Free State provincial article - South African Vacations

NATURAL WONDERS
Stables Rock Crevice: The rock crevice in the mountainside near Leliehoek, called the
Stables, is well worth a visit. According to local folklore, the Boers used this deep rock
fissure as a stable for their horses during the Basotho War of 1858.
THABA ‘NCHU
Thaba ‘Nchu is only some 10 km from Botshabelo on the N8 Road to Lesotho. The name
means was once the traditional stronghold of the Barolong people (a Tswana tribe). Led by
their chief Moroka, the Barolong settled in this area in the 1830s. The Voortrekkers and the
Barolong became allies united against their common enemy, Mzilikazi and his Matabele
tribe. Several Voortrekker parties, such as those of Hendrik Potgieter, Gerrit Maritz, Piet
Uys and Carl Landman, enjoyed the chief’s hospitality and camped in the area at one time
or another. During the Apartheid years, the town became part of the homeland of
Bophuthatswana but has since been re-incorporated into South Africa. Today, the town
sports two luxury hotels with casino facilities and many other tourism attractions.
ADVENTURE AND SPORT
Angling: Anglers often flock to the popular Montloatsi Setlogelo Dam for a peaceful day of
undisturbed angling.
Hiking and mountain biking: The Maria Moroka National Park has several hiking and
mountain-bike trails. The Eland Hiking Trail takes approximately four to five hours to
complete and the less strenuous Ostrich Trail is a two-hour ramble.
Hunting: The Thaba Lodge and Hunting Camp in the Maria Moroka National Park offers
hunting opportunities to visitors
CULTURAL/COMMUNITY TOURISM
Mmabana Cultural Centre: The Mmabana Cultural Centre, a community project, was
established to improve the cultural awareness of the local residents. The Centre offers
music, drama, dance, art and sporting activities. The curio shop on the premises sells
beadwork, pottery and art.
Villages and Kraals: The surrounding area is a wonderful place to soak up and learn more
about the Basotho culture of yesteryear and today.
ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPPING
Casinos: There are two casinos in town, popular venues frequented by those who enjoy
gambling or dining and dancing.
FAUNA AND FLORA
Maria Moroka Nature Reserve: The Maria Moroka Nature Reserve lies 70 km east of
Bloemfontein on the Thaba ‘Nchu road. The reserve is situated a few km south of Thaba
‘Nchu and next to the Thaba ‘Nchu Sun Hotel and Casino. The reserve encompasses the
Montloatse Setlogelo Dam with the impressive Thaba ‘Nchu Mountain in the background.
The Maria Moroka Nature Reserve is home to several species of game, such as black
wildebeest, zebra, white rhino, springbuck and blesbuck, as well as to more than a hundred
species of birds, including several aquatic species. Thaba Lodge can accommodate 10
people and has a central kitchen and living area. The dam is ideal for angling and hikers
can walk up to the top of Thaba ‘Nchu Mountain.
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