OFFERINGS

The Eagle Route, is known as the jewel of the province due to its scenic beauty, rich history & heritage, leisure tourism and adventure tourism. The route runs along the majestic Drakensberg Mountains that forms a pictographic landscape at the back drop of the Eagle Route. The picturesque landscape makes the route one of the most scenic area in the province with some of the government owned resorts and reserves nestled in this sandstone mountainous route. One and only life Basotho Museums is situated in this route – living the Basotho nations culture and practices from the 17^th to the 20^th century. For the adrenaline junkies this is the perfect place to visit, which features white river rafting, abseiling, horse riding, 4×4 and quad bike trails, hiking trails and safaris.

HISTORY & HERITAGE

A number of historic and heritage sites are found in the area, ranging from rock paintings, museums, significant sites of the Anglo-Boer War, traditional ancestral caves, smallest Church in South Africa, vintage tractors collections, historic tree, fossils that defines scientific discoveries. Some of these sites are:

Bethlehem

• Bethlehem Museum;
• Groenkop Battle Site.

Clarens

• Golden Gate Dinosaur Tours;
• Bushmen Paintings in Schaaplaats.

Ficksburg

• Sandtone Estate Steam Train and Museum;
• The White Mischief.
• Gumtree – SA’s tallest sandstone building

Fouriesburg

• Motouleng Fertility Caves;
• Surrender Hill Battle Site.

Harrismith

• Smallest Church in South Africa – significantly, the church accommodates only 8 people.

Phuthaditjhaba

• Basotho Cultural Village;
• Morena Mopeli Statue;
• Prophet Walter Mathitha Memorial;
• Wetsi’s Cave;
• Batlokoa Monument.

ADVENTURE TOURISM

If you like to get out of the comfort zone to test the adrenaline, then the Eagle Route is the perfect venue. Some of the 4×4 and quad bikes trails runs on the slopes of the mountains were driver skills are tested. The white river rafting takes place along the Ash River outfall provides a breath taking experience for first time tourists and for those just can’t stop wanting for more. The 34 metres chain ladder completes the route’s adventure by summiting the Sentinel Peak, which is 3000 metres above sea level. Some of activities are:

Bethlehem

• Lions Rock Big Cat Sanctuary

Clarens

• White Water River Rafting;
• Abseiling;
• Wild Rides Quad Biking;
• Horse Riding;
• Hot Air Ballooning;
• Ox-wagon camp.

Kestell

• My Little Africa Sanctuary

Phuthaditjhaba

• Sentinel Peak Hiking Trails

LEISURE TOURISM

The mountainous landscape of the Eagle Route provides tranquillity and scenic views. This are complemented by rock arts paintings, safaris, vulture restaurant where eagles are feed with animal and bird carcass, arts and craft galleries, boat cruises, trout fishing and cherry harvest festivities. Golden Gate Highlands National Park is nestled in the Clarens valley making it a must visit area for relaxing and Sterkfontein Resort and Reserve overlook the dam making it a perfect location for those quite moments. For outdoor lovers, Glen Reenen caravan park. Some of the activities and sites are:

Clarens

• Clarens Brewery;
• Art Galleries;
• Golf Courses.

Ficksburg

• Franshoek Polo School

Harrismith

• Sterkfontein Nature Reserve.

Memel

• Bird Watching with 250 species.

Fouriesburg – Paul Roux

• 230km Sun Gazing Journey.

Harrismith

• Vulture Restaurant
• 33m-high Petrified tress

Ficksburg

• White Mischief Cruise boat

Events

Bethlehem Air-show                               August

Clarens Beer Festival                             February

Cherry Festival                                      November

Surrender Hill Marathon                          March

Rietz Bielie Mielie Festival                     February

Selemo sa Basotho                                August

Clocolan Tractor Festival                        March

Provincial Heritage Day                          September

For more information, please visit: www.freestatetourism.org / Facebook: I Love Free State