The Free state offers the traveller many dams and nature reserves as well as interesting historical memorials and museums for those interested in discovering and learning more about the Anglo Boer War as well as the old presidency of South Africa.
The Golden Gate Highlands, one of South Africa’s many National parks is a worth-while attraction offering unspoiled natural beauty. Situated at the base of the Maluti Mountains the Golden Gate itself is formed by two massive, russet-burnished rocks 76 meters in height.
The 10,000-hectare reserve abounds with plains game and bird life and with its hiking trails, mountain streams and waterfalls makes it a spectacular destination for both holiday and honeymoon travel in South Africa.
Mpumalanga – ‘the escarpment’ The Lowveld Drakensberg escarpment offers a 70 km circular route from Graskop, through Pilgrims rest, through the plantations of the London and Blyde Nature reserves to the Pinnacle Nature Reserve.
Many waterfalls can be seen on this route the most worthwhile being Gods Window, which (in good weather) allows you views of the Lowveld 1000m below as well as offering you breathtaking sights of the rocky escarpment. Pilgrims Rest a once bustling mining village and now a museum of the past is a must.
Coming in from Lydenberg one can visit the little town of Sabi via the Long Tom pass, a gentle reminder of the hard-ships of yesteryear.
This was the ‘hawepad’ harbour road used by traders between Lydenberg and Delagoa Bay. Viewing the splendid scenery one can only marvel at the endurance of taking a wagon across this terrain. Closing your eyes you can almost hear the echo of battlefields and war cries as the memories of the capture of Lydenberg in 1900’s in the Anglo-Boer war remain reminiscent in the history of this area.
Botanical gardens, nature reserves and splendid waterfalls are all part of this scenic area, stop for a picnic and take in all of its wonders and truly know that South Africans have been blessed with a land that speaks and whispers of beauty and possibility.
There are many venues from private resorts to Game Lodges with opulent luxury to choose from, too many to mention this time, but consider them for the start of your life of discovery together.