Rosendal - Eastern Free State | Oos Vrystaat

Name: Rosendal - Eastern Free State | Oos Vrystaat
Address: Genl Fick Street, Rosendal, 9720, ZA
Telephone: +27832945260

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Rosendal - Eastern Free State | Oos Vrystaat

The picturesque village of Rosendal/Mautse is in the Eastern Free State (SA), nestled against the impressive Witteberge, part of the Drakensberg range.

More about this historic town and its eclectic people at www.rosendaltown.co.za
Kom kuier! Ha monate! 'n Pragtige dorpie in die Oos-Vrystaat, Suid-Afrika | Rosendal | A beautiful village in the Eastern Free State, South Africa

14/09/2026

Moonlit Kriek Street. Rosendal.

13/09/2026

Where to stay in Rosendal: 10
Bergpad Pod
An architect designed, modern eclectic cabin offering an one-of-it’s-kind luxury experience.
KEY FACTS
• Luxury accommodation for 2 people.
• A bedroom with a sleek queen size bed.
• Luxury bedroom linen and towels
• Electric blanket
• Stunning bathroom with a shower.
• A lovely living area with luxury furniture and a fireplace
• A well-equipped kitchenette for self-catering (with a gas hob and airfryer)
• A crystal clear splash pool for those warm summer days
• A firepit with seating to relax at and watch the stars
• A lovely indoor day bed to soak up the winter sun while reading a book
• Great views over the Skurwekop mountain and the “spruit”
• Close to shops and restaurants
• Close to a free hiking trail
• Off-the-grid solar power and backup water
• Free Wi-Fi
• Carport … and much more
COST
R2200 per night for the cabin (2 people)
CONTACT and BOOKING
Whatsapp 083 294 5260 to enquire or to book

09/09/2026

🐦 Birds of Rosendal #13 🐦
https://newmansbirds.com/locations-rosendal/

African Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides typus)
Kaalwangvalk
Size: 60–66 cm

The African Harrier-Hawk is an impressive bird of prey that can often be recognised by its distinctive appearance and unusual behaviour. With its grey body, black-and-white wings, bare facial skin and long legs, it is a striking bird when seen soaring above the trees around Rosendal.

One of its most fascinating features is its remarkable ability to climb. Unlike many birds of prey, the African Harrier-Hawk can use its wings and feet to move through branches and even hang upside down while searching for prey.

Around Rosendal, these hawks may be seen soaring over open areas or moving through trees in search of food. They are particularly well adapted to searching nests, tree cavities and other difficult-to-reach places.

Their diet is varied and includes birds' eggs and nestlings, small mammals, reptiles, frogs, insects and other small creatures. Their unusual climbing ability allows them to reach prey that many other raptors would simply be unable to access.

The bare skin around the face can change colour when the bird becomes excited, adding another fascinating feature to this already unusual raptor. Despite its somewhat formidable appearance, the African Harrier-Hawk is an agile and highly specialised hunter.

Spotting one of these magnificent hawks around Rosendal is always a special experience. Keep an eye on the skies — and don't forget to look into the trees!

📍 Have you seen an African Harrier-Hawk in Rosendal? Let us know where, and share your photos with us!

📸 .merwe
📸 Michael Scott
📸

06/09/2026

Where to stay in Rosendal: 9
The Black Swan
Black Swan is a new and tastefully renovated property on a quiet street in the heart of Rosendal, in walking distance of the Service Station Wine Bar and Ark Contemporary art gallery. Sitting on a rise close to the Church, it commands excellent views north and West overlooking the town and the Motaung Mountain.
The property has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including a beautiful upstairs mezzanine with balcony views. Lots of built in cupboard and storage space. Open plan kitchen, living and dining room on the ground floor. It is a property that is bright, light and spacious—179 sq meters. There is a large covered front stoep with built in braai and seating area. Building insulated to Canadian standards for those chilly Free State winters.
KEY FACTS
• Large living and dining area with a cozy wood stove
• Well equipped kitchen with gas stove, fridge/freezer
• Dishwasher, Nespresso Virtuo POP Machine, Airfryer
• Space heaters in the 2 queen bedrooms
• Electric Blankets on all the beds
• Smart TV
• 2 Queen bedrooms with shared shower room
• 1 Double bedroom en-suite
• Sleeps 6 in 3 rooms.
• Built-in braai on covered veranda with outdoor dining area
• Free Wi-Fi
• Filler tank for water with pressure pump

COST (per night)
R2000 1-2 people
R2800 3-4 people
R3600 5-6 people
Minimum stay of 2 nights with 3 nights over long weekends

CONTACT and BOOKING
Tel/WhatsApp: +27 (0) 82 650 1503
[email protected]

03/09/2026

It's the perfect time of the year to visit Rosendal!

02/09/2026

🐦 Birds of Rosendal #12 🐦
https://newmansbirds.com/locations-rosendal/

Cape Longclaw (Macronyx capensis)
Kaapse Langklou
Size: 23 cm

The Cape Longclaw is a beautiful and distinctive bird of the open grasslands and wet areas around Rosendal. With its bright yellow underparts, dark markings on the chest and throat, and long hind claw, it is a striking bird when seen walking through the grass.

Often found close to the ground, the Cape Longclaw spends much of its time walking through grassland in search of food. Its long legs and impressive hind claw are well suited to its lifestyle, allowing it to move confidently through vegetation while searching for insects.

Around Rosendal, these birds can often be found in open grassland, particularly in areas where there is longer grass and some moisture. They are usually seen singly or in pairs, moving quietly through the veld before suddenly taking flight when disturbed.

The Cape Longclaw feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates, including grasshoppers, beetles and caterpillars. It may also occasionally take small seeds.

During the breeding season, the male becomes more conspicuous and performs a display flight accompanied by its distinctive calls. The Cape Longclaw's melodious song is often heard across the grasslands, even when the bird itself is hidden among the vegetation.

With its bright yellow colouring and characteristic long claw, the Cape Longclaw is one of those birds that becomes instantly recognisable once you have learned to look for it. Another beautiful species that reminds us of the rich birdlife found right here in Rosendal.

📍 Have you seen a Cape Longclaw in Rosendal? Let us know where, and share your photos with us!

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26/08/2026

🐦 Birds of Rosendal #11 🐦
https://newmansbirds.com/locations-rosendal/

Northern Black Korhaan (Afrotis afra)
Noordelike Swartkorhaan
Size: 50–55 cm

The Northern Black Korhaan is a striking ground-dwelling bird of the open grasslands around Rosendal. With its upright stance, bold black-and-white plumage and distinctive red bill, it is an unmistakable sight when encountered in the veld.

The male is particularly impressive, with a black head and neck, white throat and underparts, and bold black markings across the wings and back. Females are more subtly coloured, providing excellent camouflage among the grasses.

Around Rosendal, these korhaans are usually found walking through open grassland rather than flying. They are generally solitary or found in pairs, spending much of their time foraging on the ground for insects, seeds and other small food items.

The male's display during the breeding season is quite a spectacle. He may raise his wings, puff out his feathers and perform an energetic display to attract a female. His distinctive calls can carry a considerable distance across the open grasslands.

Despite their impressive size, Northern Black Korhaans are surprisingly well camouflaged when moving through tall grass. They tend to rely on walking and remaining inconspicuous rather than taking to the air, although they are capable of strong flight when disturbed.

Their presence is a wonderful indicator of the natural grassland habitat surrounding Rosendal. For birders, spotting one of these beautiful korhaans in the open veld is always a special sighting.

📍 Have you seen a Northern Black Korhaan in Rosendal? Let us know where, and share your photos with us!

📸 (the photo is of Korrie, the most photographed Korhaan in the area)

25/08/2026

A Great Example of Community & Municipality Working Together 🤝

For many years, Rosendal’s annual Easter Auction has been an important part of our community. The funds raised are managed by the Rosendal Town Committee and put back into projects that benefit our town.

Today, we’re seeing a wonderful example of what can be achieved when the community, the private sector and the municipality work together.

Under the guidance of Johan Reyneke, the Rosendal Town Committee and the municipality are combining their efforts to tackle something that has long been a challenge for our town — the condition of Van der Merwe Street, our only tarred road. 🚧

The work currently underway is a great reminder that when local communities take responsibility for their town, and that effort is supported by the municipality, real progress can happen.

It’s not always about big projects. Sometimes it’s about fixing the road we all use every day. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Easter Auction over the years, to the Town Committee for managing those funds, to the municipality for working alongside the community, and especially to Johan Reyneke for guiding this collaborative effort and Rufus vd Vloed, for project managing this,

This is public-private-community collaboration in action — and something Rosendal can be proud of. 🌿

19/08/2026

🐦 Birds of Rosendal #10 🐦
https://newmansbirds.com/locations-rosendal/

Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia famosa)
Jangroentjie ( suikerbekkie)
Size: 25–27 cm

The Malachite Sunbird is one of Rosendal’s most spectacular little residents. The male is particularly striking, with brilliant metallic green plumage, a long tail and flashes of yellow in the wings. Females are more subtly coloured, with olive-green upperparts and yellowish underparts.

These beautiful sunbirds are closely associated with flowering plants and can often be seen moving rapidly from flower to flower in search of nectar. Their long, curved bills and brush-tipped tongues are perfectly adapted for feeding on flowers.

Around Rosendal, they can be found in gardens, grasslands and areas where flowering plants provide a good source of food. They are also important pollinators, carrying pollen from one flower to another as they feed.

During the breeding season, the male’s brilliant green plumage becomes particularly intense, making him an unmistakable sight when the sunlight catches his feathers. Despite their vivid colouring, Malachite Sunbirds can be surprisingly easy to miss as they move quickly through vegetation.

Their diet consists mainly of nectar, but they also feed on insects and other small creatures, particularly when feeding young. Their energetic movements and beautiful colouring make them a favourite among birdwatchers.

The Malachite Sunbird is a wonderful reminder of the diversity of birdlife found around Rosendal — and another reason to stop, look and listen when exploring our beautiful corner of the Eastern Free State.

📍 Have you seen a Malachite Sunbird in Rosendal? Let us know where, and share your photos with us!

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Address

Genl Fick Street
Rosendal
9720

Telephone

+27832945260

Website

http://www.rosendaltown.co.za/

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