The Route offers a range of attractions that will make your holiday memorable.

The mountainous landscape of the Eagle Route provides tranquillity and scenic views; it runs along the majestic Drakensberg Mountains that forms a picture-perfect landscape as the backdrop to the Eagle Route. It changes with the seasons, from the bright colours of summer to the snow-clad slopes of winter.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park nestles in the Clarens valley. The name ’Golden Gate’ originates from the two cliffs that face each other on either side of the road: at sunset, the yellow sandstone becomes a rich golden colour.

The Basotho Cultural Village, located in the Golden Gate National Park, takes you down the pathway of time. It is here where the lifestyle of the Basotho is depicted from the 16th century to the dramatically colourful present.

The town of Clarens boasts many art galleries and restaurants. For adrenaline junkies, Clarens Xtreme offers white river rafting, zip lining and more.

As you move along the Drakensberg Escarpment, it incorporates portions of the Natal Drakensberg and the Maluti Mountains. The Maluti Mountain range rises some 3475 meters and it extends over 1125 kilometres. For hikers, this means rocky terrain with breathtaking views. Rock paintings have been found in the area dating back several thousands of years and are worth looking out for.

Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve, set on the leading edge of the Free State’s high escarpment, is a perfect place for bird-watching – specifically for exclusive grassland and wetland species. There are also antelope, zebra and hippo.

Discover the Free State is made possible by the Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority.

Listen to the full podcast with Bonolo Molefe below: