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THE FREE STATE, SOUTH AFRICA
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  "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
With its wealth of historical and cultural attractions and excellent facilities, Bloemfontein
is the ideal place to start a tour of the Free State. North of
Winburg, the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve is the Free State's major provincial
reserve, offering a wealth of wildlife, excellent fishing conditions, and a wide range of sports facilities.
Kroonstad
has all you need for a relaxing break, including an excellent holiday resort. Loch
Athlone, one of the major attractions of Bethlehem, is a magnet for anglers and those who
enjoy pottering around in boats. No visit to the Free State is complete without following
the renowned Highlands Route.
Starting at Harrismith and ending at Zastron, the route is particularly notable
for the Golden
Gate National Park, beautiful mountain scenery and charming country towns. In the
south-west, the Gariep Dam resort offers an extensive range of leisure activities
including water sports, tennis, bowling, horse-riding, golf and 13 nature reserves. |
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| Northern Region - Riemland And
Central Free State |
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 Situated in a region of undulating hills in the Free
State, the Riemland is blessed with fertile soil and good rainfall, creating excellent
conditions for maize, wheat, sunflowers and cattle and game farming. Many farmers
throughout the region open their doors to visitors, providing excellent opportunities to
enjoy their friendly hospitality and experience the daily routine of a Free State farm.
One of South Africa's major rivers, the Vaal, flows through a green and fertile valley
lined with willow trees. Holiday-makers converge on the attractive resorts nestling near
the dams on the river - especially popular among anglers, yachtsmen and other water sports
enthusiasts. Fun-lovers flaunting tans adorn the river banks, and when the sun goes down,
fine wines and gourmet cuisine are served in plush hotels.
The Central Free State is often referred to as "The Golden Country". Fields of
corn and golden sunflowers embellish the landscape, and the gold deposits beneath the
ground are a source of great wealth. One third of the country's gold is produced in the
region where modern towns with shopping centres, hotels, restaurants, parks and sports
facilities have mushroomed. A wide variety, of good facilities and entertainment options
are offered in the larger centres such as Welkom, Kroonstad and Virginia.
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| Southern Region - Transgariep
and Eastern Highlands |
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 South Africa's largest river, the Orange, rises in Lesotho's Maluti Mountains
in the Free State and forms the southern boundary of the Free State before winding its way
to the Atlantic Ocean. To the Khoikhoi people, the Orange was known as Gariep (river), and
for this reason, the Voortrekkers who settled in the region north of the river called it
the Transgariep.
Increasingly popular among holiday-makers, the river is also the site of one of the
country's most astounding engineering feats, the Gariep Dam.
This enormous inland sea and the attractive resort on its banks provide a relaxing
interlude for travellers, especially for those who enjoy swimming, water-skiing, fishing
and yachting. Those in the know claim that paddling a canoe down the long, lazy flow of
the river is the ultimate adventure.
Pride and joy of the Free State, the eastern highlands are a delight throughout the year.
In spring, the cool, sparkling air is filled with fragrance. Summer is a time of ripening
harvests and the pleasures of the great outdoors. Autumn turns the leaves to gold, and
snow shrouds the mountains in winter. The fishing is great. The mountains invite you to
climb. The wildlife waits to be captured by your camera, and the golf courses are groomed
for your pleasure. |
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| "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 |
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| Car
Hire South Africa: Hire from international and local companies, which offer a wide
range of cars, from budget to luxury. For the best deals we recommend you book your car
before travelling. |
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