Things To Do
in Reitz
Reitz is a small agricultural town in the Free State province of South Africa known for its wide maize and dairy farms and a peaceful, rural atmosphere. The town has a strong Afrikaans and Sesotho cultural presence with simple town-centre architecture, a Dutch Reformed church, and community-oriented events. Reitz is a practical base for exploring grassland landscapes, koppies (small hills) and farm roads that reveal expansive skies ideal for sunsets and star photography.
Visitors will encounter friendly locals, working farms, and a quiet pace of life distinct from South Africa's larger cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the small town of Reitz, known for its peaceful countryside setting and friendly locals. Check into a cozy guesthouse that provides a warm welcome and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Take some time to freshen up and prepare for a day of exploration.
After settling in, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local eatery where you can sample traditional South African cuisine. Post-lunch, embark on a walking tour to discover the charming streets and historic buildings, immersing yourself in the town's rich history. Visit local artisan shops, and chat with friendly residents to learn more about their way of life.
As the sun sets, savor a delicious dinner at a rustic restaurant known for its warm atmosphere and hearty meals. Engage in conversation with other travelers and locals, soaking up the community spirit. End your day with a relaxing stroll under the starlit sky, appreciating the peacefulness that Reitz has to offer.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your guesthouse, followed by a scenic drive through the breathtaking Free State countryside. Stop at various viewpoints to take stunning photographs of the rolling hills and vast farmlands. The morning is perfect for birdwatching, so bring binoculars to spot some local avifauna.
Pack a picnic lunch and head to a nearby nature reserve to explore the walking trails and enjoy the tranquility of nature. After your meal, immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna, taking time to connect with the stunning environment. This afternoon provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, photography, and relaxation.
Return to Reitz in the early evening and unwind at your accommodation. Consider indulging in a traditional braai (barbecue) with locals, experiencing authentic South African hospitality. Share stories and laughter around the fire, creating unforgettable memories.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-10 |
| ☕Coffee at café | $1.50-3 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / B&B per night | $35-60 |
| 🚕Short taxi / local trip | $1.50-4 |
| ⛽Fuel (per litre equivalent) | $1.00-1.40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful rural atmosphere and friendly local community
- Excellent opportunities for landscape and agricultural photography
- Close connection to farm-to-table produce and dairy products
- Low cost of living and relaxed pace compared with big cities
- Limited nightlife, cultural attractions and dining variety
- Public transport options are sparse—a car is recommended
- Fewer medical and commercial services compared to larger towns
- Seasonal weather (summer storms, winter frosts) can affect travel plans
- "Goeie dag" - Good day (Afrikaans)
- "Dankie" - Thank you (Afrikaans)
- "Le kae?" - How are you? (Sesotho)
- "Ke a leboha" - Thank you (Sesotho)
- "Baie dankie" - Thank you very much (Afrikaans)
- "Excuseer / Verskoon my" - Excuse me / Sorry (Afrikaans)
Places to Visit in Reitz
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic small-town architecture and the church spire make for evocative morning and golden-hour shots capturing local life and heritage.
Long dirt roads framed by rows of crops and fences offer leading lines and dramatic perspectives, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Nearby small rocky hills (koppies) provide panoramic views over patchwork farmland and expansive skies—ideal for landscape and sunset photography.
Seasonal wetlands and slow-moving streams attract waterbirds and create reflective scenes, especially after rains.
Markets, fairs and church gatherings are perfect for candid street and cultural photography, showcasing foods, crafts and local fashions.
Food in Reitz
Reitz Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The South African-style barbecue featuring boerewors (spiced sausage), chops and grilled vegetables — commonly enjoyed at weekend gatherings and available at guesthouses or local events.
Must-Try!
A staple maize porridge (pap) served with a spicy vegetable relish (chakalaka); widely available and often paired with grilled meats.
Local dairy farms produce cheeses and fresh milk products; buy directly from farm stalls or small shops for authentic, fresh flavors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small farm stalls on the outskirts of town sell seasonal vegetables, preserves, fresh bread and cheese — ideal for picnic provisions and tasting regional produce.
Occasional weekend markets or church hall events offer baked goods, homemade jams and light street-style snacks like vetkoek; check local noticeboards for times.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings matter—say hello in English or Afrikaans ('Goeie dag') and a friendly handshake is common. Attempting a simple phrase in Sesotho is appreciated where Sotho speakers live.
Farms are working environments—always ask permission before entering fields or photographing people at work. Respect property boundaries and farm animals.
Casual, modest clothing is appropriate in town. Community events and churches are conservative—dress neatly and remove hats indoors if asked.
Be aware of South Africa's diverse cultural and historical context; avoid insensitive topics and listen respectfully when locals discuss community issues.
Safety
Tipping in Reitz
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping around 10–15% in restaurants is customary for table service; round up taxi fares and tip small amounts to helpful porters or guides. If a service charge is included, check the bill before adding additional tip.
Cash (South African rand) is useful in small shops and farm stalls; most establishments accept major credit/debit cards and EFT (bank transfer) is common for larger local payments. Mobile banking and contactless payments are increasingly available but signal can be patchy in rural areas—carry some cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with afternoon thunderstorms are common; bring sun protection, light breathable clothing and a rain jacket. Summers are green and productive on farms, good for photography after storms and for bird activity.
Cooler, drier weather with crisp mornings and long golden afternoons—excellent for drives, hikes and harvest-related events. Layers are useful as temperatures swing between day and night.
Cold mornings and frosty nights are typical, with occasional icy conditions; daylight is clear and great for photography but bring warm clothing and a warm hat. Some higher surrounding areas can see light snow in rare cold snaps.
Warming temperatures and wildflowers emerging in grassland areas; good for outdoor activities and birdwatching but expect occasional windy days and late-season rains.
Reitz at Night
Hiking in Reitz
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short, rewarding loop up a nearby koppie offering panoramic views over farmland and a good spot for sunrise or sunset photography.
A gentle walk through highveld grasslands with opportunities to see seasonal wildflowers and grassland birdlife—best in spring.
A guided or self-guided route along farm roads and tracks that passes homesteads, dams and grazing fields—good for low-impact hiking and learning about local agriculture.
Airports
How to reach Reitz by plane.
The nearest major regional airport serving the Free State; reachable by a several-hour drive. Good option for domestic flights and car rental to drive into Reitz.
South Africa's largest international airport; a longer drive from Reitz but offers many domestic connections and international flights. Many visitors fly into Johannesburg and rent a car or take a connecting domestic flight toward the Free State region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the town's population is Afrikaans-speaking, involved in commercial farming and local businesses.
Sotho-speaking residents form an important demographic group with strong cultural ties to the region and local labour force.
Many residents are multilingual (Afrikaans, Sesotho and English), reflecting South Africa's diverse cultural landscape and enabling easy communication with visitors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is very popular in the Free State and local communities often support school and club teams; match days create lively communal spirit.
Soccer is widely played and watched across communities, with informal games on fields and organized local clubs.
Common community sports, especially at schools and clubs—netball for women and cricket in summer months are popular social activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Reitz.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; request vegetable stews, salads, cheese-based dishes or sides. Bring snacks and staples if you have restrictive needs, and speak Afrikaans or English to clarify ingredients.
Vegan choices may be sparse at traditional farm-style eateries; look for salads, vegetable sides and starches, but consider shopping at a larger town for specialty items or prepare your own meals at self-catering accommodation.
Gluten-free options are not guaranteed in small town bakeries; communicate requirements clearly and opt for naturally gluten-free dishes like grilled meats, vegetables and salads when possible.