Fouriesburg, Thabo Mofutsanyana

Surrounded by the glorious Maluti Mountains, the little town of Fouriesburg lies just 10 kilometres from the Lesotho Border in arguably one of the most beautiful corners of South Africa; the ‘little Caledon’ River flowing gently past the town and close to a number of well-known hiking trails.

Touted as a typical eastern Free State town with its rolling hills and wide open plains, nestled in amongst sandstone mountains, and enough sunshine days to make the most hardened traveller envious, Fouriesburg lies in the Brandwater Basin, formed by the Witteberge to the west and the Rooiberge in the north. The little sandstone church in town was built in 1893 and this historic building, together with the blockhouse and the President Steyn House, make a visit well worth the effort.

Just a few kilometres away is the charming little village of Clarens just outside the Golden Gate National Park. Clarens, richly endowed with trees, is much sought after by artists and those in retirement who have moved here to settle, and the town is much visited by people from all over the country and further afield.

The Boesmanskrans hiking trail is one of several incredibly beautiful trails in and around Fouriesburg. Even in winter this hike takes in a surprising amount of greenery and offers two one-day hiking trails. Meiringskloof is a beautiful little nature reserve quite close to Fourisburg that is well worth a visit. It not only has some pretty little picnic spots, but is also the departure point for the Brandwater Hiking trail.