Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport. Collect your vehicle from the car rental agencies in the airport building and depart to the Northern Free State area which you could reach within an hour. The Northern and Eastern Free State can be reached via the N1 or R59 Highways from Johannesburg International Airport. Car rental should be arranged and booked prior to departure through one of the many car rental agencies operating in South Africa.

Route directory

Leave the airport building from the car rental company in the parking garage, take the R24 to Johannesburg, (Far right-hand lane). Continue on this highway, move over to the left .lane before R24 becomes R22. Take left hand off-ramp to the N3/N12 (Durban/Kimberley), pass Van Buuren and Johannesburg turn-off. Continue on N3, move to right hand lane, continue on N12 Durban/Kimberley. Continue for 3 km in the right hand lane, take the Bloemfontein/Vereeniging R59 route. Continue in middle traffic lane, pass Voortrekker Road off-ramp, continue on N12 Kimberley. After another 4 km move to far left hand lane, turn off on the R59 South to Vereeniging. Continue on R59, travel approximately 60 km. Cross the Vaal River into the Free State Province. Continue on the R59 to any of the following destinations:

OPTION 1

DAY 1

Parys on the Vaal River: South Africa (One night stop over or 2 - 3 day visit)

Route R59 Johannesburg to Parys

The name of the town is the Afrikaans translation of "Paris". This name is said to have been given to the town by a German land surveyor because its location on the Vaal River reminded him of Paris on the River Seine. Three islands on the Vaal River named Gold Island, Woody Island and Groot Island lend a special charm to the town of Parys.

Outstanding antique shops, interesting walk-in shops and an art route can keep you busy for a whole day. Madiba Africa is an example of local art of high quality that is available in this tourism town. The art route is open every first week-end of the month, Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 - 17:00.

Meteorite site

Close to Vredefort visit the exhibition on the Vredefort Structure, the oldest meteorite site in the world. The lunated landscape of this important geological site was caused by a giant meteorite of approximately 10km in diameter which hit the earth 2000 million years ago at the spot where the rural town of Vredefort is situated today. The site is recognized world-wide as the largest and the oldest meteorite impact site on earth. The inner rim of the Dome stretches over 42 km with at least three rings extending outwards. Deep gorges appear between the ridges where water streams flow and eventually join the Vaal River. A panoramic view over the Vaal River valley and surrounding plains can be obtained from the ridges. The Dome area differs drastically from the flat plains of the Northern Free State and the North West Province. Except for a favourable frost-free climate, the region is also rich in plant, wild and bird-life.

Overnight at Parys.

OR

Drive through Parys (in a western direction on route R59 on the Schoemansdrift road: route S264 and S212). Continue to Vaal Hackle, also situated in the Vredefort Dome Structure on the banks of the Vaal River. Should you be interested in fly fishing, this is the place to practice your angling skills. Enjoy a sun downer on a veranda overlooking the sunset on this scenic view.

DAY 2

Itinerary (a)

Visit one of the game farms in the Dome Area. The rustic but comfortable Chazen Game Lodge is a game farm with a difference - it does not support the thriving hunting industry but offers impressive examples of nature and wildlife conservation to visitors.

OR

Go river-rafting at Hadeda Greek on the Schoemansdrift road (route S264 and S212) just up road from Vaal Hackle. River-rafting on the Vaal River is highly popular. New energy and a lust for life emerge after a day's adventure and fun on the water (remember the sun-tan lotions and to book timeously at Hadeda Greek (River Tours Safaris), Dimalachite or Sunwa Ventures at Parys). Hadeda Greek and Sunwa Ventures are professional river rafters. Day visitors are welcome. Great adventure experiences from river rafting to hiking trails, are an environmental experience!

Tel: Hadeda Greek: (056) 817 2206

Sunwa Ventures: (056) 817 7107

Dimalachite: (056) 818 1860/1

A large variety of aquatic birds which includes the fish-eagle and the giant common grey heron can be seen here. Proceed to Kroonstad on the N1 to (Cape Town).

Overnight: Boskoppie Game Reserve (See Day 2; Option b)

Or Aventura Aldam (See Day 2: Option b)

Cultural visiting point

While in the Dome Area, also visit Hanzet Distillers for a taste of authentic South African Witblits. On the farm Vaalkop, in the district of Vredefort, on the bank of the Vaal River, the best of South Africa's tradition Witblits is potstilled. The distiller inherited two huge red copper kettles form his father in 1985 and since then produced his own Witblits. One of the two kettles dates back from the early 1800's.

No special secret in producing this top class spirits - only years of experience, personal supervision and an intense interest in this kind of South African culture, making the entrepreneur the national champion Witblits Distiller of South Africa for the sixth consecutive year. He is using only Hanepoot grapes growing on his farm. Hanzet Muti has an alcohol content of 43 %. Brandy is also distilled on the farm and stored in oak barrels for maturation. The Witblits base is also used for making 10 different liqueurs. For more information contact Hannes de Klerk, tel (018) 2911545, 082 770 3645

DAY 3

Depart from the Dome, travel to Kroonstad via Vredefort and visit Boskoppie Game Reserve where the owner, Peter Swart operates a carnivore breeding programme in captivity. The reserve is situated 13km outside Kroonstad on the Edenville / Kroonstad Road (route R34). The well-managed modern lion camps cover approximately 20ha. Lions on the farm are not hunted but stay in captivity for a scientific lion-breeding programme. At present there are also 6 cheetahs.

Modern and comfortable accommodation at Boskoppie game is available Driving time from the Dome to Kroonstad 1.5 hours. Pieter Swart Tel: (056) 213 1493. Alternative overnight accommodation: Kroonstad

Drive southwards on the N1 (to Cape Town) past Ventersburg to Aldam Estate on the banks of the Allemanskraal Dam, or proceed with the N1 should your destination be Cape Town or the Northern or Eastern Cape Provinces. Aldam Estate Tel: (057) 652 2200

OR

Proceed to the Eastern Free State region on the R76 to Bethlehem via Steynsrus. In Steynsrus visit Salem Ceramics - a country wide distributor of South African pottery. Tel: (056) 471 0078/7/9

Continue to Camohri Game Ranch, ±15km north of Bethlehem on the R26 route, where amongst others water buffalo, giraffe, lion, etc. could be viewed. Contact (058) 304 1691. Stay over at Camohri Game Ranch

OR

Proceed to Fouriesburg (route R26 from Bethlehem) where you can visit the fertility cave for African rituals experience. Martie Craig (058) 223 0207. Have lunch at Fouriesburg Inn and drive to Clarens for overnight accommodation. Clarens Information Centre tel: (058) 256 1542. (Take the N5 highway from Bethlehem in an eastern direction; turn off on route R711 to Clarens).

DAY 4

The beautiful town of Clarens, 30 km from Bethlehem, offers quality accommodation and serene lifestyle reminiscent of Switzerland. This is an exceptional visiting point, especially during autumn (April/May). Breakfast at one of the many eateries in Clarens is an experience not to be missed. A number of the finest art collections can be found in several art galleries.

Also visit the blanket shop for the finest collection of high quality blankets and knowledgeable interpretation of Basotho blankets.

Depart to Golden Gate Highlands National Park for overnight accommodation, (058) 258 5001/2

DAY 5

Breakfast at Golden Gate

Drive through the Park for beautiful scenery and game viewing.

Proceed to Basotho Cultural Village at Phuthaditjhaba:

Contact: (058) 721 0300.

Guided tour in the village.

Art exhibition

Traditional dance performances

Lunch at Basotho Cultural Village (optional - traditional cuisine)

Depart to KwaZulu-Natal via Harrismith

Take a township tour at Intabazwe and visit some legendary places of the black people.

Guided tour. Contact: (058) 622 3525

Depart to your next stop anywhere in South Africa or Lesotho.

Entering Lesotho

Contact the Lesotho Tourist Board for the correct operating hours of border posts and other applicable travel regulations. Tel: +266 132 896

Important notice

Vehicles will be permitted entry to Lesotho on presentation of the following documents:

• Valid drivers license of the driver with certified English translation, or an international drivers license.
• Appropriate insurance certificate.
• Drivers of rental cars based in South Africa must have a certificate from the rental company permitting the temporary exportation of the vehicle. All goods and luggage brought into Lesotho are subject to customs control and baggage may be subject to examination.
• Visitors from Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia and South Africa are not allowed to bring liquor into Lesotho.
• Domestic pets are subject to quarantine requirements.

OPTION 2

DAY 1

Depart from Johannesburg International Airport travel to Deneysville in the Northern Free State via the R59 highway. (±1 hour's drive).

Enjoy lunch at the prestigious Lake Avenue Inn and visit Al Tiley Art Gallery.

Deneysville on the Vaal Dam (1 day visit)

This town was built in 1939 around the Vaal Dam and named after Deneys Reitz, son of a former Free State President.

The "Al Tiley Art Gallery" is situated on the banks of Vaal Dam at Deneysville Stunning scenic paintings, especially the Eastern Free State landscapes, can be found in an art collection of South African artists. Interesting pottery and sculpture as well as a collection of eastern carpets on offer, make it a worthwhile visit. Old South African furniture are also on offer.

The biggest inland regatta in South Africa, Around the Island Race, is held on the Vaal Dam annually in January. For those not fortunate to have their own sailing boat to explore the vast surface of the Vaal Dam, there is a chartered yacht service that can accommodate 20 persons per trip. Allow 3-4 hours for a yacht trip on the dam. Lake Avenue Inn in Deneysville offers visitors up-market country accommodation with excellent cuisine. Telephone: (016) 3711115

OR

Proceed to the rural agricultural town of Frankfort where you can stay overnight at Aanleg Guest Farm on the banks of the river or the very up-market Aan die Wilge B &B.

OR

Continue to the Eastern Free State region and enjoy the scenic beauty of the border region between South Africa and Lesotho. (Driving time from Frankfort via Reitz to Bethlehem: 1 hour)

Stay over at one of the many guest houses in Bethlehem or Clarens (See option 1 Day 3)

DAY 2

Breakfast at Clarens

Drive through the beautiful untouched countryside to Fouriesburg. Be sure to have an exquisite morning tea or early lunch at any of the establishments in the vicinity.

Visit the fertility cave for African rituals experience before you cross the border to the fascinating country of Lesotho in the Maluti Mountain. See the Katse Dam, engineering wonder that provides water to millions of people in Lesotho and South Africa. Contact the Lesotho Tourist Board for overnight accommodation and more information.

Depart to your next destination anywhere in South Africa. Additional interesting visiting points in the Eastern Free State. Visit an exclusive farming project - Angora rabbit farm - see the production process of Angora jerseys. Contact : (051) 943 0273. Visit Ben-Nevis Cherry Farm - see the production process of cherry wine, liquor and other products. Contact : (051) 943 0031. Visit the Cave Church at Modderpoort: Contact : (051)924 0732.

OPTION 3

DAY 1

Depart from the Johannesburg International Airport, drive to Sasolburg, industrial giant and chemical hub of South Africa via the R59 highway. (Driving time from airport: 1 hour)

"Gallery 88" in Sasolburg is an up market art gallery of high standard with exceptional art, finding works from famous names such as Pieter van der Westhuizen, Phillip Badenhorst, Sarie Sanders, Michael Heyns and George Boys. Nearby durable arts and crafts can be purchased.

Enjoy refreshments at Tomatoes Too Coffee Shop at Gallery 88, famous for its cheese-cake, quiche and home-made seafood rollade. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of an outside garden in the summer and the cosy fire-place in the cold winter months.

The Indaba, Hotel in Sasolburg is renowned for its excellent dining room. Delicious traditional Sunday lunches attract visitors from afar on a weekly basis. Contact tel. (016) 976 0600 for reservations.

Depart from Sasolburg

Leeuwpoort Safaris Bush Camp: Heilbron

Take route R57 to the agricultural town of Heilbron. Spend your first night under the African sky at Leeuwpoort Safaris on the banks of Renoster River, which offers a unique outdoor farm experience enhanced by true Free State hospitality during the summer months. The atmosphere of this original and almost entirely natural bush camp can only be appreciated in person. Water is for instance heated with a traditional "donkey" and children can view this interesting feature of days gone by. Contact tell: (058) 852 3194.

DAY 2

Depart to Bethlehem via Reitz. Visit the Eastern Free State region (See option 1 Day 3 & 4).

Stay over at Golden Gate Brandwag Hotel.

DAY 3

Breakfast at Golden Gate

Depart to any other destination in South Africa.

Car rental companies:

Avis 086 102 1111
Budget 086 001 6622
Imperial 086 113 1000
Hearts 080 060 0136
Tempest 086 003 1666

For any additional information on the northern Free State as well as a route map, contact the tourism office:
Telephone: (016) 976-0765
Fax: (016) 973-3903
E-mail: tourlsm@nfsdc.co.za
www.nfstourism.bizland.com