Rose Garden Manor

Rose Garden Manor House is a beautifully restored Victorian-era home set in the quiet streets of Harrismith, offering comfortable and elegant accommodation for travellers exploring the Free State highlands. The guesthouse combines old-world charm with modern convenience, making it a warm and welcoming base whether you’re stopping over or spending a few days in the area.

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Guests stay in a spacious, self-contained apartment with a private bedroom, living area and a fully equipped kitchenette. The unit is thoughtfully appointed, providing everything you need for a relaxed and easy stay, with fast WiFi, secure on-site parking and attention to comfort that has earned the manor consistently positive reviews. Its central location also makes it ideal for travellers wanting quick access to the N3 or to explore the historic town on foot.

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What truly sets Rose Garden Manor House apart for bird-watchers is the expertise of the host, Dave Weaver. Widely regarded as the region’s most knowledgeable birder, Dave is always willing to share his insights, offer advice on current sightings and, when possible, even guide guests to some of the area’s best-kept birding locations. For visiting birders, having access to such deeply rooted local knowledge is invaluable.

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The Harrismith region holds some of South Africa’s most important high-altitude grasslands, including pockets of habitat that still support the critically endangered Botha’s Lark. These grasslands also host sought-after species such as Blue Korhaan, White-bellied Bustard, Southern Bald Ibis, Eastern Clapper Lark and Pink-billed Lark. A short drive away, the magnificent Sterkfontein Dam and its surrounding nature reserve offer a mix of grassland and wetland birding with wide-open vistas and outstanding photographic opportunities.

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Those keen on montane species can venture into the foothills and high slopes of the Drakensberg, where specialists like Drakensberg Rockjumper, Drakensberg Siskin and Ground Woodpecker occur, and where both Cape and Bearded Vultures are often seen riding the thermals above the escarpment.

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Rose Garden Manor House offers an inviting stay with exceptional access to some of the Free State’s finest birding habitats. With Dave Weaver’s expert guidance and a diversity of species right on the doorstep, it is an excellent choice for birders and nature-focused travellers looking to explore this unique part of South Africa.