Get some Free State inspiration

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

Driving through the Eastern Free State, it is easy to see why so many artists travel here for inspiration. The air smells different and the hilly landscape changes dramatically with the seasons. It won’t be long before you’re dreaming of a weekend house in Fouriesburg, Clarens or Verkykerskop!

Sure, we don’t all have a couple of million lying around for a holiday home, but luckily there are plenty of accommodation options in this beautiful area, such as Kiara Lodge about 15km east of Clarens along the R712 (towards Golden Gate Highlands National Park). We stayed in one of its self-catering units and enjoyed swimming in a rock pool and just gazing at the landscape, which is most beautiful in late summer when cosmos flowers turn the veld into a tapestry of pink, white and purple.

Everyone needs to visit this spot and experience our beautiful country!

Antoinette Schoeman, WELKOM