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Free State - Popular Routes |  |
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The landscapes of the far eastern Free State are very different from the generally flattish, tree-less terrain that characterises most of the province. This, in fact, is one of the loveliest parts of South Africa, scenically spectacular, the land rising from the central plains in a series of picturesquely weathered sandstone hills that are at their most eye-catching, perhaps, in the renowned Golden Gate Highlands National Park. It's also an immensely productive region, yielding fine crops of wheat and maize, golden sunflowers, cherries, yellow peaches and much else. There is no formal 'route', though the one that winds its way along the Lesotho border - from Wepener and Ladybrand in the south, through upland country graced by cherry orchards, massive and multi-coloured rock formations and villages of charming sandstone buildings to Phuthadjhaba and the Qwaqwa area in the north - is highly recommended. But you'll find scenic splendour (and much local interest) pretty well wherever you drive. The subregion's more substantial centres include Harrismith, Bethlehem and Ladybrand; among its most attractive are Clarens and Clocolan.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park The Free State's premier sanctuary, though it's better known for its majestic scenery than for its wildlife. The Gate itself is a massive cliff, one of the more prominent of a myriad ridges, peaks and other rock formations in the valley of the Little Caledon River at the foot of the Maluti mountains, most of them weathered into strange shapes, all of them strikingly hued in the reds, oranges, yellows and ochres produced by the interaction of sandstone and iron oxides. The countryside, in parts, is vaguely reminiscent of Colorado's dramatic wildernesses. By contrast, the riverbanks are cosily fringed by willow trees, and fire lilies and red-hot pokers grace the open veld. Among the residents are zebra and a number of buck species; bird life includes the black eagle and the bearded vulture (known in Southern Africa as the lammergeier). Harrismith This substantial and attractive town, on the main route between the Johannesburg and Durban conurbations, has much to offer the visitor. Of interest to gourmets - the local venison and trout are famously tasty. Well worth exploring is the wildflower garden, at the foot of the distinctive Platberg peak, where you'll find more than 1,000 different kinds of Drakensberg plant; and the Mount Everest Game Reserve, home to more than 20 game species, including rhino (vehicles and horses for hire; luxurious accommodation). The local Debora Retief Garden encompasses a 250-million year old fossilised tree. About 25 kilometres to the south-west of town is the Sterkfontein Dam (the country's third largest) and its Nature Reserve, a prime recreation area, highly popular among trout fishermen and watersports enthusiasts. The reserve's yellowwoods and rare tree ferns, and its 'vulture restaurant', are rather special. Accommodation is available in comfortable chalets. Ficksburg A small centre that ranks as the 'cherry capital' of the country: these lovely fruit trees are garlanded in their crimson blossoms in September, when the festival, focused on a colourful pageant, is held. The countryside around is a delight to the eye. Worth viewing, too, are the willow trees in the nearby Mpharane Nature Reserve (they were planted, by the early missionaries, from cuttings taken from Napoleon's grave-site on the island of St Helena). Clocolan just to the south of Ficksburg, also has its agricultural speciality: it's the hub of South Africa's asparagus industry; the local factory is worth a visit. Notable are the local cottage-craft industries, most visible at Lethoteng Weavers and at the Makoadi Rabbit Farm, where angora fur is woven into a variety of finished products. You can also view interesting Bushman rock-art on the De Hoek Farm. Fouriesburg, to the north of Ficksburg, is renowned for the magnificent views of the high Maluti Mountains to the east. The local Meiringskloof Nature Reserve and its Brandwater Hiking Trail merit exploration (the trail is actually a two-day route, but it passes through the reserve). Two of the area's especially strange sandstone formations are the Salpeterkrans (the southern hemisphere's biggest sandstone overhang), and 'Queen Victoria', which is a finger-shaped feature. Spare half an hour of your time to visit the town's Sandstone Museum. |
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FS POPULAR ROUTES Western Cape
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