Discover the Wonders of a Free State Road Trip

Hey there! Are you ready for an adventure? I’ve got something exciting to share with you – a small road trip in the Free State region that will leave you in awe. So, buckle up and let’s hit the road!

Now, I know what you’re thinking. A road trip? In the Free State? Trust me, this hidden gem of South Africa has so much to offer. From breathtaking landscapes to fascinating history, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.

Picture this: endless stretches of open road, with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. As you drive through the Free State, you’ll be surrounded by rolling plains and golden fields, as far as the eye can see. It’s a sight that will leave you speechless.

But the beauty doesn’t stop there. Along the way, you’ll come across charming little towns that will take you back in time. From the quaint streets of Clarens, with its art galleries and cozy cafes, to the historic town of Bethlehem, where you can learn about the region’s fascinating past – there’s something for everyone.

And let’s not forget about the natural wonders. The Free State is home to spectacular national parks, where you can spot game, go hiking, or simply unwind in nature’s embrace. Golden Gate Highlands National Park, with its striking sandstone cliffs and vast grasslands, will transport you to another world.

So, why should you embark on this adventure? The answer is simple – the Free State road trip offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. It’s a reminder that there’s so much beauty in this world, just waiting to be discovered.

I hope I’ve piqued your curiosity. If you’re ready for an unforgettable journey, pack your bags and get ready to hit the road. The Free State is calling, and it’s time for you to answer.

Hey there! Looking for a fun weekend getaway? Well, do I have the perfect trip for you! Picture this: a delightful two-day road trip through the scenic eastern Free State. It’s the ideal way for us Joburgers to take a break and unwind.

You won’t believe the sights you’ll see on this adventure. Get ready for some seriously BIG attractions! Trust me, they’ll leave you in awe.

So, I had this cool companion for my road trip, and it was perfect because we could explore a few awesome 4X4 routes along the way. Tyson Jopson took a great photo of us doing just that.

Let’s talk about the Free State. Most people don’t know much about it, but that’s about to change. I was determined to discover something new, so I hopped on the N3 out of Joburg one Friday morning and set off on an adventure. I wanted to explore a part of the Free State that I had never seen before. It’s called the Eastern Highlands, and I knew that there were three towns there that I just had to visit – Clarens, Fouriesburg, and Ficksburg.

For this trip, I invited my mom to join me. She would be my navigator, note-taker, and official photo assistant. We started our journey by going through Gilloolys and navigating through some traffic until we reached Villiers. To be honest, the only thing I knew about Villiers before this trip was its Engen garage and those big grain silos you can see from the highway.

As I filled up on snacks at Die Padstal, I hit the road towards Harrismith. Instead of staying on the N3, I decided to take a different route and head east toward the Malotis. Along the way, I noticed a few farms with cozy homes nestled among trees, offering a nice break from the hot Free State sun.

Hey there! Come take a walk with me on this path in Clarens. Check out the photo by Tyson Jopson – it’s right above this text.

So, what do you see? Lots of willow trees, right? Mom tells me that those trees were planted a long time ago to give shade to future generations. It’s pretty cool to think about how people in the past were looking out for us.

Oh, look! We’re getting close to Golden Gate National Park. As we drive, the road starts to twist and turn, leading us to those big sandstone cliffs. They seem to be guarding the border with Lesotho, don’t they?

Now, we’re heading on Lichens Pass. That name comes from the lichens that grow on these mountains. Let’s stop for a moment at this lookout point. Look how the sun makes the mountains glow with that beautiful ochre color. It’s like they’re coming alive!

When I arrived in Clarens, it was already getting late in the afternoon. We checked in at Aspen Guesthouse and decided to go for a quick walk in the Clarens Village Conservancy. As I stood on top of a ridge, I took a moment to look down at the town below. I was told that Clarens had experienced a boom and now had a wide variety of artisanal restaurants, a craft brewery, boutiques, and adventure centers. These places offered activities like skiing and mountain biking. Despite the growth, Clarens still had a village-like atmosphere due to its gravel roads and grassy town square. This feeling was further reinforced when we explored the town that evening and met the friendly locals.

In 1912, Clarens was founded, which is the same year that the mighty Titanic met its tragic fate – ask a local for their thoughts on that remarkable coincidence. Speaking of remarkable, the next day, my companions and I decided to embark on a spontaneous journey to Fouriesburg. Without any specific destination in mind and without making any prior accommodation arrangements, we set off on our adventure. It was quite a risk to take, but it was early April, with no school holidays to worry about, and I was feeling quite adventurous.

However, our whimsical spirit led us astray, and we found ourselves on the wrong road out of Clarens. But that didn’t dampen our spirits.

Before long, we realized our mistake when the navigator pointed out that our blip on the radar was moving towards Bethlehem. We began searching for a place to turn around, when suddenly, a sign caught our attention: ‘Lesotho Highlands Water Project Ash River Outfall’. Intrigued, we decided to take the exit and explore.

As we entered, we found ourselves standing inside the cross-section of a massive pipeline. The deputy note-taker among us read a plaque which informed us that we were at the location where water from Lesotho flows beneath the Malotis mountains and into South Africa. It was a fascinating discovery.

“Wow, that pipe is huge!” I exclaim. “It could swallow our car!” As we drive back through Clarens, we can’t help but marvel at the sheer enormity of things here in the Free State. Little do we realize, we’re about to encounter something even bigger…

When we reach Fouriesburg, we decide to make a stop at Jenlee’s Country Shop and Bistro to grab a snack. While we’re there, we strike up a conversation with one of the owners, all while trying to fend off a mischievous Angora goat that’s eyeing the treats in a potjie pot. “Are you here for the Stars of Sandstone Festival?” Jen Lee, the owner, asks us. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought she was referring to a talent competition taking place on one of the nearby cliffs, where contestants risked getting a Spartan kick off the edge if they failed to impress the judges.

Have you ever wanted to experience the thrill of riding on an old narrow-gauge locomotive? Well, you’re in luck because at this farm in the Free State, you’ll find not just one, but multiple trains from a bygone era. It’s called Stars of Sandstone, and it’s like a grand gathering of magnificent machines that come together every two years to celebrate the incredible engineering feats of the past.

We arrive just in time, making a left turn at Fouriesburg and gliding along the dark road that runs parallel to the Witteberge, ultimately leading us to Sandstone Estates. As we make our way, we’re greeted by a beautiful display of cosmos and sunflowers in full bloom. The vibrant colors of pink, white, and yellow line the edges of the gravel road, painting a picturesque scene. It’s quite ironic, I must say, that such natural beauty leads us to machines that were once used for something as ugly as war. But amidst this contradiction, it’s impossible not to be awed by the impressive vehicles that are scattered across the estate.

Firepower is just a fraction of what makes this historical gathering so special. It’s a celebration of the past, a tribute to the innovations that have shaped our world. As we explore the grounds, we’re transported back in time to an era when these machines ruled the land, sea, and sky. Trains, planes, and army tanks all have a place here, each symbolizing the ingenuity of the human spirit.

When it comes to the highlights of the festival, the trains truly steal the show. You won’t believe your eyes when you witness the incredible collection of working narrow-gauge locomotives at Sandstone. It’s the largest in the entire world!

I can’t even begin to describe it. There are a whopping 25 locomotives right here on site. And guess what? They all chug along on a railway that stretches over 25 kilometers, running through the estate and all the way to the Lesotho border. It’s truly a sight to behold.

Let me take you on a journey aboard the No. 16 train. We’ll depart from the Hoekfontein Station, with the engine letting out a loud, shrill whistle. As we begin our adventure, you’ll see clouds of soot trailing behind us. It’s like stepping back in time.

As we travel, something catches my eye. Above us, soaring through the sky, is a stunning de Havilland Tiger Moth. Its bright, button-yellow color stands out against the backdrop of the majestic Malotis mountains. And down below, driving alongside a maize field, is a charming VW Kübelwagen, adding to the picturesque scene.

Moolmanshoek is a magical place, filled with breathtaking natural wonders. One of its most remarkable features is the Berg bamboo, a unique species that can only be found in South Africa. This makes Moolmanshoek a South African Natural Heritage Site, undoubtedly deserving of its prestigious title. In fact, I’m fascinated by the beautiful bamboo, and I think you’ll be captivated by it too.

But let’s shift our focus to the present day. Our adventure takes us to Ficksburg, as we embark on a quest to find the finest cherries. Luckily, we stumble upon a valuable piece of information about the best cherry hotspot during harvest time. And, when I spot a charming dirt road along the way, curiosity takes over, and we decide to explore it.

This time, we venture north, tracing the western edge of the breathtaking Witteberge mountain range. Each kilometer reveals even more stunning vistas, leaving us in awe. And just when we least expect it, we stumble upon the majestic Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve.

As we step onto this enchanted land, we are greeted by a sight that can only be described as pure grandeur. Moolmanshoek is not only a stud farm, but also a regal country house that boasts vast lawns and elegant rooms. From these rooms, you can peer outside and witness a scene reminiscent of the Serengeti, with sprawling plains where magnificent eland, wildebeest, and oryx roam, graciously moving in the shadow of the mighty mountains. It truly is a sight to behold.

As we spend the night together and chat during dinner, we can’t help but notice that everything in the Free State is grandiose. “They don’t do small out here, hey,” my mom remarks. And she’s absolutely right. Whether it’s the majestic mountains or the impressive manufacturing industry, the Free State excels in everything it does. This makes the region truly remarkable and awe-inspiring.

Exploring the Eastern Free State

Welcome to Jenlee’s Country Shop and Bistro, where you’ll find a delightful abundance of charming trinkets, friendly farm animals, and beautiful fowls. Feel free to explore and immerse yourself in the picturesque scenes that await you.

Day 1: Journey from Joburg to Clarens

Get ready for an exciting 375-kilometer adventure that will take approximately four hours. Begin your journey by following the N3 out of Joburg. After around 90 minutes, you’ll reach the Engen at Villiers and Die Padstal (1). Keep going towards Harrismith, and from there, take the N5 west out of town. Soon after, make an immediate right turn onto the R74. This road will lead you to the breathtaking Golden Gate National Park. As you continue on the R712, you’ll eventually arrive in the charming town of Clarens. Don’t miss the Clarens Village Conservancy (2), conveniently located behind Aspen Guesthouse (3) at the end of Van Zyl Street. And while you’re in town, make sure to visit the popular Clarens Brewery (4) on Market Street East.

Day 2: From Clarens to Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve

Directions: I have a journey ahead of me today, 80 kilometers in total. It’s going to take about five hours to reach my destination. So here’s how I get there:

1. First, I need to take the R712 road towards Bethlehem. I’ll travel on this road for about 10 kilometers until I see a sign that says ‘Ash River Outfall’. That’s where I need to make a left turn. It’s important not to miss that sign!
2. After making the left turn, I’ll be backtracking a bit through Clarens and continuing on the R711 road towards Fouriesburg. Along the way, I’ll come across Jenlee’s Country Shop. It’s located right at the turn-off for Fouriesburg town. I can’t miss it!
3. Once I pass Jenlee’s Country Shop, I’ll keep going on the R711 road until I reach a T-junction. At that junction, I’ll make a left turn onto the R26 road towards Ficksburg. From here, it’s about 35 kilometers until I reach Ionia Cherry Farm. And a little further down the road, I’ll find Sandstone Estates.
4. Now, I have a choice. I can either continue towards Ficksburg and take the next right turn onto a gravel road. Or I can double back a bit and take the left turn onto the gravel S385 road at Generaalsnek. Either way, both roads will lead me to the same junction.
5. Finally, once I reach that junction, I just need to follow the signs that point north towards Moolmanshoek Private Nature Reserve. That’s where I’m headed today!

Day 3: Exploring Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve

Ah, the wonders of the Eastern Free State! Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious soul, this area has something for everyone. Let me be your guide as I take you through the best spots and hidden gems that make the Eastern Free State so special. So, let’s get started!

First, let’s talk about distances. It’s about 80 kilometers from Moolmanshoek, and you should allow yourself around 5 hours for the journey. Don’t worry, it’s worth it!

To begin your adventure, take the gravel road heading north from Moolmanshoek until you reach the tar R70. Once you’re there, take a right and drive past Rosendal, making your way into Senekal. From Senekal, keep following the R70 until you reach the R720. Take a right onto the R720, which will guide you towards Steynsrus. At Steynsrus, turn onto the R76, and follow it to Kroonstad. In Kroonstad, jump on the N1, and before you know it, you’ll be back in Joburg.

Now that the logistics are out of the way, let’s dive into the directory of the Eastern Free State. Here are some must-visit places that should definitely be on your radar:

1. Die Padstal: This quaint shop is located just outside Villiers and is worth a stop for its amazing biltong alone. Trust me, you’ll need some high-quality snacks like this to keep you going on your journey. The biltong here is priced at R290 per kilogram, and you can reach them at 0828593117.

2. Clarens Village Conservancy: Take a leisurely stroll beside a babbling brook or hike up the beautiful sandstone formation for a breathtaking view of Clarens. If you’re into mountain biking or fishing, you can get permits for R40 per person from the Protea Hotel in town. Give them a call at 0603071489.

3. Clarens Brewery: Beer lovers, rejoice! At Clarens Brewery, you can sample a variety of beers, ciders, and even gin. Order their free tasting tray, choose your favorite, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you sip your drink. And if you’re feeling peckish, you can grab a delicious lunch starting from R40. Contact them at 0829014700.

4. Aspen Guesthouse: Need a place to stay? Look no further. Aspen Guesthouse is on the edge of the Conservancy and offers beautifully themed rooms and a charming self-catering family cottage. Prices start from R450 per person sharing for bed and breakfast, and the cottage is available from R350 per person sharing (sleeps three). Call them at 0582561192.

5. Ash River Outfall: Take a short detour to witness the awe-inspiring sight of water gushing into South Africa from Lesotho through the remarkable Trans Caledon Tunnel.

6. Jenlee’s Country Shop and Bistro: This farmstall is a treasure trove of goodies. From local products to a petting zoo, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to check it out and say hello to the friendly farm animals. Give them a ring at 0845125030.

7. Ionia Cherry Farm: Plan your visit between October and November to experience their cherry tour (booking essential) for R185. If you can’t make it during that time, don’t worry. You can still taste their delicious cherry jams and liqueurs. And mark your calendar for Ionia’s Crop Celebration Festival in November 2017. For more details, call them at 0725853684.

8. Sandstone Estates: Vintage car enthusiasts, this one’s for you! Though you’ll have to wait until April 2019 for the Stars of Sandstone Festival, you can still explore their heritage site, which showcases an impressive collection of classic cars, armoured vehicles, and narrow-gauge locomotives. Keep in mind that advance bookings are essential for their tours, which start at R228 per person for four people or more. Contact them at 0716586970.

9. Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve: Last but certainly not least, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Witteberge at this stunning game reserve. There are endless activities to enjoy here, including a spectacular 4X4 trail, mountain biking, horse riding, hiking, and mouthwatering meals. Get ready for a truly unforgettable experience. Accommodations start from R1764 for two people sharing, with dinner, bed, and breakfast included. Reach out to them at 0519332220.

I hope this directory helps you make the most of your journey through the Eastern Free State. Enjoy all the wonders this region has to offer and create memories that will last a lifetime. Safe travels!

I’m excited to share with you this incredible road trip that was featured in the September issue of Getaway. If you’re looking for a great adventure, look no further!

In our September issue, you’ll find a collection of 11 stunning beach cottages, two different ways to experience the beautiful Klein Karoo region, a thrilling off-road journey through Namibia, a comprehensive guide to swimming in Greece, and so much more!