Mention the Freestate and it is viewed as flat and boring. The South Eastern Freestate around Ficksburg to Ladybrand certainly does not fall into this category. At the foothills of the Maluti’s, bordering on the Lesotho Highlands, this area is diverse from open grassland, to rocky slopes and sandstone cliffs. This gallery celebrates the area around Clocolan extending to Ladybrand.
Although this gallery should form part of the Clocolan gallery, the farm is such a special place that it deserves a place of its own.
Witsieshoek Hotel is nestled in the Drakensberg amphitheater at the foot of the sentinel, with spectacular views across Mount Aux-Sources, and the Royal Natal Park. High altitude birding is also an attraction with species such as Bearded vulture, Drakensberg Rockjumper and Mountain pipit to be seen.
The town of Clarence has long been one of my favoured weekend break-away destinations, with fun activities in town, especially the annual craft beer fest, but also the ability to break away to the Golden Gate National Park for some bird and game viewing.
Area around Gariep dam on the Freestate and Eastern Cape side.
Freestate plains to Karoo veld transtion on a game ranch close to Smithfield
Game ranch on the gravel road between Boshoff and Kimberley