Woodpecker Guesthouse

If you are longing to escape for a much-deserved break away from city noise, hurry and stress, we welcome you to The Woodpecker Guest House in Ficksburg, where you can be assured of the highest standards. Perfect for families or groups looking for adventurous, fun-filled weekends and relaxation, The Woodpecker Guest House is also the ideal getaway for companies wanting that away-time for team building. We are centrally situated on the Maluti Route, nestled amidst the Eastern Free State. The majestic Malutis form a backdrop of purple haze in summer and transform to snow-capped peaks during winter. Up in the hills of the Maluti Mountains are numerous caves with lovely examples of San rock art. The town of Ficksburg is the gateway to Lesotho and the Katse Dam, which is definitely something to see. Ficksburg is best known today for its annual Cherry Festival, the oldest festival in South Africa, which takes place each November. This region offers its natural beauty and unlimited possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts, such as a dinner cruise along the Meulspruit Dam, fly-fishing in the mountain streams, quad biking, pony trekking, hiking, and, in winter, snow skiing in Lesotho. We offer 12 en-suite rooms with shower or bath options, all of which are provided with towels, soap, shampoo, shower gel, and hand lotion. Each room is equipped with DStv, a mini fridge with still water, and tea/coffee/ hot-chocolate facilities. We look forward to having you stay at The Woodpecker and experience the magic of Ficksburg and its beautiful surroundings! We believe that the uniqueness of our surroundings will be as inspiring to you as it is to us.

Area Info

Ficksburg is situated in the Eastern Free State between the Maluti Mountains. Ficksburg is the closest town to the Lesotho border. This small village is not only a busy trading town - but is well known for its scenic game farms.

The annual Cherry Festival is the longest-running festival in South Africa and is held in November each year. Treat yourself to a visit to the largest cherry farm in Africa. Taste the famous Ionia Cherry Liqueur, which has become a landmark. Ionia offers cherry tours in season from October to November; pre-booking for visits is essential. Ionia is situated on the Fouriesburg road, approximately 25km from Ficksburg.

Lying in a rich agricultural area, Ficksburg is especially notable for the production of grain, livestock, cherries, and asparagus. Ficksburg has magnificent views of the Maluti Mountains. At Ficksburg High School, the S H Pellissier Art Gallery features works by South African artists, including murals by Pierneef.

Water sports and angling are enjoyed on the Meulspruit Dam, which is surrounded by a nature reserve. The dam is the starting and finishing point for the 23-km Imperani Hiking Trail. Ficksburg is a gateway to the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. One of the most exciting ways of crossing the rugged Maluti Mountain range into Lesotho is on the back of a Basotho pony. The traditional means of transport among the Sotho people, Basotho ponies are famed for their sure-footedness in mountainous terrain..