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Home  Whisper News No Rush Tours Profile: Free State Province |
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No Rush Tours Profile: Free State Province |
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 Wedged between the magnificent Orange and Vaal Rivers lies a region blessed with such beauty and grace called: - THE FREE STATE PROVINCE OF SA. The Free State lies in the heart of South Africa, with Lesotho nestling in the hollow of its bean-like shape. The Free State is a rural province of wide horizons and blue skies, with farmland, mountains, goldfields and widely dispersed towns. Although the Free State is the third largest province in South Africa, it has the second smallest population. The Free State border on the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, North-West, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng Province and also shares a border with Lesotho therefore the Free State assumes its rightful place at the heart of the country. The Orange River forms the southern boundary of the Free State and includes the Gariep and Vanderkloof Dams, which are the largest dams in the country.
Regions in the Free State Province:
XARIEP:
This is a region of vast grassy plains and endless vistas, where the visitor can enjoy the open blue skies - star-studded at night - and the fresh unpolluted air. The Gariep Dam is situated in the southernmost corner of the region and offers excellent recreational facilities and opportunities for anyone wishing to escape city life. The Xhariep is vast, open grassland fed by the broad river the San called the Garib – MEANING Great River, which forms the southern border of the region.
- Must-sees in the rest of Xariep - Region
- Landzicht Wine Cellar at Jacobsdal
- Open Mine Museum at Koffiefontein
- Transgariep Museum and Laurens van der Post Memorial at Philippolis
- The 'Eye' of Zastron – Zastron: The area was a no-man's land, but did not deter Jan de Winnaar from forming the farm called Verliesfontein. The town is named after his wife, Johanna Zastron.
MOTHEO:
Motheo is the Sesotho for “foundation” or “strong base of a building” and is derived from the geographic positioning at the heart of the economic and industrial development of the province. Towns to visit in this region are:
BLOEMFONTEIN:
Bloemfontein, the Capital City of the Free State Province in South Africa, is centrally situated roughly in the middle of the Province, as well as in South Africa. Bloemfotein is also called: The "City of Roses". One of the most unusual and unique aspects of Bloemfontein is the Naval Hill Game Reserve located in the heart of the city. It is indeed a treat to be able to observe the springbok, blesbok, giraffe and various other species roam Naval Hill totally unaware of the hustle and bustle of city life around them.
DEWETSDORP:
This district is prime sheep and cattle ranching country and the main crops are wheat and maize.
Places of Interest
- Anglican Church - the Anglican Bishop from Bloemfontein inaugurated the church in December 1882. This little church was declared a National Monument in 1996.
- The centenary festival Monument
- Ethiopian Church in Morojaneng
WEPENER:
The atmospheric little frontier town of Wepener lies in the valley of the Jammersbergspruit about 109km to the Van Rooyen gate, which forms the border between South Africa and Lesotho. The routes pass Wepener forms part of the well-known Hooglandroete - a pleasant route in the summers as well as the winter when the snow on the Maluti Mountains forms a breath-taking scene. Building sand, wool, grain, corn and livestock are produced in this district.
Places of interest
- Townhall with the statue of Louw Wepener
LEJWELEPUTSWA - Formally known as the Free State Goldfields
It is being said that one could come to Lejweleputswa for a hundred holidays and have a totally different experience each time! The proud history and heritage of the region will take you on a journey to a variety of landscapes, richly endowed with diverse cultures and peoples.
Must-sees in the Goldfields
- Historical borehole on farm Aandenk near Allanridge
- Aco tractor factory near Hoopstad
- Voortrekker Monument at Winburg
- Gold Museum in the Welkom Library
- Mayor Tourists Attraction
- St.Helena Underground wine cellar in Welkom
- Welkom Casino at Sanlam Plaza in Welkom
- Voortrekker Monument in Windburg
- Winnie Mandela House in Majwemasoeu in Brandfort
- Saltpans Mining in Soutpan
THABO MOFUTSANYANA:
With its beautiful snow-capped mountains providing a backdrop to numerous romantic hide-a ways, this untouched, area with its breathtaking scenery, possesses a MAGIC AND MYSTERY of majestic proportions, truly an area of the Free State that must be experienced when visiting SA. The Eastern Free State is one of the essential must-visit areas for any foreign visitor to South Africa.
Nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the northeastern Free State lays 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, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park has become a tremendous holiday draw card. This 11 600ha of unique environment provides home to a fantastic animal habitat.
Towns to visit in this beautiful region are:
CLARENS:
Between the high sandstone Rooiberge and the Maluti Mountains, the picturesque little town of Clarens is aptly described as "The Jewel of the Free State". All year round, but especially in autumn when the leaves turn to gold, the scenery, is a magnet for artists and photographers. Art galleries, a lovely church and a museum are well worth a visit. Clarens is part of the scenic Highlands Route and is surrounded by mountainous splendour. The Rooiberge is the range encompassing the village, whilst further on towards the southeast, the mighty Maluti’s stand proud in shades of purple and blue.
FICKSBURG:
Ficksburg is now known for its juicy cherries, which are celebrated in a Cherry Festival each November. The district also has the largest asparagus crops in South Africa and as soon as the delicate spears peak out of the ground, they are snipped straight off to the local canning factory. Ficksburg also has a four-day music festival in April.
MEMEL
The spectacular Seekoeivlei Wetlands:
The area is noted for mainly three things:
Its breathtaking scenic beauty. To the east and the south of the village you drive within minutes into the majestic and picturesque mountains, with their rocky hillsides, sandstone cliffs, high altitude grasslands, through valleys and alongside clear mountain streams and lakes. To the north and west the landscape comprises mainly undulating grasslands and includes the extensive 5000 ha Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve.
The spectacular internationally important 2000 ha Seekoeivlei Wetlands - listed as a Wetland of International Importance. The wetlands are made up by an extensive meandering floodplain and are now once again home to the hippo, 100 years after the last one was shot in the area.
The district is also noted for its estimated 350 bird species including many 'specials' and 15 Red Data listed species. Memel is becoming a great birding destination. At certain time of the year thousands of water birds congregate on the wetlands, and the grassland areas abound with bird life, making the area a true birding paradise. Scarce and endangered species such as the Wattled, Blue and Crowned Crane may be seen and, special birds of the grasslands include Southern Bald Ibis, Blue Korhaan, Rudd's and Botha's Larks and Yellow-breasted Pipit.
NORTHERN FREE STATE:
Visitors will find the Northern Free State as home to enchanting and sophisticated settings. Deneysville is known as the Gateway to the Vaal Dam, while with Frankfort on the banks of the Wilge River, Parys and Villiers alongside the Vaal and the city of Kroonstad straddling the glorious Vals River. While Sasolburg is one of South Africa’s outstanding examples of foresight and successful planning and is today not only one of South Africa’s major industrial centres, but the Sasol Group of Companies is also a business player of global stature.
Must-sees in the Northern Free State
- Vredefort Dome at Vredefort
- Riemland Museum at Heilbron
- Tractor Museum at Viljoenskroon
- Vintage car exhibition at Edenville
- Sandstone NG Church Frankfort
PLACES OF INTREST TO VISITORS:
- Golden Gate - Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the northeastern Free State lays the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Generaalskop, the highest point in the park, reveals a breathtaking tapestry of red, yellow and purple hues as its warm shades merge with the cool mountain shadows towards evening.
- Gold Mines - Lejweleputswa (formally Goldfields), meaning grey stone, refers to the unprocessed gold-bearing rock for which the area is famous. In April 1938, a borehole sunk in search for water on the farm St Helena struck lava, not subterranean water. The lava was of a deep-flowing source of gold ore linked to the famous Witwatersrand.
- Xhariep Dam - Beautiful sunsets and the tranquillity of a vast expanse of water make this town a must for those seeking a breakaway from the rush of everyday-life.
- The Sentinel - The Sentinel is the most northerly point of the Drakensberg and besides providing a spectacular view from the lip of one of the highest waterfalls in Africa, the Tugela.
Weather:
The Free State is hot in summer, when most of the rain falls, but it can be very cold in the winter, with heavy frost over most of the province. Snow is often recorded on the eastern mountains, and occasionally over the rest of the region. Seasons: Summer: December - February / winter: April - July / spring: July - September / autumn: January - March. Average winter temperature: 7.7ºC; average summer temperature: 23º C.
PHOTOS OF THE FREE STATE PROVINCE:
Golden Gate National Park/Sandstone
Gariep Dam
Cherry Festival/Free State
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Castle in Clarens/Bloemfontein
Zastron/ Church
Bloemfontein |
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