Plizio Visual Lab

Aliwal North

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

—°2

ℹ️

Practical info — Aliwal North

▾

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Visit the thermal springs (Aliwal Spa), the town's main attraction, for a relaxing soak in mineral water.
Walk across the Orange River bridge to enjoy views of the river and the border with the Free State.
Buffelsbron Nature Reserve has a chance to see local wildlife very close to the town center.
Take time to see the historic sandstone churches, which are significant architectural landmarks in the area.
Park your vehicle in busy, well-lit areas in the town center and keep valuables out of sight.

🍽 Food

🍽

Freshwater Fish

Fish from the Orange River is occasionally served in small local eateries.

🍽

Karoo Biltong

Pick up high-quality biltong from the butcher shops located along the main road.

🍽

Traditional Farm Food

Look for classic South African 'boerekos' in the cafes in the town center.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍

Farm Stalls (Padstals)

Visit the stalls along the N10 road for homemade jams, preserves, and baked goods.

🛍

Town Center Boutiques

Explore the small shops along the main street for local fashion and essentials.

🧘

Orange River Banks

A peaceful spot for a stroll, especially quiet and scenic at sunrise.

🧘

Buffelsbron Trails

Easy paths within the reserve that are well-suited for a quiet nature break.

Aliwal North, established in 1849, is a historic town located on the southern bank of the Orange River in the Eastern Cape province. Founded by Sir Harry Smith, it was named after his 1846 victory at the Battle of Aliwal in India. The town is best known for its thermal springs, which produce mineral-rich, sulphurous water that has attracted visitors for health and recreation for over a century. Geographically, it serves as a vital link between the Eastern Cape and the Free State, connected by the significant General Hertzog Bridge. During the Second Boer War, Aliwal North was a strategic point and the site of a large British concentration camp for Boer women and children. Today, the town is a primary commercial center for the surrounding agricultural community, which focuses on cattle, sheep, and grain farming. Its streets are lined with several fine examples of late Victorian and Edwardian sandstone architecture, reflecting its long history as a frontier trading post.

Location: South Africa
Top sights: Buffelspruit Nature Reserve · Sacred Heart Cath. Cathedral
Population: ~44.436 (2024)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Oct, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	23	20	16	12	8	8	10	15	18	20	23
Rain mm	65	65	54	35	16	14	10	15	12	29	37	49

Geography

Population

44,436 (2024)

Coordinates

-30.69370, 26.71140

Facts

Founded in 1849 and named after the Battle of Aliwal in India.
The hot springs maintain a constant temperature of approximately 34 degrees Celsius.
The Orange River separates the town from the Free State province.
It was the site of a large concentration camp during the 1899-1902 Boer War.
The General Hertzog Bridge is a major landmark crossing the Orange River.
The town serves as the seat of the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality.