Local
Council
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General
Info
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Visitors
Info
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Visitors Introduction
On
this page --> Welcome - Bethlehem
- Clarens - Fouriesburg
- Paul Roux - Rosendal
Welcome
to the Eastern Free State
As
you explore this region of scenic tapestries, which change dramatically
with each season, the beauty and tranquility that surrounds you is
palpable and almost overwhelming.
Majestic
mountains with sandstone cliffs, fertile valleys of crops that stretch
as far as the eye can see, fields of Cosmos and the golden yellow hues
of Sunflowers, are just a few of the enchanting sights that are waiting
to greet you, but there is so much more....
Battle
sites and memorials left over from bygone wars, ancient fossil
footprints from a prehistoric era, a wealth of art and craft and the
renowned Golden Gate National Park make the Eastern Free State an
exceptional destination to explore.
The
Eastern Free State is home to the peaceful and music loving Basotho
people who have lived here close to nature for generations. They have a
deep appreciation for the environment and take the distinctive shape of
their traditional headgear from the nearby hills.
A
unique and distinctive feature of each town is the sandstone churches,
which have been beautifully crafted from hand hewn blocks taken from the
nearby cliffs.
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Bethlehem
Bethlehem
is situated on the N5 route between Bloemfontein and Durban, and is the
principle town of the Eastern Free State.
Set
amidst magnificent scenery Bethlehem was founded in 1864 on the farm
Pretoriuskloof.
Its
Biblical name means "House of Bread", which is most
appropriate as Bethlehem forms the centre of a fertile wheat-growing
region. Agriculture plays a vital role in the economy of the area and
the main centre for wheat research in the country is situated 10km north
of the town.
Other
crops include maize, asparagus, yellow peaches and apples.
The
town is an interesting mix of old and new. Early settlers hewed the
warm-coloured local sandstone from nearby cliffs to create a proud
legacy of fine buildings, many of which are proclaimed monuments like
the Dutch Reformed Mother Church, Strapp Building, Town Hall I Civic
Centre & St Augustine's Anglican Church.
Browse
in up market boutiques or gift and craft shops with a more local flavour.
Mealtimes
in Bethlehem are a treat with a choice of excellent restaurants
and coffee shops.
Accommodation
available includes numerous luxurious Bed & Breakfast facilities,
self-catering units, chalets and hotels.
Be
sure to visit the Nazareth Mission Church Museum where delicate
costumes, porcelain, well-worn leather and wood and antiquated kitchen
utensils and farming implements are patiently waiting to be used.
The
beauty found in the wealth from the past is continued and reflected in
the well-tended parks and gardens with a mild climate, invigorating air
and the flourishing of art and music.
The
Jordan River meanders right through the town where Pretoriuskloof Nature
Reserve offers lovely walks alongside the river banks amidst Willow
trees and towering krantzes.
The
Wolhuterskop Game and Nature Reserve is on the outskirts of town where
an abundance of wildlife grazes on the rolling hills and under the shady
pine trees.
Whether
you are game viewing by car or following the hiking trail (with a stay
in an overnight hut), you will see large numbers of zebras,
rooihartebees, eland, springbuck. impala, black wildebees and many other
antelope species. Game viewing on horseback is an added attraction.
Hunting
packages are available during the open season for details contact the
Parks and Recreation Department at 058 303 5732 x 2269.
A
variety of water sports can be enjoyed on any one of the four dams
situated in the vicinity of Bethlehem.
The
National Hot Air Balloon Championship and Air Show takes place during
late May/June and the Maluti Classic Cycle Tour during
October
Photos - House of Graphics
Hot
Air Balloon Info (PDF 829kb)
Information
office contact details
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Clarens
Nestled
in the majestic Maluti Mountains you will find the "jewel of the
Free State", Clarens.
Clarens
and the surrounding valley boasts a range of activities for everybody
from abseiling and white water rafting to just sitting and enjoying a
hearty meal or a refreshing sundowner in one of the towns cozy and
diverse restaurants and pubs. With fly-fishing becoming an ever popular
sport worldwide; Clarens can claim fame to some of the best still waters
and small streams in the Country.
Most
of the fishing is controlled and managed by the River Rangers, who are
available as guides on the various waters.
For
the fun seeking, adventurous types, Clarens offers some of the most
challenging 4x4 routes, existing quad biking, horse riding, clay pigeon
shooting, archery, mountain biking, abseiling, golf, squash, tennis,
bowls and fly fishing.
With
18 art galleries in town the art lover is certainly guaranteed to find
what they are looking for whether it be pastels, watercolors or oils.
Information
office contact details
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Fouriesburg
Founded
in 1892 and situated on the R26 Fouriesburg was named after a local
farmer Christoffel Fourie, and was one of the strongholds of the Boer
forces during the Anglo Boer War.
Surrender Hill is a memorial to fallen British soldiers & Boers.
Four thousand Boers surrendered here and the majority was sent to India
as prisoners of war.
Visit
the sandstone church, the blockhouse (only 2 of it's type in the
country) & museum, where former commandos camped Pres Steyn House
-the lowly dwelling of the former Free State President.
The
Fouriesburg Country Inn is steeped in history and the facades are taken
from historical railway buildings. The underground wine cellar is also
an unique feature.
Meiringskloof, a picturesque reserve, includes the 5 day Brandwater
Hiking Trail and a cave where women took refuge during the Anglo Boer
war.
The
largest sandstone overhang in the southern hemisphere, Salpeterkrans, is
still used for ancestral worship by local tribes.
Don't
miss the Fouriesburg Carnival, the Surrender Hill - marathon - qualifier
for the comrades & cycle race, the ultimate trainer for the Argus
which all take place on the last Saturday in February.
One
visit is not enough to take in the magnificent scenery and Fouriesburg
will always lure you back.
The Caledonspoort border post to Lesotho is 12km away for easy access to
the ski resort.
ANNUAL
EVENTS
SURRENDER
HILL MARATHON
This
is a qualifying race for Two Oceans and Comrades. It takes place every
year, the last Saturday in February. Bruce Fordyce & Frith vd Merwe
are regular participants,. Contact Bethlehem Marathon Club. There is a
new Chair Person every year.
HUNT
CLUB
This takes place in March. It is an event where the skills of man, horse
and hound are combined.
Contact Margie: 011 - 804 1614
ASPARAGUS
FESTIVAL
The last weekend in September. For more information:
Contact Jaco Venter: 082 560 2957
CHERRY
FESTIVAL
Although this is held in Ficksburg, the event draws a lot of people in
the area.
Contact: Johan du Toit: 082 823 0215
Information
office contact details
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Paul
Roux
Situated
on the N5, between Bethlehem and Senekal. Rev Paul Roux founded the town
with its sandstone buildings in 1909.
There
are caves in the area which gave woman and children shelter during the
Anglo-Boer war.
There
are also ruins of historical rectangular houses which were mud plastered
to be seen.
Historic
dinosaur footprints can be found on a nearby farm.
The
Holhoek Hiking trail can be found 17km from this little Eastern Free
State town. Turn east and follow the gravel road, do not complain, open
your heart and let the untouched beauty flow through you and just
continue until you reach an unusual gate with a round hole in the stone
wall HOLHOEK home to caves which were inhabited at some stage by Iron
Age farmers.
There
are two huts built against the back wall under the low overhang of the
roof , which are close on 200 hundred years old.
Holhoek
is the is first and thus far the only hiking trail for the disabled -
wheel chair access right to the mountain top.
Bushman
rock paintings of the ancient "San" peoples most sacred
animal, the eland can also be seen (they believed that the eland had
supernatural powers which would help them survive).
Information
office contact details
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Rosendal
Rosendal
is a small picturesque town in the Eastern Free State. It is situated in
a valley surrounded by the Witteberge that forms part of the Drakensberg
range. The area is on average 2408m above sea level. Winters are
bitterly cold with severe frost and occasional snowfalls. Summers are
mild and cool with temperatures rarely above 30oC. Summer
rainfall are normally high, and showers also occur during the winter
months. The area are known for heavy rainfall, windy conditions, hail
storms and fog.
The
mountains add to the natural beauty of the area. Quite a few peaks can
be seen from town, “Swartkrans” is the third highest peak in the
Free State. The mountains were formed 2 million years ago with lava
being deposited over the Tafelberg sandstone deposit. The lava is up to
500m thick in places. The lava is deposited in layers – evidence of
eruptions taking place periodically. Rooikraans is an example of red
Molento sandstone in the Tafelberg deposit. The deposits consist mainly
of dolerites. The geological beauty of the mountains is one of the main
attractions of this area.
Green
willows line fast flowing creeks, some up to 17m deep, add to the
natural beauty. A large number of species of trees, shrubs, succulents,
wild flowers and grasses grow in the fertile soil. Quite a few species
of bird frequent the area including Vultures and Blue Cranes.
The
town and area have a number of historical sandstone buildings that are really worth a visit. Art, hiking, adventure sport, horseriding and
visits to interesting farming industries are just some of the things
Rosendal offers. See
Basotho women, absorbed in their weaving, at one of the self-help
community projects or picnic at one of the spots available and just
enjoy the pristine fresh air and magnificent surrounds. For more info
please visit the “What to see and do” section.
Property
at reasonable prices are still available here.
Information
office contact details
Return
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information
obtained from the "Eastern Free State Explorer" available from
most info offices in the region.
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