Top 10 Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Harrismith, South Africa - Updated 2024

airbnb Harrismith, South Africa
Maria Cristina
Maria Cristina 
Updated
| 6 min read

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 February 03, 2024.

1. Buffalo Lake cottage (from USD 37)

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.

Stayed at this property?
Harrismith, Free State, South Africa
37.33 km (23.2 mi) from My Little Africa
286 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire cottage 3 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
amazing view and facilities
lovely surrounding beautiful nature reliable wifi and shopping facilities closeby
a very comfortable cottage with great views we would like to stay longer next time
the weather in harrismith was already turning for winter but graham's cottage was warm and the beds super comfy
Cleanliness:
the cottage is clean and spacious
everything was neat and clean
we were really happy to see clean crisp white linen on our comfortable beds
accommodation is really comfortable and clean with everything you need
the place was clean and tidy with cooking facilities and was in the most beautiful place
Host:
graham was a great host
exceptionally friendly host who‘s extremely helpful
graham was a great host
lovely stay and lovely host
graham is a great host and we felt rigt at home from the start
Location:
the location of the house is perfect
a great place in a beautiful location
the location is beautiful and serene and ideal for day trips to the surrounding parks
many birds and interesting rock art for those who enjoy an easy walk to the dam
it is a peaceful location and graham was very accommodating
Read more reviews

2. A small apartment for three guests (from USD 21)

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.

Stayed at this property?
Harrismith, Free State, South Africa
42.44 km (26.4 mi) from My Little Africa
17 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire guesthouse 2 Beds 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we enjoy our stay at her room
Cleanliness:
very clean and great place to stay
it was neat clean and cosy
Host:
mariaan is a great host
mariaan is a great host everything worked nicely
she's extremely thoughtful and accommodating
friendly hosts clean room and close enough to the start
Location:
the accomodation is in a perfect location for hiking trips etc
we had a very nice stay place is simple yet has everything needed to spend a few nights
Read more reviews

3. Tiny self-catering unit (from USD 21)

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

Stayed at this property?
Harrismith, Free State, South Africa
42.42 km (26.4 mi) from My Little Africa
51 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire guesthouse 2 Beds 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
secure parking own little outdoor area beautiful antique style furnishings microwave fridge tv fan
Cleanliness:
very clean and homey
super clean and nice touches
clean appartement nice neigbarhood
comfortable spacious and very clean
mariaan was a great host and the apartment was clean well located and confortable
Host:
host were very nice and welcoming
mariaan was a great host
the host welcomed you with pleasure
great place good value and nice hosts
the host was a super friendly the accommodation was great and comfortable
Location:
this place is really well located to discover drakensbergen
very convenient and great place to stay
Read more reviews

4. Gorgeous 1895 manor house (from USD 23)

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.

Stayed at this property?
Harrismith, Free State, South Africa
42.11 km (26.2 mi) from My Little Africa
27 reviews   Wifi Available
Private room in bed and breakfast 2 Beds 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
but outside the room was a wonderful view
they made us coffee when we arrived and we slept incredibly well in their guest room
their fresh brewed coffee was a delight and the accommodation is clean and very comfortable
Cleanliness:
the accommodation was clean and well-equipped
Host:
they were wonderful hosts
david is wonderful host and ready to help all the time
great hosts would definitely recommend
very warm and generous hosts
friendly hosts comfortable and convenient b&b
Location:
it was a wonderful trip with lots of information about the place
a great place to stay
Read more reviews

5. The cottage under the elm tree (from USD 23)

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.

Stayed at this property?
Harrismith, Free State, South Africa
41.99 km (26.1 mi) from My Little Africa
53 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire guest suite 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the room was spacious and the breakfast and coffee were great
lovely cozy cottage thats neat with everything you need with a stunning view of the mountain
accommodation was as described and bed was very comfortable
we had three rooms all well equipped and very comfortable
Cleanliness:
accommodation was clean and tidy
so we had a great stay in this accomodation - it is clean and well equipped
Host:
david was the best airbnb host we've encountered
gill and david are perfect hosts
david and gill are great hosts with very friendly dogs
david and gill are lovely so welcoming and friendly
davis and gill are the best hosts we could have asked for
Location:
pretty pretty place
Read more reviews

6. The other cottage in Rose Manor (from USD 23)

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.

Stayed at this property?
Harrismith, Free State, South Africa
42.01 km (26.1 mi) from My Little Africa
30 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire guest suite 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the accommodation was warm and comfortable in the cold harrismith winter
Cleanliness:
flats are clean and well equipped with a fantastic view
Host:
david and gill were great hosts
david and gill were outstanding hosts
gill was a great host
very welcoming and helpful
the warmest kindest hosts with an incredible collection of local art and amazing knowledge of the surrounding area
Location:
nice close parking for carrying bags and lots of character
the perfect place for a weekend away near sterkfontein dam and the drakensberg
an excellent place to stay
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?
Harrismith, Free State, South Africa
44.12 km (27.5 mi) from My Little Africa
47 reviews  
Entire apartment 1 Bed 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the shower (with heat lamps) is awesome the place is easy to find
a very tasteful and comfortable little apartment equipped with lot’s of lovely details
good wines little added thing like cotton buds in the bathroom
Cleanliness:
the place is beautiful and clean - with thoughtful touches
it looks great and it was very clean
the apartment was super clean and it felt like home as soon as we walked in
the place was clean very comfortable and nice hot showers after several hours of hiking
beautifully decorated clean comfortable with excellent amenities
Host:
louise is a great host
louise was very caring and attentive host
louise is a generous & friendly host
louise was a wonderful attentive host and the place was incredibly comfortable with pleasing decorative touches
awesome place and very nice host beautiful surrounding
Location:
a really great stop-over place
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?
Harrismith, Free State, South Africa
50.35 km (31.3 mi) from My Little Africa
87 reviews  
Entire chalet 3 Beds 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

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.

Stayed at this property?
Harrismith, Free State, South Africa
42.1 km (26.2 mi) from My Little Africa
8 reviews  
Private room in house 1 Bed 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
bacpacker house friendly and there is good wifi
Cleanliness:
everything is clean and tidy
Host:
enjoyed chance to interact with hosts a d other guests
jaco and heloise were great hosts
the hostel is very nice and the two hosts are very friendly
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?
Harrismith, Free State, South Africa
42.77 km (26.6 mi) from My Little Africa
87 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire guesthouse 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
lovely cottage - with hot water electric blanket heater
i loved the natural light in the living room
a very comfortable cottage
april cottage is a beautifully decorated and comfortable place to stay
a very comfortable and cosy cottage
Cleanliness:
nice and clean for stop over
nicely decorated and clean space
it was perfectly clean and lovely decorated
this place is simply beautiful clean and quiet
everything you need and sparkling clean
Host:
friendly host and nice dogs :)
good host and we enjoyed our stay
very lovely place with the host going out of her way to make you feel at home
megan is a fantastic host who was very accommodating and understanding with our dogs
lovely neat and tidy spot with accomodating host
Location:
perfect location walking distance to shops and town center
an amazing quaint little guest house very central
lovely place cute dogs and just perfect for some time out out
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Tina is a free-spirited writer and traveler. She likes to experience unfamiliar places, cuisines, and scenery. She prefers beaches to mountains though as she is afraid of heights. Visiting museums,...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Harrismith
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.