian glory – now a guest house

Memorial Gate

At northern side of Town Hall bearing names of soldiers who died durind the Second World War

San Rock Art – on the farm Ventershoek

Street Bridge across the Caledon River – Near Jammersbergdrif a national monument

Van Rooyen’s Gate Border Post – The gateway to Lesotho is 7 km away

NATURE

Caledon Nature Reserve

Imagine rolling hills, clad in hues of green in summer and golden yellow in winter, each hill in turn affording a clear view of the valley below where the Caledon River slowly winds it’s way through thick reed beds and you have the Caledon Nature Reserve. This reserve of almost 2300 ha is truly beautiful with an almost tangile atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Because of it’s hilly nature, there are several kloofs with steep rocky walls. Apart from the splendid views and game such as black wildebeest, blesbok, springbok and zebra, the reserve is notable for it’s beautiful mountain vegetation. The fish eagle reigns supreme here, their calls often echoing over the water and the hills beyond. Nearly two hundred species of bird have been recorded, a large number being water birds.

Location, Accommodation and Facilities

The reserve is approximately 120 km southeast of Bloemfontein along the R701 road between Wepener and Smithfield. Two floating bush camps serve as overnight spots for hikers and canoeists, but are also available to the public. The one camp however, is only accessible by four wheel drive vehicles. Each camp can accommodate 16 people on four floating decks and must be hired as a unit. On the shore there is a lapa with barbecue facilities, benches and tables and ablution facilities. Visitors must provide their own food, cutlery and bedding.

Recreation

Fishing is the main attraction. The river supports barbel, mudfish, yellowfish and carp. Record carp are regularly caught here. Canoeists and hikers are welcome.

Climate

The winters are cold with sunny days. The summers are hot and thunderstorms occur.

Knellpoort and Welbedacht Dam

Approximately 30 km south of town on the Smithfield road

ACTIVITIES

Outdoors - 4 x 4 Routes

Angling

Enjoy excellent angling at two state owned dams, as well as at a number of farm dams. Bird Watching, Hiking, Hunting, Mountain Climbing, Mountain Biking / Cycling Route, Swimming, Water Skiing

Accommodation in and around Sunwich Port