Off the beaten track

FREE STATE: THE HIDDEN TOURIST GEM

Tourism Month aims to inspire South Africans to engage in domestic travel.

The Free State proves to be one of South Africa’s hidden tourism gems. It’s like that favourite brunch spot or coffee shop you discovered and didn’t share with anyone because you were afraid it would ruin your experience. It’s that place where you take time off, gather your thoughts and lose yourself in the pleasure of rejuvenation. In short, it’s your best kept secret.

With other tourist destinations, such as the Western Cape or KwaZulu-Natal, you could almost predict your itinerary: you’d probably visit the iconic Table Mountain if you’re in Cape Town or would end up bungee jumping at Moses Mabida stadium in Durban if you’re an adrenalin junkie in KZN – but the Free State is quite the opposite.

The province, which is just over 300km south of Johannesburg, has adopted the personality of its locals. It’s quaint, simple and unassuming – quite the contrary to the diversity it has to offer to its visitors.

The province lies in the heart of South Africa and stretches along the Maluti mountains with its breathtaking views for visitors staying close to the border. For those staying inland, the cool, clear breeze is enough to take your breath away.

This unassuming province offers a variety of tourist attractions – a bit of everything for the average tourist.

From heritage sites that have rich cultural and historical importance, to adrenalin-pumping adventure activities on the Vaal River, this friendly province truly has something for everyone.

According to South African Tourism, the province is one of the six lesser visited provinces in the country each year, with the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng being the main tourist attractions in South Africa for both domestic and international travel.

With the aim to bring tourism awareness to lesser visited destinations, SA Tourism hosted the launch of Tourism Month in the Free State.

With the theme #TourismForAll, the agency aims to promote universal accessibility – tourism that caters to all South Africans regardless of background or financial standing, and aims to inspire South Africans to be involved in domestic travel. Speaking at the launch of Tourism Month, Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom said the #TourismForAll campaign is focused on encouraging South Africans to engage in domestic travel and to explore and experience the beauty of our country. “Tourism Month gives us the opportunity to focus our efforts on domestic tourism in particular, using the period as an opportunity to encourage all South Africans to get out and explore this unique, beautiful and diverse country,” said Hanekom. “We are driving the message that regardless of who you are, where you come from, or your physical or financial status – tourism is something open to be enjoyed by everyone.

“All South Africans deserve to experience the country and have access to important sites that commemorate and celebrate our heritage and diverse cultures” he said.

“The growth of domestic tourism depends on our ability to make our tourist attractions and facilities accessible and affordable for more of our people, and to im-

All South Africans deserve to experience the wonderful country we live in and have access to important sites that celebrate our heritage and diverse cultures.

Derek Hanekom Minister of Tourism

prove our communication of the joy and value that travel brings.

“Let us continue working together and, with the industry, ensure that travel is affordable and accessible so that our people can take leisure breaks whenever they feel like it throughout the year,” said Hanekom.

With South Africa being home to some of the world’s most diverse tourism offerings, there is no reason why a beautiful province such as the Free State is not a popular tourist destination.

Here’s a snippet of the diversity the Free State has to offer:

1.

Go ra ing on the Vaal River

This adventure activity is great for thrill-seekers who are addicted to watersport adventures. It’s a great tag team activity that not only tests your upper body strength and fitness levels but also your levels of team work and communication. When done right, river rafting on the Vaal River can be quite thrilling and therapeutic. One of the river rafting facilities in the Free State is Real Adventures, located in the small town of Parys. As the name suggests, the adventure centre offers real adrenalin pumping adventures for anyone looking to get out of their comfort zone and try their hand at adventure sports. Real Adventures‘ river rafting experience departs from the Vaal River’s shoreline in Parys, with experienced tour guides to lead you along the stream. When the stream is low and the tides are just perfect for beginners to try their hand at rafting, it can be an unforgettable experience – plus, you’re guaranteed to get wet.

2. Stay at Sunwa River Lodge

Sunwa River Lodge is the ideal picture of what a break away from the city can be. Also located 10km outside Parys and 120km south of Johannesburg, the serene lodge is on the banks of the Vaal River. It overlooks river streams, with majestic hills forming part of its awe-inspiring surroundings. It’s the perfect combination of wildlife and tranquillity, with just the right amount of wilderness and calm. However, it is noteworthy that Sunwa River Lodge visitors are requested to sign indemnity forms when they check in – and at the sight of a monkey pouncing and jumping about, sometimes even on your doorstep, that indemnity form makes a whole lot of sense. A quirky feature of this accommodation destination is its small and quaint cottage compounds. The cottages are a little cramped and compact but for those who are keen for something different, “cramped” and “compact” can be replaced with “cosy” and “intimate”. Sunwa River Lodge is a great family getaway spot on a nice and interesting location.

3. Visit Golden Gate Highlands National Park

The Maluti Mountains close to the Lesotho border make for one of South Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. Found in the small town of Clarens, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is nestled in the foothills of the mountains with 11 600 hectares of jaw-dropping natural beauty and breathtaking scenery. Characterised by its “gold” sandstone cliffs, the national park is home to a number of wildlife, such as the springbok, eland, and black wildebeest. It’s large surface area and immense landscape has made the national park the host of many outdoor activities. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can venture on the 31km Rhebok hiking trail over two days in this mountainous terrain. Or if you’re looking for an educational and cultural experience with historic importance, you can visit the Basotho Cultural Village. Other activities at the national park include flyfishing, horse riding, mountain biking or game drives. Clarens also has a great and diverse offering of activities as a break away from the park – although, it’s almost guaranteed that you would want to spend all your time at Golden Gate.

4.

Visit one of Free State’s big dams

With the Free State province boasting South Africa’s two biggest rivers – the Vaal River and Orange River – the province has a great offering of watersport activities in its popular dams. Some of the dams worth visiting include the Vaal Dam and Gariep Dam. Situated on the border of Gauteng and the Free State, the Vaal Dam lies in the Vaal River with a surface area of 320km2. The dam is popular for its watersport activities and relaxing boat cruises. Gariep Dam, on the other hand, borders the Free State and Eastern Cape provinces. The dam lies in the Orange River and boasts a surface area of 374km2. Gariep Dam is a popular attraction for boat lovers and fishing enthusiasts.