The Free State offers the traveler many dams and nature reserves, as well as interesting historical monuments and museums for those interested in discovering and learning more about the Anglo Boer War, as well as the former South African presidency.
Golden Gate Highlands, one of South Africa’s many national parks, is a worthwhile attraction and offers unspoilt natural beauty. Located at the base of the Maluti Mountains, the Golden Gate itself is made up of two huge 76-meter-high reddish rocks.
The 10,000 hectare reserve abounds with bird life and game from the plains and with its hiking trails, mountain streams and waterfalls makes it a spectacular destination for both holidays and honeymoon trips in South Africa.
Mpumalanga – ‘the escarpment’ The Lowveld Drakensberg escarpment offers a 70 km circular route from Graskop, via Pilgrims Rest, through plantations of London and Blyde Nature Reserves to Pinnacle Nature Reserve.
Many waterfalls can be seen on this route, the most worthwhile being Gods Window, which (in good weather) allows you to see the Lowveld 1000m below, giving you stunning views of the rocky escarpment. Once a bustling mining town and now a museum of the past, Pilgrims Rest is a must-see.
Coming from Lydenberg, the small town of Sabi can be visited via the Long Tom Pass, a gentle reminder of the hardships of yesteryear.
This was the ‘hawepad’ harbor road used by traders between Lydenberg and Delagoa Bay. Seeing the splendid scenery, one can only marvel at the toughness of driving a cart through this terrain. Closing your eyes, you can almost hear the echo of the battlefields and war cries, as memories of Lydenberg’s capture in 1900 in the Anglo-Boer War linger in the history of this area.
Botanical gardens, nature reserves and splendid waterfalls are part of this scenic area, stop for a picnic and take in all its wonders and truly know that South Africans are blessed with a land that speaks and whispers beauty and possibilities. .
There are plenty of places, from private resorts to opulent luxury Game Lodges to choose from, too many to mention at this time, but consider them for the start of your life of discovery together.