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If you have about three or four days to spend in the Free State and surrounds, you can really experience a slice of Africa. Live a little history, see some wildlife, go on a horseback safari, stay on a farm and visit an ethnic village, enjoy a barbecue in the bush under the stars and eat some interesting local food.
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If you’re interested in discovering something about the local indigenous people (the Basotho), then travel to Thaba ’Nchu Casino and Maria Moroka Park, about 90 minutes east of Bloemfontein. With the casino and its hotel complex - comfortable accommodation is no problem. If you like things a bit more rustic and African, then book into the park itself. Pack food and drink for your stay.
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While in the nature reserve, explore the local history displays and follow the hiking trails to sites where confrontations between settlers and the indigenous people took place in the 1800s. Stay overnight and dine at your leisure.
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From Thaba ’Nchu travel further east to Ladybrand. This quaint little town has the characteristic sandstone heritage architecture particular to the Free State. Also prevalent are specialty butcheries (for cured meat or “biltong” and dried sausage meat) and home industry shops that sell rusks, cakes, milk tarts and koeksisters – all local confectionery. There is some spectacular accommodation in the area – from five-star establishments to cosy B&Bs like Cranberry Cottage, a sandstone building decorated with antiques and collectibles. Fly-fishing is big in the area.
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From Ladybrand it takes about 50 minutes to reach the capital of neighbouring country, Lesotho – Maseru (time includes border-crossing formalities). You can travel by car or 4x4 (better idea), or explore the Mountain Kingdom on horseback. Lesotho is a rugged country where a traditional African way of life is still the norm. [Prince Harry famously came to stay in Lesotho to participate in some upliftment work.] You will need a passport to enter and exit Lesotho.
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Visitors can stay in a traditional village overnight and experience African cooking, customs and culture first hand. Travel over one of the country’s famous mountain passes before heading back into South Africa.
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Travel to the town of Ficksburg and enjoy a bar lunch in town. This is the cherry tree capital of the country and the town is known for its hospitality, heritage buildings and attractive guesthouses.
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Stay the night if you like or motor back to Bloemfontein via Senekal, following the N5 and then the N1 (about a two- to three-hour drive, depending on stops along the way).
All “bushed” out? Why not follow this short break with a few days on the beach... Durban and the friendly KwaZulu-Natal coast is just a few hours drive – stop off in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains on your way.
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