Eastern Freestate

Majestic mountains form a backdrop to the scenic tapestries that make up this exciting adventure destination.

Just a few of the enchanting sights that await you include…

The warm hues of sandstone cliffs that have weathered over the years to resemble interesting figures like ‘Queen Victoria seated on the throne’ at Fouriesburg and Mushroom Rock near Clarens.

Fertile valleys of crops that stretch as far as the eye can see and fields of golden yellow Sunflowers and pink and white Cosmos. The Golden Gate National Park, a true Highland habitat and home to a wide variety of game and prolific birdlife, including the rare Bearded Vulture.

Battle sites dating back to the Anglo Boer War, ox wagon spoor carved in sandstone at Zastron, ancient fossil footprints and Bushman Paintings are just a few of the interesting glimpses one can catch of a bygone era. The Basotho Cultural Village with its art and craft offers a unique experience where one can get to know the music loving people of the Eastern Free State a little better and share a moment of their life. The Sterkfontein Dam with its 103 km’s of shoreline is the ideal playground for a myriad of watersports and fishing.

Memel, meaning ‘surrounded by water,’ boasts the spectacular 2000 h Seekoeivlei Wetlands, listed as a Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR) and a true birding paradise.

Abseiling, hiking trails, birding, 4x4 trails, mountain and rock climbing, cycling, hot air ballooning, clay pigeon shooting and fly fishing are but a few of the adventures that visitors to this exceptional destination can enjoy.

The annual Cherry Festival, held at Ficksburg and the Mielie Festival at Reitz, are special occasions that showcase Free State fun and hospitality. Bethlehem hosts a hot air balloon and air show and is the start of the OFM Classic Cycle Race, but there is so much more…