The Basotho Cultural Village in the QwaQwa National Park is a living museum where visitors can witness the Sotho traditions and lifestyles in the chief's kraal. The period 1999 - 2002 sees the commemoration of the Anglo-Boer/South African War that took place from 1899 - 1902. The National Women's Memorial and War Museum in Bloemfontein, as well as places of interest all over the Free State, are worth a visit for people interested in the War. These include: Onze Rust, farm of former President of the Orange Free State, MT Steyn. Brandfort, where a monument for black people who died in concentration camps was erected. Battle sites at Sannaspos and Paardeberg as well as various others throughout the province.
Clocolan is known for its cherry trees, whose blossoms provide a spectacular sight in spring. San rock paintings and engravings are found in the area.
Clarens is often described as 'the jewel of the Free State', owing to the spectacular scenery. San paintings are found on farms in the area. Close by, the Highlands Route meanders along the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. Ficksburg is known for its cherry and asparagus farms. A cherry festival is held annually in November. The town is a gateway to the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is known for its beautiful scenery and is a very popular holiday destination. A vulture restaurant enables visitors to observe these scavengers closely. San paintings can be viewed.
Ladybrand is a small agricultural town in the Free State province of South Africa, situated 18 km from Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. Founded in 1867 following the Basotho Wars, it was named after Lady Catharine Brand, the mother of the speaker of the Cape Province legislative assembly, Sir Christoffel Brand. The settlement of Ladybrand was created by Voortrekkers to give them control over the territories conquered and captured after the above mentioned Basotho war. In 1900, during the Second Anglo-Boer War, Ladybrand came under the control of the British.
The pretty town of Clocolan is situated in the Eastern Free State on the grasslands between Ficksburg and Ladybrand.
The town of Clocolan first began to be inhabited by white settlers in the 1850's. The name Clocolan is thought be a derivative of Hlohlowane, as these white settlers were unable to pronounce the Sesotho word properly! Officially laid out in 1906, the town of Clocolan is today still an important farming area specialising in wheat, maize and dairy.
The Ficksburg area was subject to the usual internal bickering between the native tribes of the Caledon Valley and white settlers were warned to keep gunpowder, a rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition handy for immediate use. Another condition was that the settler’s homestead had to be erected within six months and have a strong surrounding wall in case of attack.
The remains of some of these walls can still be seen today. After the final frontier war with the Basotho tribe in 1867, Ficksburg became one of the Free State strong points and lies at the foot of the Mpharane Mountain on the banks of the Caledon River. Up in the hills are numerous caves with lovely examples of San rock art.
The town was proclaimed in 1892, deriving its name from the fact that so many Fouries lived in the area. Fouriesburg was proclaimed Capital of the Free State during the Anglo-Boer war, after the Government moved from Bloemfontein and Bethlehem was occupied by Lord Roberts. The proclaimation printed on a field press in Snymanshoek, was never rescinded.
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.
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". All year round, but especially in autumn when the leaves turn to gold, the scenery, is a magnet for artists and photographers.
Several local artists have opened their studios to the public. Art galleries, a lovely church and a museum are well worth a visit. More than 50.000 beer bottles were used to build the tiny "Cinderella Castle" in Naupoort Street. Bushman (San) paintings are found on farms in the vicinity.
Bethlehem, which was founded in 1864 on the farm Pretoriuskloof, is strategically situated in the heart of the picturesque north-eastern Free State. Its name, which in Hebrew means "House of Bread" is most appropriate as it relates to the fertile agricultural soil so distinctive of the area which produces 65% of the country's wheat crop.
Harrismith is situated in the eastern Free State at the foot of the Platberg mountain. The town was established in 1849 on the banks of the Wilge River.
The town was named after Sir Harry Smith, then governor of the area today known as the Free State. 42nd Hill got its name because of the 42nd regiment of the "First Black Watch" which camped at the foot of the dill during the English occupation of Harrismith in August 1900. The town is situated at the intersection of two major traffic routes from Gauteng and Bethlehem to KwaZulu Natal.
Harrismith has a variety of tourist attractions, such as the Drakensberg Botanical Garden, Sterkfontein Nature Reserve and the Mount Everest Resort. This is an ideal stopover on the way to Durban.
