Free State provincial article - South African Vacations

ZASTRON
Zastron was laid out on JH du Winnaar’s farm Verliesfontein in 1876 and was named after
the wife of Free State President, Johannes Brand. Renier du Winnaar, brother of the owner
and a superb storyteller, became a legend in the area – the Rip van Winkle of Zastron. His
stories, mostly about his brushes with the supernatural, have become part of South Africa's
myths and legends. One of his most outrageous stories concerns the famous "Eye of
Zastron", a hole 9 m in diameter, in a cliff on the slopes of the Aasvoëlberg (Vulture
Mountain) and how the mountain acquired its "big hole". His grave lies at the foot of
Eeufeeskloof. This area was also a favourite haunt of the San. They lived here long before
the Basotho and Voortrekkers arrived on the scene and left a treasured legacy of San rock
paintings and engravings for us to enjoy.
ADVENTURE AND SPORT
Cycling: Contact the Information Centre in town for more information on cycling routes.
Hiking: Hikers can test their endurance on the Aasvoëlberg Hiking Trail or one of the other
trails such as Die Kloof and Quaggafontein trails on the farms of private landowners.
Horse riding: Various opportunities for horse riding exist. The Quaggafontein Horse Trail is
a popular choice and overnight options are available.
Hunting: Farms in the vicinity of the town offer hunting in season.
Montagu Dam: Montagu Dam is ideal for water sport, picnicking and camping. The dam is
situated approximately 8 km from the town on the Sterkspruit Road.
Trout-fishing: The Eeufeeskloof Dam Resort lies to the west of the town and is often
frequented by trout fishermen.
ARCHAEOLOGY AND PALAEONTOLOGY
Rock Art: A cave on Glen Rosa Farm houses a 5m-high, perfectly preserved polychrome
San rock art frieze considered to be one of the world’s most important pieces of historic
artwork. The Hippopotamus Cave derived its name from the many drawings of hippo on its
walls. The cave has also yielded the remains of San cooking utensils and many potsherds.
ART AND CRAFTS
Art Gallery: The art gallery in Main Street has several exquisite works of art for sale.
Palaver Hut Museum: The Palaver Hut Museum has a collection of West African tribal art
on display.
ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPPING
Farm holidays: Some farmers in the district have opened up their homes for tourists. Farm
holidays include activities typically associated with farming, as well as adventure activities,
such as hiking and horse riding.
FAUNA AND FLORA
Cape Vultures: Aasvoëlberg, with its strange circular rock formations also referred to as the
“Eye of Zastron”, is the only place in the Southern Free State where Cape Vultures are
found.
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