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With
its beautiful snow-capped mountains providing
a backdrop to numerous romantic hide-aways, this
untouched, pristine area with its breathtaking
scenery, possesses a grandeur of majestic proportions.
Hiking trails meander through densely vegetated
valleys and wild gorges created by centuries of
wind, water and fire, while Bushman paintings
evoke images of lost civilizations and ancient
myths - truly an area where the magic and mystery
of the Free State can be experienced at first
hand. The Eastern Free State is truly one of the
essential must-visit areas for any foreign visitor
to South Africa.
Almost
out of place in the stubbornly gentle topography
of the Free State, the better part of the eastern
section of the province is starkly rugged and
mountainous. The Drakensberg and Maluti Ranges
peer over the Free State to the left and Lesotho
to the right like schoolmasters. Separated by
these sandstone walls, the Basotho people have
defended themselves as one against invaders for
centuries, refusing to step down from their lofty
strongholds. The 'difaqane', the migration of
foreigners from the north and the east, which
forced people into cannibalism and starvation,
found an unconquerable match in the never ending
peaks and troughs. The Basotho first came into
contact with European settlers in the 19th century
resulting in a number of wars, fought along the
caves and slopes next to the Caledon River.
The
towns of the Eastern Free State display a notable
rustic character, with for instance a town such
as Clarens with its Swiss-like appearance and
concentration of artists having truly a charm
to be found nowhere else. The commercial centre
of the region is Bethlehem, with an attractive
array of sandstone buildings throughout the town.
Harrismith on the N3 between Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal
is also a key industrial centre. In Qwa-Qwa further
to the west Phuthadtitjhaba houses a modern industrial
area managed by the Free State Development Corporation.
From
a scenic point of view, the Golden Gate Highlands
National Park, Qwa-Qwa National Park and Witsieshoek
Mountain Resort offer some of the cream of the
crop in the province. The magnificent views over
the nearby Drakensberg Amphi Theatre and Devil's
Tooth are simply unsurpassable. The massive Sterkfontein
Dam outside Harrismith is not only ideal for watersports,
but is also a primary source of water for the
Vaal Dam, which in turn is the main supplier of
water for Gauteng Province as South Africa’s
industrial heartland. The Salpeterkrans sandstone
overhang near Fouriesburg is a bizzare example
of wind erosions. The bird watching mecca of Seekoeivlei
Nature Reserve near Memel constitutes a wetland
with RAMSAR status and is surrounded with private
game and holiday farms.
Cities/Towns:
Arlington, Bethlehem, Clarens, Clocolan, Cornelia,
Excelsior, Ficksburg, Fouriesburg, Harrismith,
Hobhouse, Kestell, Ladybrand, Lindley, Marquard,
Memel, Paul Roux, Petrus Steyn, Phuthadijhaba/Qwa-Qua,
Reitz, Rosendal, Senekal, Steynsrus, Tweespruit,
Vrede, Warden.
Nestled
in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains
in the north-eastern Free State lies the Golden
Gate Highlands National Park. The park derives
its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast
by the sun on the park’s sandstone cliffs,
especially the imposing Brandwag rock, keeping
vigil over the main rest camp. Renowned for its
superlative scenery, invigorating climate and
excellent accommodation in either hotel rooms
or self-catering chalets and rondavels, the Golden
Gate Highlands National Park has become a tremendous
holiday draw card. This 11 600ha of unique environment
is true highland habitat, providing home to a
fantastic animal habitat.
Within
Qwa-Qwa National Park the Basotho Cultural Village
is simply a must to visit. South of nearby Phuthaditjhaba
is the car park for The Sentinel. This is a full
day hike which takes you up the back of the Drakensberg
amphi theatre and is highly recommended. Other
sites to visit in the Park : The Van Reenen family
graveyard, the impressive Brandwag buttress rock
formation and a bird hide at the Langtoon Dam.
Interesting lookout points and viewpoints: Zuluhoek
lookout point, Generaalskop viewpoint, Oribi basin
and Drakensberg view. Other facilities: Bowls,
tennis, table tennis and snooker. Picnic site
for day visitors has ablution and barbeque facilities.
Handy
hints : Remember to bring a hat, walking shoes,
sun block, camera, binoculars and wildlife reference
books. Hikers on day and overnight trails must
always carry sufficient water. Take cool and light
clothing for summer and warm clothing for winter
as area is prone to sudden weather changes.
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