Serving as the midway stop between Johannesburg and Durban, Harrismith lives up to its name as the “Halfway House”, where most motorists will replenish their food and gas before going on their way. Now taken out of obscurity, it’s location and accessibility has become its biggest advantage in becoming the headquarters of one of South Africa’s five wool-producing districts. Its well-cared for historical attractions, like the 1907 Town Hall and Wildflower Gardens that date back to 1967, are some of the reasons why tourists come to this town and linger. The town also serves as a gateway for mountaineers to get ready or recharge before climbing the Drakensberg mountains. Choose from our list of the top 10 Airbnb vacation rentals in Harrismith, South Africa, to find your temporary home during your visit. You’ll be assured to have comfortable accommodation and a relaxing stay. Book now!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on May 17, 2024.
1. Buffalo Lake cottage (from USD 39)
This lovely, pet-friendly cottage is surrounded by vast farmland and mountain views, 10 km (6.2 miles) to town and walking distance to the bushman paintings. It’s a cozy abode with two spacious bedrooms and a queen-sized bed and two single beds that sleeps four guests comfortably. On the same floor is a spacious living room, dining area, and a fully-equipped kitchen, surrounded by big picture windows.
Sliding glass doors open to a covered patio with an outdoor seating area, where guests can relax while enjoying the lush greenery. The cottage is equipped with luxuries like free Wi-Fi, heating, and one-and-a-half bathrooms with a tub, hot water, and free toiletry essentials. The owners allow guests to mingle with the farm animals or go boating and fishing at the nearby dam.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
amazing view and facilitieslovely surrounding beautiful nature reliable wifi and shopping facilities closebya very comfortable cottage with great views we would like to stay longer next timethe weather in harrismith was already turning for winter but graham's cottage was warm and the beds super comfyCleanliness:
the cottage is clean and spaciouseverything was neat and cleanwe were really happy to see clean crisp white linen on our comfortable bedsaccommodation is really comfortable and clean with everything you needthe place was clean and tidy with cooking facilities and was in the most beautiful placeHost:
graham was a great hostexceptionally friendly host who‘s extremely helpfulgraham was a great hostlovely stay and lovely hostgraham is a great host and we felt rigt at home from the startRead more reviewsLocation:
the location of the house is perfecta great place in a beautiful locationthe location is beautiful and serene and ideal for day trips to the surrounding parksmany birds and interesting rock art for those who enjoy an easy walk to the damit is a peaceful location and graham was very accommodating
2. A small apartment for three guests (from USD 22)
Ibis1 is a cute and cozy self-catering apartment that is one unit of a duplex property. Though with limited space, it is well designed to fit a living room, dining area, and tiny kitchen in its open layout. It has one bedroom with two single beds to comfortably sleep two guests. A single bed in the living room can sleep an extra guest. The private bathroom offers free toiletry essentials.
Sliding doors in the kitchen area open onto the backyard with some outdoor furniture where guests can enjoy some fresh air. Enjoy basic comforts, like heating, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and free parking. It’s located between the Natal and Gauteng coast.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we enjoy our stay at her roomHost:
mariaan is a great hostmariaan is a great host everything worked nicelyshe's extremely thoughtful and accommodatingfriendly hosts clean room and close enough to the startRead more reviewsLocation:
the accomodation is in a perfect location for hiking trips etcwe had a very nice stay place is simple yet has everything needed to spend a few nights
3. Tiny self-catering unit (from USD 22)
Ideal for short stays, Ibis2 is a self-catering unit situated between Natal and Gauteng coast. The unit has its private entrance and is equipped with a tiny kitchenette with a microwave, sink, and mini-fridge. In place of a dining area, there is a counter which also works as a laptop desk space. The tiny space also fits one bedroom with two single beds to accommodate two guests and a tiny private bathroom with an enclosed shower and free essentials.
Guests can enjoy heating, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. Glass doors slide open onto a patio with benches and potted plants, where guests can relax outdoors
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
secure parking own little outdoor area beautiful antique style furnishings microwave fridge tv fanCleanliness:
very clean and homeysuper clean and nice touchesclean appartement nice neigbarhoodcomfortable spacious and very cleanmariaan was a great host and the apartment was clean well located and confortableHost:
host were very nice and welcomingmariaan was a great hostthe host welcomed you with pleasuregreat place good value and nice hoststhe host was a super friendly the accommodation was great and comfortableRead more reviewsLocation:
this place is really well located to discover drakensbergenvery convenient and great place to stay
4. Gorgeous 1895 manor house (from USD 24)
This 1895 manor house was built with the traditional bed and breakfast in mind. The owner hosts fly fishers and is happy to be your guide in fishing, birdwatching, biking, and trekking around the estate. The property also has a tennis court on the grounds and lots of seating areas under a giant elm tree. It’s near the CBD, restaurants, and golf course.
There are three bedrooms up for rent, each with en-suite bathrooms. One bedroom is located in the main house and the other two are in garden cottages. The cottages are equipped with a small kitchen, tea and coffee making facilities, and luxuries like thick bedding, a TV, free Wi-Fi, heating, and an indoor fireplace. Free parking and breakfast are provided.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
but outside the room was a wonderful viewthey made us coffee when we arrived and we slept incredibly well in their guest roomtheir fresh brewed coffee was a delight and the accommodation is clean and very comfortableCleanliness:
the accommodation was clean and well-equippedRead more reviewsHost:
they were wonderful hostsdavid is wonderful host and ready to help all the timegreat hosts would definitely recommendvery warm and generous hostsfriendly hosts comfortable and convenient b&b
5. The cottage under the elm tree (from USD 24)
One of the cottages owned by the manor house mentioned above is situated under a gigantic elm tree on the property. It is a self-catering unit, complete with a fully-equipped kitchen with a dining area for two, a tiny lounge for watching cable TV, and a queen-sized bed that sleeps two guests sharing the modest space. Though it has a tiny living space, the private bathroom is lavish with a spa tub, pedestal sink, an enclosed shower, a toilet, and bath essentials. Guests can enjoy heating, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, baby equipment upon request, free parking, and free breakfast during their stay.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the room was spacious and the breakfast and coffee were greatlovely cozy cottage thats neat with everything you need with a stunning view of the mountainaccommodation was as described and bed was very comfortablewe had three rooms all well equipped and very comfortableCleanliness:
accommodation was clean and tidyso we had a great stay in this accomodation - it is clean and well equippedHost:
david was the best airbnb host we've encounteredgill and david are perfect hostsdavid and gill are great hosts with very friendly dogsdavid and gill are lovely so welcoming and friendlydavis and gill are the best hosts we could have asked forRead more reviewsLocation:
pretty pretty place
6. The other cottage in Rose Manor (from USD 24)
This cottage is in a rural town, near shops and services. It is one of two cottages that belong to the Rose Manor estate and has a modest space to house two to three guests. It has pleasant, clean, white interiors with shiny hardwood flooring, decorated with country-style wooden furniture. It has one bedroom with a double bed that sleeps two guests, a dresser, a seating area, and a tall wardrobe.
French doors open to a well-tended garden with a cacti collection. The bathroom has a separate enclosure for the shower and toilet with a sink in between. The property is surrounded with an awesome view of the massive mountain with places for relaxing, like trail paths, fishing on the Sterkfontein dam, and bird watching.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the accommodation was warm and comfortable in the cold harrismith winterCleanliness:
flats are clean and well equipped with a fantastic viewHost:
david and gill were great hostsdavid and gill were outstanding hostsgill was a great hostvery welcoming and helpfulthe warmest kindest hosts with an incredible collection of local art and amazing knowledge of the surrounding areaRead more reviewsLocation:
nice close parking for carrying bags and lots of characterthe perfect place for a weekend away near sterkfontein dam and the drakensbergan excellent place to stay
7. Cozy studio apartment
This tiny studio is surrounded by mountains and a lush garden in Platberg Eco Park, near shops, restaurants, and take-away spots. It has vintage interiors and an open plan with a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area, a queen-sized bed good for two guests, and a seating area. The private bathroom is equipped with heat lamps, hot water, and free toiletry essentials.
Free Wi-Fi, free parking, and luggage drop-off is included and long-term stays are allowed. Outside is a well-decorated seating area, where you can enjoy a sundowner with your friends while enjoying the view of the countryside and misty mountains.
Harrismith, Free State, South Africa
44.12 km (27.5 mi) from My Little AfricaTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the shower (with heat lamps) is awesome the place is easy to finda very tasteful and comfortable little apartment equipped with lot’s of lovely detailsgood wines little added thing like cotton buds in the bathroomCleanliness:
the place is beautiful and clean - with thoughtful touchesit looks great and it was very cleanthe apartment was super clean and it felt like home as soon as we walked inthe place was clean very comfortable and nice hot showers after several hours of hikingbeautifully decorated clean comfortable with excellent amenitiesHost:
louise is a great hostlouise was very caring and attentive hostlouise is a generous & friendly hostlouise was a wonderful attentive host and the place was incredibly comfortable with pleasing decorative touchesawesome place and very nice host beautiful surroundingRead more reviewsLocation:
a really great stop-over place
8. The farm house near the mountain
Surrounded by wildlife, scenery, and peace and quiet, guests will enjoy this farm property that’s 21 km (13 miles) to Harrismith town and 17 km (10.6 miles) from the N3 highway. Up for rent is one of out of 13 self-catering chalets, suitable for four guests. It offers basic comforts, like free Wi-Fi, household essentials, and parking.
The chalet is accessible via a wooden bridge that connects the structure to the other chalets on the property. It contains one bedroom with three beds to sleep four guests and one bathroom. It has a small balcony overlooking the valley and mountains. Guests share common areas, like the Base Camp Restaurant, the 9-meter (29.5-foot) climbing wall, and the farm grounds, where they can fish, ride a horse, or go trekking in the woods.
Harrismith, Free State, South Africa
50.35 km (31.3 mi) from My Little Africa
9. Simple room in a hostel
Up for rent is a room in a hostel called Platberg Harrismith Backpackers. It’s a spacious, no-frills room with a double bed, good for two guests, a tall closet, wide windows, white walls, and shiny hardwood flooring. Guests share common areas with the owners and the other guests, like the bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen, garden, lounge with an indoor fireplace, and barbeque area.
Conveniences like cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and free parking are provided. This modest hostel, decorated in a typical South African motif, is at the base of Platberg Mountain and near the town center, minibus taxi rank, and two of the City Liner bus stations.
Harrismith, Free State, South Africa
42.1 km (26.2 mi) from My Little AfricaTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
bacpacker house friendly and there is good wifiCleanliness:
everything is clean and tidyRead more reviewsHost:
enjoyed chance to interact with hosts a d other guestsjaco and heloise were great hoststhe hostel is very nice and the two hosts are very friendly
10. Lovely cottage
This newly-built cottage is five minutes away from Spar and close to the highway. It’s a spacious abode that has soft beige interiors, ideal for traveling couples, small families with kids and pets, and business travelers looking for long-term stays. All on one floor is a bright and airy open layout, featuring a living room with free Wi-Fi and cable TV, a dining area, and a fully-equipped kitchen. It’s surrounded by wide windows and a sliding glass door that opens onto a lush garden with free parking.
The bedroom has a cozy queen bed that sleeps two guests, a huge wardrobe, heating, rustic wooden furniture, and a private bathroom with a hot water shower. To sleep an extra guest, you can request a floor mattress for an additional fee. Be aware that the owner’s three dogs roam the property.
Harrismith, Free State, South Africa
42.77 km (26.6 mi) from My Little AfricaAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
lovely cottage - with hot water electric blanket heateri loved the natural light in the living rooma very comfortable cottageapril cottage is a beautifully decorated and comfortable place to staya very comfortable and cosy cottageCleanliness:
nice and clean for stop overnicely decorated and clean spaceit was perfectly clean and lovely decoratedthis place is simply beautiful clean and quieteverything you need and sparkling cleanHost:
friendly host and nice dogs :)good host and we enjoyed our stayvery lovely place with the host going out of her way to make you feel at homemegan is a fantastic host who was very accommodating and understanding with our dogslovely neat and tidy spot with accomodating hostRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location walking distance to shops and town centeran amazing quaint little guest house very centrallovely place cute dogs and just perfect for some time out out
A taste of South African country life
By choosing one of these exclusive vacation rentals to be your shelter in Harrismith, you’ll have an opportunity to experience what it’s like to live in this fabulous city. The mix of country style and modern amenities will make your stay quite exceptional. Regardless if you are renting a small room or a private cottage in a manor, you will feel the warmth of South African hospitality and you’ll book again on your next visit.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to