Free State

 

129.480 SQ km      pop. 2,7 million  Capital : Bloemfontein “When I am here I feel that nothing can shut me in, that my thoughts can roam as far as the horizons” Nelson Mandela.

Most travel agencies plan a stop in Golden Gate Highlands National Park only, but this does not do justice to the Free State. It is an ideal place for a farm- or homestay, a camping trip or a multinight hiking trail.

On your travel from Jo'burg to Cape Town or Port Elizabeth, the Eastern High-lands are worth the detour.The high-lands with their eroded sandstone hills dominate the eastern part, to the west the landscape consists largely of rolling grass- and farm-lands.  The highlight of the Eastern Highlands is Golden Gate NP, part of the Drakensberg, not famous for its wildlife but for the red sandstone outcrops. This is one of Africa’s best hiking spots.

West of the park is Clarens, the nicest of the small towns along the Lesotho. This artists town has good outdoor  restaurants and plenty B&B accommodation, here you’ll find some of the best horse-riding. West of Clarens lies Rustler’s Valley, where you can ride, hike or just simply hang out on a farm. This is the epicenter for young travellers, ageing hippies and party-goers.

Free State’s capital Bloemfontein, offers good Bed and Breakfast accommodation at reasonable prices. People come from all over for hospital treatment, the university and boarding schools. There is enough to explore to justify a two day stay, the Oliewenhuis Art Gallery, historical Pres. Brand Street and there are good restaurants, museums and accommodation. The hip, student-led nightlife and relaxed atmosphere make Bloemfontein one of the more pleasant cities in South Africa.

The eastern Free State is the gateway to Lesotho, a tourist can cross the border close to all small towns. Travellling southeast you should stop at the Basotho Cultural Village and Phuthadijhaba. Here it is possible to hike up the highest plateaus of the Drakensberg. 


Highlights
The Highlands Route, one of South africa’s most scenic drives
Basotho Cultural Village, the typical decorative huts of the Eastern Free State &  Lesotho
The Sentinel hiking trail, leading over dizzying heights of the Drakensberg plateau
The legendary Rustler’s Valley Easter festival
The vibrant nightlife scène of Bloemfontein
The stripy red sanstone outcrops in the Golden Gate Highlands  

Bloemfontein
• Bloemstantia Guest House
• Calypso Lodge

Clarens
• Brookeside House
• Cottage Pie B & B or Sweetie Pie
• Cranford Inn Clarens
• Rosewood Corner B&B

Ficksburg
• The Green Acorn Guest House

Gariepdam, Colesberg
• Bokpost Guest Farm

Harrismith
• La La Nathi Country Guest House