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South Africa
FREE STATE HIGHLANDS: GOLDEN SANDSTONE TO ANCIENT CRATERS
Admire Golden Gate's cliffs ablaze at sunset, discover an asteroid crater and watch cheetahs in their natural habitat. Free State will seduce you.
≈ 12
Days
1400
Km
10
Stops
Watch sun set fire to Golden Gate's cliffs, then wander through Clarens, art village nestled beneath foothills. Approach Vredefort crater, scar of ancient impact, observe cheetahs in sanctuaries, and discover a discreet Free State, luminous and magnificently open.
- Golden Gate: sandstone cliffs, sunset fire
- Clarens: art village, mountain charm
- Vredefort: asteroid crater, ancient impact
- Highland Meander: cherry blossoms, trout streams
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
Discover
1
Explore the Vaal Prive Holiday Resort in nearby Dewetsdorp, the ideal escape from city life situated on the banks of the Vaal Dam. This versatile resort offers water skiing, fishing, kayaking, bird watching, and diving in the dam's clear waters. On-site amenities include swimming pools, trampolines, table tennis, hot tubs, and a well-equipped gym for guests seeking active relaxation.
2
Visit the Dell Cheetah Centre just outside Parys, a breeding facility that raises cheetahs before releasing them into their natural habitats. Currently home to 11 cheetahs, the centre offers intimate encounters with these magnificent speedsters. Additional wildlife including wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, springbok, kudu, impala, and antelope roam the surrounding property.
Activities
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Discover the charming town of Parys, known for its arts, crafts, and antique shops clustered around the main street. The town's position on the Vaal River and within the Vredefort Dome impact structure creates a unique setting for exploration. Numerous adventure operators offer activities from quad biking to scenic flights over the ancient crater.
Next stop
Distance:
85 km
Travel time:
1h10
2
Day
Discover
1
Discover the Vredefort Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized as the oldest and largest verified meteorite impact site on Earth. Approximately 2 billion years ago, an asteroid estimated at 10-15 kilometers wide struck here, creating a crater originally 300 kilometers in diameter-visible today as a ring of hills 90 kilometers across. This cataclysmic event shaped geological features still studied by scientists worldwide.
2
Explore the dramatic landscapes created by this ancient impact, where exposed rock layers reveal billions of years of Earth's history. The uplifted central dome and surrounding rim provide a geological classroom unlike any other on the planet. The Vaal River flows through the impact site, adding scenic beauty to scientific significance.
Activities
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Experience adventure activities throughout the Vredefort Dome area, from hiking and river rafting to abseiling down dramatic cliffs shaped by the ancient impact. Horse riding and canoeing along the Vaal River offer gentler ways to explore, while camping under star-filled skies connects visitors with the cosmic forces that created this remarkable landscape.
Next stop
Distance:
25 km
Travel time:
25min
3
Day
Discover
1
Explore Willem Pretorius Game Reserve near the small Free State town of Ventersburg, where visitors can witness the world's largest herds of black wildebeest roaming across open grasslands. This conveniently located reserve serves as the ideal stopover between Johannesburg and Cape Town for wildlife lovers. The combination of dam, grassland, and bushveld habitats supports remarkable animal diversity.
2
Observe eland, blesbok, springbok, white rhino, and giraffe as they move through the reserve's varied landscapes. The Allemanskraal Dam attracts waterbirds and provides scenic focal points throughout the property. Game drives and self-guided routes allow visitors to explore at their own pace, with excellent chances of quality sightings.
Activities
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Stay overnight in the reserve's comfortable accommodation to experience the Free State wilderness at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. Walking trails offer intimate encounters with smaller creatures and plant life often missed from vehicles. The reserve's central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Free State highlights.
4
Day
Discover
1
Visit Lionsrock Park Big Cat Sanctuary, which has rescued over 90 big cats from around the world, providing these magnificent animals a safe and dignified home. This Four Paws facility offers these rescued felines-many from circuses, private collections, and war zones-spacious enclosures in beautiful Free State surroundings. The sanctuary represents a beacon of hope for animals that have suffered at human hands.
2
Learn about the plight of captive big cats globally and the dedicated conservation work that gives rescued animals a second chance. The sanctuary's commitment to animal welfare means cats live as naturally as possible, with space to roam, climb, and simply be themselves. Educational programs illuminate the challenges facing wild and captive cat populations worldwide.
Activities
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Enjoy photo drives through the sanctuary, observing lions, tigers, and other big cats in their spacious enclosures. Additional activities include horse riding through the surrounding countryside, bird watching in the diverse habitats, and hiking trails that reveal the landscape's natural beauty. Day trips to nearby Golden Gate National Park can be arranged for those wanting to extend their wildlife experiences.
Next stop
Distance:
180 km
Travel time:
2h30
5
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Journey to Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve, located just 23 kilometers from Harrismith and inhabited by a variety of animal and bird species including mountain reedbuck and grey rhebok. This scenic reserve surrounds the country's biggest hydro-electric power station, where the dam stores water pumped up from the Tugela River during off-peak electricity periods. The engineering marvel complements natural beauty.
2
Discover exceptional outdoor activities in this mountain reserve, popular for camping, angling, game viewing, and cycling. Hiking and biking trails traverse grasslands and rocky outcrops with views across the dam to distant peaks. The high-altitude location brings cool temperatures even in summer, making it a refreshing escape from lowland heat.
Activities
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Explore the diverse habitats around Sterkfontein Dam, from wetlands along the shore to montane grasslands climbing toward the Drakensberg foothills. Birders enjoy excellent sightings of grassland specialists and raptors, while anglers try their luck with trout and bass in the dam's cool waters. The peaceful atmosphere rewards those seeking quiet contemplation.
Next stop
Distance:
220 km
Travel time:
3h
6
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Enter Golden Gate Highlands National Park, perhaps best known for its magnificent golden-hued sandstone sentinels that glow like burnished gold in the late afternoon light. These dramatic cliff formations, sculpted over millennia by wind and water, create one of South Africa's most photogenic landscapes. The park is situated equidistant from Johannesburg, Durban, and Bloemfontein, making it the ideal highland escape.
2
Discover the remarkable wildlife inhabiting this mountain sanctuary, including black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, springbok, and the rare bearded vulture soaring above the peaks. Over 100 bird species have been recorded, from raptors riding thermal currents to colorful grassland species. The diverse habitats-from caves and overhangs to streams and grasslands-support exceptional biodiversity.
Activities
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Hike the park's extensive trail network, from short walks to the challenging two-day Rhebok Trail that traverses the full spectrum of highland landscapes. The high altitude brings crisp air and dramatic weather patterns that transform the scenery throughout the day. Rock art sites reveal that San people once called these mountains home, adding cultural depth to natural beauty.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
30min
7
Day
Discover
1
Discover Clarens, affectionately known as the 'Jewel of the Free State,' a picturesque destination surrounded by the majestic Maluti Mountains. This charming village is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, craft shops, and studios showcasing the exceptional work of local artists. Stroll through the charming streets and discover stunning finds including original paintings and handmade jewelry.
2
Explore the creative heart of this artistic community, where every corner reveals new treasures from talented craftspeople. The village's setting against dramatic sandstone cliffs creates an inspiring atmosphere that has attracted artists and artisans from across South Africa. The welcoming local community adds warmth to every gallery visit and shopping experience.
Activities
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Embrace the outdoor adventures surrounding Clarens, from hiking through spectacular mountain scenery to mountain biking along scenic trails. Horseback riding excursions reveal the landscape's beauty from a unique perspective, following paths through golden grasslands beneath towering sandstone formations. The combination of artistic culture and natural splendor makes Clarens an unforgettable destination.
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
50min
8
Day
Discover
1
Experience Rosendal, known by locals as the Free State's best-kept secret, where charm and tranquility pervade every corner. The well-preserved historical buildings and friendly atmosphere invite visitors to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of life. This destination is celebrated for its warm hospitality, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of modern living.
Activities
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Take a leisurely walk through Rosendal's quiet streets, admiring the unique architecture that reflects the region's heritage. Visit local shops offering handmade crafts and artisanal goods created by talented residents. The peaceful pace of life here provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with simpler times and genuine community warmth.
Next stop
Distance:
280 km
Travel time:
3h30
9
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Visit the Free State National Botanical Garden on the outskirts of Bloemfontein, showcasing over 400 plant species unique to the Free State, Northern Cape, and Lesotho. Six distinctive gardens reveal the remarkable botanical diversity of the central plateau, from succulent collections to indigenous trees adapted to the region's extreme temperatures. Wilderness hiking trails wind through natural vegetation beyond the cultivated areas.
2
Explore Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of South Africa and the heart of Free State province. The city combines Victorian architecture with modern amenities, offering museums, galleries, and historic sites that illuminate the region's complex history. Gardens and parks throughout the city provide green retreats amid the urban landscape.
Activities
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Discover the Cheetah Experience, one of Bloemfontein's most popular tourist attractions and a must-visit for big cat lovers. The centre focuses primarily on cheetah conservation and breeding but also serves as a sanctuary for lions, tigers, leopards, servals, and caracals. Visitors learn about these magnificent predators and can physically interact with certain animals under expert supervision.
Next stop
Distance:
350 km
Travel time:
4h30
10
Day
Discover
1
Explore Gariep Dam Nature Reserve, the Free State's largest nature reserve, stretching along the shores of South Africa's biggest dam and the mighty Orange River. This vast protected area prides itself on being home to countless bird species, diverse plant life, and numerous animal species that thrive in the semi-arid landscape. The scale of both dam and reserve creates an impressive sense of wilderness.
2
Discover the remarkable birdlife that congregates around the dam's extensive shoreline and islands, attracting twitchers from across the country. The surrounding grasslands and rocky outcrops support antelope species and smaller mammals, while the dam itself offers excellent fishing opportunities. Boat trips provide unique perspectives on this massive water body.
Activities
→
Enjoy game viewing drives through the reserve, where springbok, black wildebeest, and other antelope species roam the open plains. Walking trails offer intimate encounters with the landscape and its inhabitants, while picnic sites provide perfect spots to absorb the vastness of this remarkable reserve. Sunset over the dam creates unforgettable photographic opportunities.
Next stop
Distance:
180 km
Travel time:
2h20
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Autumn (March-May): Perfect weather with comfortable temperatures (18-26°C), minimal rainfall, and ideal conditions for safari and outdoor activities. Excellent wine harvest season, beautiful landscapes, moderate tourist numbers, reasonable accommodation rates.
Spring (September-November): Excellent weather with warming temperatures (16-24°C), blooming wildflowers, and perfect conditions for wildlife viewing. Whale watching season, jacaranda blooms, moderate prices, excellent photography opportunities.
Summer (December-February): Warm temperatures (20-30°C) with occasional rainfall, peak holiday season, and vibrant outdoor atmosphere. Beach season, highest accommodation rates, school holidays, excellent for coastal activities.
Winter (June-August): Cool, dry weather (8-20°C) perfect for safari with excellent wildlife viewing and clear skies. Peak safari season, whale watching, cozy wine estates, moderate accommodation rates.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 10 and 14 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in South Africa?
Rainbow nation with incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures. Experience safari adventures, wine regions, and authentic African experiences from Cape Town to Kruger. The country offers wildlife encounters with cultural diversity and natural beauty. South Africa provides comprehensive African experiences with modern amenities and cultural richness.