When thinking about destinations in South Africa to while away holiday hours on road trips or adventures, many possible locations come to most minds before that of the Free State.
The Eastern Free State, however, is getting richer in attractions every year, and amongst the various game farms, 4×4 trails, hiking excursions and adventure activities popping up in this area, the Leisure Wheels team have spotted a new meander.
We also drive the H5 4×2 m/t, which you’ll be able to read about in our March issue.
If you’ve done the Midlands Meander to death and the West Coast is too far, the Eastern Free State offers a lot more than many realise. Uncharacteristically not flat, this area is especially good to photographers, with the Drakensberg range, Rooiberg range and Maloti range all converging in one small geographical area to frame the landscape into seemingly unreal shapes.
Not only are there amazing photo opportunities, but the driving roads – if you know where to go and what to avoid – are wonderful. Both off-road and on-road drivers will find bits of joy on this route, although the scenery is very likely to cause holiday goers to slow down and rather enjoy the view.
Along the way, activities range from hiking up some incredibly special and unspoilt paths to some of the best white water rafting you’ll find in SA. For those not keen on getting their gumboots stuck into the mud whilst milking cows outside Fouriesburg, then the shopping mecca of Clarens and the emerging souvenir collector’s dream can keep one busy for days. If not for shopping, Clarens is worth a stop for the locally brewed beer.
But, if the choices of destinations, activities, shops and photo spots are too overwhelming, grab hold of our March issue. The Leisure Wheels team have tasted, driven, walked, photographed and documented the route, and offer a choice of must-see attractions along this very special and largely undiscovered route.
If you thought Clarens is the only destination worth the drive to the Free State, think again!