Exploring the Free State
The Free State Province in South Africa doesn’t often come to mind when considering
tourist attractions in South Africa. Located in the heart of the country, this area is home
to some of South Africa’s most productive farmland. Yet it boasts more than a few
picturesque attractions for travellers willing to take the time to explore.
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is the
jewel in the crown of Free State attractions.
Situated on the border of the tiny mountainous
kingdom of Lesotho, the park is best known for its
wind-sculpted and water-eroded sandstone bluffs
and cliffs.
Watching the sunset turning the cliffs of the Golden
Gate Highlands National Park a deep gold is just
one of the attractions of this destination. While the
park is not home to the ‘Big Five’, it does feature a vast variety of wildlife, and Free State
accommodation comes in the form of rustic but comfortable rest camps.
The Gariep Dam Nature Reserve
The Gariep Dam Nature Reserve is a popular destination for Free State travellers. This
nature reserve borders on the Gariep Dam, with this large body of water supporting lush
vegetation along with an assortment of bird and wildlife.
If you’re looking for comfortable, family-oriented Free State accommodation within close
proximity to the Gariep Dam Nature reserve, look no further than the neighbouring
Aventura Resort. This resort offers plenty of activities on the shores of the dam, as well
as a variety of fun water sports on the dam’s placid waters.
The Vredefort Dome
Take a trip back in time with a visit to the Free State’s main geological attraction, the
Vredefort Dome. This site is home to the world’s oldest known meteorite impact zone,
and sustained a significant impact from a massive meteor thousands of millions of years
ago. The gigantic meteor created a crater almost 300 kilometres in diameter, which
remains visible today as a hilly bluff, despite millions of years of erosion.
However, the area is not