Thabo Mofutsanyana, Free State

Free State Tourist Attractions

Thabo Mofutsanyana, Free State

Thabo Mofutsanyana, the eastern Free State, is undoubtedly the core of the province, encapsulating the essence of its diversity. It is here that the Maluti Mountains meet those of the Drakensberg to form a rugged sandstone backdrop to an area that contains: charming towns, despite the distance between them that include Clarens; undulating hills, battle sites, first rate fly fishing, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, and the annual Ficksburg cherry festival.

Resting between the Orange River in the south and the Vaal River in the north, Thabo Mofutsanyana boasts a rugged and mountainous area in the east that is completely contrary to the Free State image of endless maize fields and dry, blue skies. These served the Basotho people (people of the peaks) who used the caves and slopes of the Maluti Mountains as hideaways and a means of defence in years gone by.

Thabo Mofutsanyana, Free State

The valleys, by contrast, are densely vegetated, through which hiking trails effortlessly provide one with breathtaking scenery, including the Korannaberg hiking Trail at Excelsior. The Golden Gate Highlands Park, the Free State’s only national park, lies in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains, close to Clarens. The Qwa-Qwa National Park, which merged with Golden Gate Highlands national park, includes the Basotho cultural village and other historical highlights such as the Van Reenen family graveyard.

Some twenty seven farms near Fouriesburg claim instances of Bushman rock art, Tweespruit boasts the Claerhout Art Gallery, Bethlehem, the commercial centre of Thabo Mofutsanyana is also home to the Wolhuterskop Nature Reserve, and November is the time to visit Ficksburg for the famous cherry festival. How much more persuasion does one need?

Thabo Mofutsanyana

Destinations / Town & Suburbs of Thabo Mofutsanyana

Bethlehem

Where to Stay: Accommodation in Bethlehem

This important farming and commercial centre lies on the Jordaan River in a rich wheat-producing region, also notable for wool and cattle farming. The Maluti Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop. Bethlehem was founded ... Bethlehem information

Clarens

Where to Stay: Accommodation in 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". Clarens is situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in ... Clarens information

Clocolan

Where to Stay: Accommodation in Clocolan

The town of Clocolan is situated along the R26 about 34 kilometres from Ficksburg in the North-east and 37 kilometres from Ladybrand to the South. Clocolan is perched on grassland at the foot of the Hlohlowane Mountain ... Clocolan information

Ficksburg

Where to Stay: Accommodation in Ficksburg

Ficksburg is situated in the Eastern Free State between the Maluti Mountains. Ficksburg is the closest town to the Lesotho border. This small village is not only a busy trading town - but is well known for it's scenic ... Ficksburg information

Fouriesburg

Where to Stay: Accommodation in Fouriesburg

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 ... Fouriesburg information

Harrismith

Where to Stay: Accommodation in Harrismith

A rather charming example of a typical Free State town, Harrismith is probably best known by South Africans as the ‘halfway house’ - half way, that is, between Durban and Johannesburg. For years it has served as the ... Harrismith information

Ladybrand

Where to Stay: Thabo Mofutsanyana Accommodation

Sheltered by the sandstone Platberg ridge, Ladybrand is an important administrative and agricultural centre in the wheat and sunflower belt. Several stately sandstone buildings can be explored. The Catharina Brand ... Ladybrand information

Rosendal

Where to Stay: Rosendal Accommodation

The little farming town of Rosendal lies 43 kilometres north of Ficksburg in a valley surrounded by the Witteberge - part of the Drakensberg range of mountains. It used to be that Rosendal was little more than a ... Rosendal information

Van Reenen

Where to Stay: Accommodation in Van Reenen

Van Reenen’s Pass, a sweeping pass renowned for its slippery and precarious roads (particularly as a result of the frequent misty conditions), and some of the most gorgeous views, is the main route through the ... Van Reenen information

Thabo Mofutsanyana

"Must See" Attractions in Thabo Mofutsanyana

Basotho Cultural Village

A visit to the Basotho Cultural Village which nestles at the foot of huge sandstone mountains, will give you a deeper insight into the lifestyle of the South Sotho from the 16th century to the picturesque present. On arrival, a friendly receptionist will show you an introductory video which illustrates ... more information

Bethlehem Golf Course

The Bethlehem Golf Course is a Par 71 (W69), 18 hole golf course located in the lovely town of Bethlehem in the Free State. Facilities at Bethlehem Golf Club include a pro shop and driving range. Visitors are always welcome. To reach the Bethlehem golf course from ... more information

Clarens Golf Course

The par 71 golf course, designed and constructed by Golf Data, is bound to excite every level of golfer. All 18 holes meander along and across the tranquil river and its splendid series of dams and cascading waterfalls. The manicured Kikuyu fairways and Bent Grass Greens are framed by ... more information

Golden Gate National Park

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of 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 ... more information

Harrismith Golf Course

The Par 72, 18 hole Harrismith course was designed in 1887 and is apparantly the third oldest golf course in South Africa. Open every day of the year, visitors are always welcome at Harrismith Golf Club. Facilities at the Golf Club include a bar, halfway house, board room, function facilities and golf carts ... more information

Mount Everest Game Reserve

The privately owned Mount Everest Game Reserve is set in a particularly scenic part of the Free State close to the town of Harrismith and, despite its smallness, gives one access to Mount Everest (as well as the 'I've climbed Mt. Everest' t-shirt to prove it). That's not the Mount Everest, also known as Sagarmatha ... more information

Sterkfontein Dam Reserve

Rugged, steep krantzes silhouetted against the skyline, mountain slopes snugly covered with a grass blanket, deep lushly vegetated kloofs and a crystal-clear lake are facets of the beauty of the Sterkfontein Dam Reserve which covers 18000 Ha. Oribi, Mountain Reedbuck and Grey Rhebuck inhabit the Sterkfontein ... more information

Thabo Mofutsanyana

Featured Things To Do in Thabo Mofutsanyana

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Thabo Mofutsanyana

Holiday Accommodation in Thabo Mofutsanyana

For accommodation in Thabo Mofutsanyana see:
• Bethlehem Accommodation • Clarens Accommodation • Clocolan Accommodation
• Ficksburg Accommodation • Fouriesburg Accommodation • Harrismith Accommodation
• Van Reenen Accommodation

Or to see all accommodation in this region at once, visit Thabo Mofutsanyana Accommodation.

"The Free State landscape gladdens my heart, no matter what my mood. When I am here I feel that nothing can shut me in, that my thoughts can roam as far as the horizons" - Nelson Mandela.