Home

Impressive sandstone formations ablaze with the last red of the setting sun or shrouded in a white winter blanket, are just two of the many moods of this beautiful mountain park.  The wetlands are filled with bird life, the ravines luxuriously vegetated and the caves adorned with mysterious Bushman drawings.  The flora is also full of surprises with species such  as ouhout, white stinkwood, karee, kiepersol, wild olive and yellowwood.  The abundance of wild flowers in spring and cosmos in autumn makes a visit more than worthwhile.  Indigenous lilies like Watsonia, gladioli, arums, scilla and many more adorn the rolling, grassy plains while eland, zebra, black wildebeest, blesbok, red hartebeest and springbok go their way undisturbed. 
This park of 22 000 ha not only has a diversity of fauna but also offers the discerning bird-watcher a rich variety of species, including  the bearded and Cape vulture, black and martial eagle, secretarybird and ostrich, as well as various aquatic species.

Location, Accommodation and Facilities

The park is about 60 km from Harrismith on the Harrismith/Golden Gate road  (R712) and forms an integral part of the Highlands Treasure Route.  The Eerstegeluk Guest House is fully equipped.  It makes provision for 10 persons and the tariff includes guided horse rides.  Game viewing can be done in this unique way.

Recreation

The park is mainly a hiker's world and the two-day  Spelonken Hiking Trail of 27 km, with two restored sandstone farm houses serving as overnight spots, will be an unforgettable experience for the hiker.
During the winter months provision is made for the 4X4 enthusiast with a 40 km route and overnight facilities.  The well-known Basotho Cultural Village which offers the visitor an unique experience of South Sotho culture and history, is also situated in the Park.

Trophy hunting in the park is extremely popular and professional hunters participate in this each year.
Visitors can enjoy any of the day trips to nearby places like Golden Gate, Clarens, Bethlehem and Qwaqwa where many art and industrial products are found.

Climate

The weather is very variable and visitors must always be prepared for cold conditions and even snow.   The summer are moderate.  The annual rainfall is between 750 mm and 1 000 mm and occurs mainly during the summer months, in the form of thunderstorms. 

Further information can be obtained  from:
Free State Eco-Tourism
Private Bag X826
WITSIESHOEK 9870
Tel: 05871 - 3 4444
Fax: 05871 - 3 4342

Home