The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Aliwal North
Afrikaans name: Aliwal-Noord
Aliwal North seen from the north
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Eastern Cape
Strangely the town of Aliwal North gets the first part of its name from a battle that took place in India in 1846 where Sir Harry Smith defeated the Sikhs at the Battle of Aliwal. Sir Harry later became Governer of the Cape Colony and was influential in extending the colony to the site where the town now stands.
One of the most well-known features of Aliwal North are its hot springs which supply 3 million litres of water a day.
There are a number of historic buildings, dating back to the 1800's, in the town including the De Wet Museum, Market Hall and British blockhouses built during the Anglo-Boer war.
Accommodation in Aliwal NorthAliwal North was the site of a concentration camp during the Anglo-Boer war and there is a memorial to the 720 women and children who died in the camp.
The Buffelspruit Nature Reserve is near the town. Here one can see a variety of game including Springbok, Impala, Red Hartebeest, Eland, Gemsbok and Zebra.
Aliwal North is located on the Orange River at a place that has been used as a crossing point for hundreds of years.
Above - Aliwal North CBD
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Above - Dutch Reformed Church
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Above - The Catholic Church in Aliwal North
Photo © Johan van Zyl
References and further reading
Book of the Road - 4th edition - Author: MapStudio - Year Published: 2019 - Page: 106Conolly's Guide to Southern Africa - Author: Denis Conolly - Year Published: 1982 - Page: 165
Farm Stall to Farm Stall - Author: Jennifer Stern - Year Published: 2014 - Page: 105
On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Year Published: 1995 - Page: 275
Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 152
Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 226
The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 83