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South Africa Information - Free State Province

Clarens
Clarens Valley is in the Eastern Free State Highlands, situated 20 km's from Golden Gate, 40 km’s from Bethlehem and on the Northernmost point of Lesotho. Clarens is about 4 hours normal travelling from Durban, 3 hours from Johannesburg, and 3 hours from Bloemfontein. Clarens is known for its spectacular sandstone mountains and wonderful climate, it is one of the most picturesque spots in South Africa and has recently been acclaimed as the best Trout Fishing waters in South Africa.

Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein, the Capital City of the Free State Province in South Africa, is centrally situated roughly in the middle of the Province, as well as in South Africa. The "City of Roses", as it had become known locally, is placed with more pivotal importance than any other city in the country. The Judicial Capital, sixth largest city in South Africa, lies on the main road, rail and air links between north and south, east and west.

The atmosphere that one feels in Bloemfontein, this heart of the Free State situated in the central highlands, is one based on an appreciation of family values, where quality of life is of prime importance. Business and family interests are combined, in a hand-in-glove way, with no reason for discord; cultures are intermingled, again with peaceable accord. There is little stress and less haste; the peaceful atmosphere, which is somehow almost tangible, can be felt in every street, on every pavement - all of which are noticeably clean and free of litter.

Graceful charm is to be seen all along the historical, tree-lined President Brand Street, a declared national monument; stately museum buildings stand proudly visible at the ends of the bustling main streets in the business district, while small monuments and memorials, almost unnoticeable, are deliberately preserved even in built-up suburbs.

Other attractions include the Orchid House, a tropical oasis of lush beauty, with astonishing colour and uniqueness. Then there's Loch Logan, a popular venue for a braai or get-together, or the Botanical Gardens, or Aventura Maselspoort, where you can enjoy various activities and watersports.

The Bloemfontein Zoo, Naval Hill with the Franklin Reserve, Sand du Plessis Theatre, other theatres and galleries, arts and craft-markets. For the culture-vultures there are also the Bloemfontein National Museum and the Women's Memorial and War Musem.

Gariep Dam
The town Gariep Dam, (the youngest town in South Africa) situated alongside the N1, is perhaps better known to most for the man made Gariep Dam (which is the largest dam in South Africa with a radius of 360 square kilometres) which forms part of the Orange River Development Scheme.

Gariep Dam has two main tourist attractions in the Free State, namely the Nature Reserve and the Resort Aventura Midwaters. The towns official status as the Municipal of Verwoerd Dam was proclaimed on 21 April 1994. The name was officially changed on 4 October 1996 to Gairep Dam.

The town also has a airfield with a double tarred runway. International gliding championships are held annually in December at the airfield. Overseas gliders agree that Gariep Dam is the mecca for gliding competitions to set up world records for gliding.